“Freindly Fire Zone”

There’s an old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Seems logical. 

After all, if you find yourself living in a foreign country, common sense tells you that you should be aware of that nation’s laws and customs and yes, quickly familiarize yourself with its language.

Deliberate ignorance of these things defies rationality, and, of course, should never be rewarded.

Just imagine how an Italian moving to France, for example, would be viewed if he found official French government documents written in… French, and French workers who spoke…French.

What if, in disgust, he wrote to his friends back home, asking, “What is this?  These application forms are in FRENCH!  Who do these people think they are to have official government documents printed only in their own language?  I am entitled --- it is my right --- to be able to read everything in MY language!  What is the world coming to when racist governments ignore my individual wants and needs?”

And do you know what response he would --- and should --- receive?

“Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi.”  Translation: “In Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you are elsewhere, live as they do elsewhere.”

So why is it that the whole world abides by that rule --- except the United States?

The latest example occurred in Forty Fort last week.  The borough council in that northeastern Pennsylvania town voted down a proposal to make English the official language for government business.

                                              *****

Not to be outdone as the center of attention, another northeast PA town also made news when Hazelton’s immigration ordinances requiring landlords to check renters' immigration status were struck down by a federal appeals court.  The misguided judges also decreed that Hazelton could not require businesses to use an electronic database to verify whether potential employees are authorized to work.

The court’s rationale? That the town was infringing on the federal government’s right to control immigration rules.

There’s only one small problem:  The federal government hasn’t controlled the now-widespread illegal invader problem in decades, and cities such as Hazelton, reeling and on the verge of bankruptcy because of the fed’s abdication on this issue, are fighting back.

The court’s ruling is like telling citizens they can’t have guns to protect themselves because that’s the job of the police --- where no police force exists.

It just doesn’t work.

                                             *****

As long as we’re on the topic of Rome, it’s important to remember why the Empire disintegrated.  It wasn’t because of outside invasion, but from internal decay. Rome lost its way after abandoning its values; when that occurred, it was only a matter of time.  Rome was doomed to fall.

Why then, after the benefit of seeing the mistakes of others, would we choose a path of self-destruction?

                                             *****

Ronald Reagan said it best when he stated, “A nation without borders isn’t a nation.”  He didn’t know how right he was, nor could he have seen how much his country inexplicably would run in the opposite direction of that philosophy.

When a nation voluntarily relinquishes its culture and language, bowing to the altar of appeasement in order not to “offend,” it loses the very essence which makes it unique, and surrenders its identity.

And that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Rather than celebrate what makes our country the most desirable on Earth, the marshals of political correctness are relentlessly pushing to homogenize America, making it all things to all people. 

The irony, of course, is that for hundreds of years, immigrants have risked their lives to come to this nation, for the simple reason that America was…America. There has never been a country like it before, and there never will be again. Those that made it kissed the ground in thanks, for they knew they were the lucky few.

And those people were, and are, the backbone of America.

But now, in an attempt to coddle minorities and illegal immigrants --- for less than noble reasons --- some government officials are hellbent on erasing all that made America great, choosing to turn our land into one without respect for the rule of law. 

                                           *****

Is it any wonder why so many second and third generation Americans do not speak the native tongue of their ancestors? Because those who left everything behind to start a new life in America were happy to be here, and wanted their children to reap the rewards that this magnificent land had to offer.  They instinctively knew that, at the risk of losing some of their Old World culture, their children could only achieve greatness if they viewed themselves as American.  It was a branding they wanted to have.

What a pity that we have devolved so much.

Now, our government conveniently ignores the law --- and the will of the people --- to appease an obnoxiously loud but extremely small minority.  But the bigger problem is that a majority of Americans are unwilling to take a stand, afraid of being labeled insensitive, reactionary --- and, of course, racist.

Build a wall?  That’s racist.  And how dare you take away the dreams of people who just want the same opportunity as you --- no matter that they break the law to get here.

Demand proper documentation when applying for a job? No  way--- that would be insulting and disenfranchising to those here illegally.  And offending people is tantamount to harassment.

Affirm English as the official language? How bigoted and exclusionary!  That would be like putting up a sign saying, “You’re not welcome!”

And of course, those who speak out against local, state and federal governments that aid and abet criminals --- which is, by definition, the status of all illegal immigrants --- are swiftly labeled as bigots who hate immigrants.

But don’t look to Washington for answers, since the politicians are as much to blame as anyone.

Under their watch, illegals receive official drivers licenses, jobs, free education and healthcare (for which we foot the bill), and documents in their own language, all while our wide-open border beckons more illegals.

Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault, since both have no motivation to change.  Some in the GOP don’t want to offend the Hispanic vote (which doesn’t vote for them anyway) while others are in bed with Big Business wanting cheap labor. Too many Democrats put politics ahead of national security because they see illegals voting their way --- which they do, and in ever-growing numbers, to the point where they are affecting congressional and even presidential elections.

America’s downward spiral can only be reversed if the majority of people take their head out of the sand.

If the battle for America’s heart and soul is to be won, rank-and-file citizens have to voice the ideas that made America great --- and which have absolutely nothing to do with race---: protection of borders, protection of customs, protection of the English language.

If not, America will continue its plummet into obscurity, ceasing to be the Shining City on a hill.

And all of us --- American and immigrant alike --- will be far the worse for it.

Chris Freind is an independent columnist and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com
Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries and all fifty states. His work has been referenced in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, foreign newspapers, and in Dick Morris' recent bestseller "Catastrophe."
Freind also serves as a weekly guest commentator on the Philadelphia-area talk radio show, Political Talk (WCHE 1520), and makes numerous other television and radio appearances, most notably on FOX 29.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

As the Fourth of July approaches, we will observe the typical festivities surrounding our Independence Day, from backyard barbecues to fireworks to ceremonies honoring those who fought for our freedoms.

Ironically, the very freedoms we take for granted are being eroded daily, not from outside invasion, but from within. Too many of our "leaders" are pushing a politically correct agenda that is nothing more than social engineering. Most abhorrent of all, they have no qualms about breaking the law - let alone enforcing it - to achieve their objectives.

The most blatant example occurred recently at the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Mayors of powerhouse cities Los Angeles, Oakland and Seattle asked their colleagues from across the country to oppose workplace immigration raids, which are operations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the objective of identifying, arresting and ultimately deporting illegal immigrants, as well as holding companies accountable who employ illegal immigrants.

Their rationale? Local and regional economies will suffer and some companies will be forced to relocate.

So let's set the record straight on what their message actually is: Break the law when convenient, and put up a stink when law enforcement actually does its job. Is it any wonder why respect for authority is at an all-time low?

And how can any company cry foul with a straight face after a raid nets illegal invaders, since they are, by definition, breaking the law to make their bottom lines swell?

In February, ICE raided Micro Solutions Enterprises in Van Nuys, Calif., a company that recycles printer cartridges. Of the 700 plant workers, 138 suspected illegal immigrants were arrested.

But we are supposed to feel sorry for Micro Solutions since, according to its CFO as reported in USA Today, the company lost millions after the raid because of reduced productivity, fewer sales and customers, and increased shipping costs to make up for delays.

These companies fail to comprehend the fact that, if their productivity and operations are based on a workforce comprised of illegals, then they either need to hire legal employees or find a new line of work.

Hiring illegal immigrants to pad profits is not just unethical and immoral, it's also against the law, and the owners of these companies should be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. The freedom of every American depends on it.

The domino effect of illegal immigration touches us all. Schools are overcrowded, forcing massive tax increases. Health-care systems are overburdened, resulting in astronomical costs and hospitals shutting their doors. American worker's wages become depressed, and many lose their jobs altogether. Crime is rampant in the illegal immigrant community, resulting in a dysfunctional prison system that is releasing violent criminals onto the streets because almost one-third of prisoners are illegal. But perhaps most disturbing is that fact that lurking among the illegals could be, and in all likelihood are, terrorists seeking to wreak a devastating attack on Americans.

These mayors want the immigration enforcement to ignore "responsible employers" that contribute to economies, as their drafted resolution stipulated. But by lending even an ounce of credence to a proposal that eats away at the very core of American values, we further jeopardize the freedoms so many fought - and died - to provide.

But if nothing else, America has always been a land of hope and heroes. One such man is Danbury, Conn., Mayor Mark Boughton, who refused to participate in the meetings to restrict immigration raids. He believes something radically different than that of the pro-illegal mayors. He thinks that cities should actually help ICE enforce laws.

"To encourage ICE not to enforce the law is irresponsible and goes against good public policy."

Well said, Mr. Mayor. Hats off this Independence Day to a modern-day patriot.

It is ironic that, at a time when Americans are celebrating their unique freedoms, a war still rages in this country concerning illegal immigration. There is fiery debate about amnesty, deportation and the building of a wall on the border. In the spirit of Independence Day, I thought it would be interesting to take a step back from the fray and gain the perspective of someone who emigrated to the United States and became an American citizen - legally, and with requisite blood, sweat, and tears.

Danny Cachuela hails from the Philippines, but he calls Pennsylvania home. Utilizing his resourcefulness and education, he held various positions throughout his corporate career, including serving as CEO of an international corporation. Danny now leads a successful real estate team at Prudential Fox and Roach in Newtown Square.

These are his thoughts:

Freindly Fire: When did you and your wife, Vickie, become United States citizens? What made you decide to leave your native land to do so?

Danny Cachuela: We applied in November 1986, and we became U.S. citizens in September 1987. Why? Because we believed in the unlimited opportunity in the United States, and we wanted to live the American Dream.

FF: How long was the process?

DC: It took as about 10 years to become permanent residents and another five to become U.S. citizens.

FF: What was entailed?

DC: The process was really easy; the difficult part was the wait. Vickie came in January 1970 as an exchange visitor nurse and petitioned to become a permanent resident in December 1970. At that point, she was classified as a "petitioner." I came from Canada in 1971 as a Canadian tourist (but as a Philippine citizen). Vickie and I decided to get married. Thereafter, I sent a letter to the immigration office and applied for permanent residence as well. At that point, I was also classified as a "petitioner." As such, both Vickie and I were allowed to work but not allowed to leave the U.S. Our turn to become permanent residents did not come until September 1981, 10 years later (due to quota requirements), when both Vickie and I received our so-called "green cards." Additionally, because we were required to live continuously in the U.S. for five years before we could apply for U.S. citizenship (and could apply only after receiving the green card), we opted not leave the country for the next five years, either. We applied for citizenship in November 1986 and were naturalized in September 1987. In summary, we had to stay in the U.S. a total of 15 years before we received our citizenship.

FF: It's incomprehensible to most Americans to leave your family and homeland for a decade and a half. That is a tremendous sacrifice.

DC: It was extremely difficult, but it was worth every tear.

FF: What are your thoughts on the immigration debate in the U.S.?

DC: I believe that each issue should be decided separately. I agree with neither blanket amnesty nor mass deportation.

The way I see it, most of those who came illegally did it in order to survive, although there may be some who came with criminal intent. I understand that the end does not justify the means. However, if the United States did not implement its own laws, such as strengthening border security, we have only our government to blame for that. If you open the door, it must mean it's okay to come in. Many times we have laws that we do not enforce, so how do we expect others to follow it? The word "illegal" is only a word unless the law is actually implemented.

However, I do believe that those who came illegally should not be allowed to get away with it so easily. They must be given the chance to earn their "residence" as well as "citizenship." One suggestion I heard is to make them pay (or perhaps "contribute" is a more suitable word) a fine that is commensurate with what they earn and use that money to fund strengthening our borders.

I believe that illegal immigrants should be required to apply for residence and citizenship in the same process that others had (and have) to go through, including the same time requirements. However, I do not believe in mass deportation because most of these people also contribute to our society. In fact, I don't know what the economic impact would be of a mass deportation. Many of these people are doing work that our citizens are not willing to do (for such a low pay rate) and at a rate that our businesses enjoy. If you think about it, who in the United States today are really the "natural" Americans? Remember that our forefathers were immigrants who forced themselves into this country. I also strongly believe that the so-called illegals should be required to learn how to speak English. To me, that's just common sense.

FF: What message do you feel an amnesty program sends to both Americans and foreigners?

DC: It becomes an open justification to ignore the law and that crime pays. Many who did not do what these illegals did will feel that they should have done something similar, sooner, to have taken advantage of the amnesty. And we don't want that. Again, blanket amnesty just does not make sense.

FF: A wall on the southern border has been funded for some time but not built. What does that say to you?

DC: That is what I was referring to when I say that our government is to blame due to neglect. So, why penalize others now for our own government's fault? We do many things (using security guards, building security fences, etc.) to deter the commission of a crime, not necessarily to catch those who commit crime. Why did we not do it? Between the immigrants and our government, I would blame our government more.

FF: Have you seen evidence that illegals working in the U.S. depress U.S. workers' wages?

DC: Numbers wise, I don't know how I could say that it does not - but probably not to any significant degree. My first reaction is to say that it did not depress U.S. worker's wages. However, if the illegals were not here to accept low wages, and our citizen workers are not willing to do the same job for the same low wage, I guess it would force employers to pay higher wages. However, I do not believe that the impact is anything significant. This is especially true today with our allowing jobs to be outsourced overseas to achieve the same result.

I believe that these are people who are willing to do the work that we are not willing to do. So, why not let them do it - but as legal, documented immigrants. I do not believe in job protection; I believe in being competitive. I came to this country knowing that I will be at a disadvantage because I am a foreigner. Meanwhile, citizens see it differently, meaning that I have an advantage for being a minority. I don't think so. I am always willing to compete by making myself better. In fact, I remember asking my employer when I first joined Sunoco if he was offering me the position just to meet their EOE quota. [i]I told him that if that were the reason, I would not join the company because I wanted to be hired for my capability.[/i] Of course, today I probably will not ask that question and will be happy to be given the opportunity to prove myself once I'm in. That was my youth then, but it showed the kind of principle, thinking and mentality I had as a foreign worker. Again, I felt I was at a disadvantage - not the other way around.

FF: Are illegals a threat to national security?

DC: I would not go that far to generalize this, although it certainly presents some threat. I say this because we have had illegals for years, but we feel this way now only because of recent events and conditions. Also, those who compromise our national security have the sole purpose of committing terrorist acts; I would not link them to the so-called "illegals."

FF: Turning back the clock, and given what you know now, would you do it again?

DC: Absolutely!

Six Muslims were arrested this week for allegedly plotting to attack Fort Dix in New Jersey, with the expressed intent to "kill as many American soldiers as possible."

It was yet another attack that was foiled on U.S. soil, and credit must be be doled out where it is due.

The FBI, despite all its baggage (and there is quite a lot), did a commendable job of injecting its informants into the inner circle of these terrorists, and they pulled the plug on the undercover operation at the right time. There seems to be ample evidence for conviction.

The electronic store clerk's decision to tip off authorities regarding the suspects' suspicious activity was an act of extreme bravery, for he put his personal safety well behind the good of the country. How many people can ever say that they directly saved the life of another human being, let alone many? By doing the right thing, he is most deserving of "hero" status.

Perhaps most deserving of credit - President Bush. While he has done many things wrong, and is justifiably criticized for his mistakes, too often he is not credited when things go right under his leadership. This is such a case.

Any leader will tell you that the buck stops with him, for good or ill. Under President Bush's watch, the United States has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001. That's five and a half years - and that's a record for which he can be extremely proud. There isn't any doubt that terrorist cells have been operating within America's borders for years, and continue to do so today, as evidenced by this latest episode. There have been numerous terror organizations and plots that have been uncovered and stopped, as reported in the media. But there most certainly have been other victories, which, for security reasons, have not been made public. That is a fact of life in the intelligence community - you get criticized when something goes awry, but can't always garner public accolades when operations are successful.

George Bush has overhauled the intelligence community and formed the Department of Homeland Security, both monumental undertakings. Since this is his Justice Department, and his CIA, he must be given credit for successes such as diffusing the Fort Dix plot.

It is unfortunate when partisan politics and ego get in the way of doing the right thing. Far too few acknowledge the president's role in saving lives, and that is simply unacceptable.

However, this Fort Dix story is not just about terrorism. It is also about an issue that closely correlates with the war on terror, and one that, if implemented, would be the single most effective measure to increase America's security immediately and exponentially.

It's about illegal immigration.

Three of the six arrested were in America illegally, and had been for quite some time. Yet they enjoyed virtually all of the benefits of citizenship, including quality education and jobs, without actually being citizens. Benefits, by the way, that were paid for by the taxpayers.

Kind of ironic, isn't it? We support and pamper illegal aliens, who in many cases are here with explicit knowledge of the government, who then turn around and try to murder American soldiers.

Something doesn't quite add up.

If America had a wall on its entire southern border - one that was actually built, not just "funded" but in limbo - the people's wrath might be tempered. If the Justice Department went after the real criminals on the border - and not United States Border Patrol agents doing their job - perhaps anger would be mitigated. Americans don't expect perfection, but they do expect their government to try.

Maybe if just a fraction of the money our government spends coddling known illegals was used to beef up the security personnel and equipment on all our borders, then illegal immigration wouldn't be such a hot-button issue.

If law enforcement was allowed to profile in search of terrorists ... wait, scratch that last one. Someone just told me that the Dix Six were blond-haired, blue-eyed Swedish Catholics. I will get back to you after I verify the veracity of that information.

The president, as Commander-in-Chief, must take the good with the bad. While he should be applauded for his efforts at Fort Dix, you have to wonder if such a plot would have ever taken place if our borders had been sealed and adequately staffed, especially if such efforts had begun on Sept. 12, 2001. We're not constructing a complex skyscraper, mind you. It's a wall - with barbed wire, cameras and other technological gadgets thrown in, yes - but still just a wall. Take it from somebody whose toolbox is the phonebook: it's not that difficult or expensive to build.

The failure of the president and Congress to act on such basic, commonsense issues is inexcusable.

The government assures us we are safer by ripping grandma out of the airport line and taking away her nail clippers, but that is an illusion. We rationalize our safety when told to take our shoes off, yet the vast majority of airline freight - present on almost every commercial flight - is never X-rayed. And our port security? It's a joke.

The point is that until our government gets serious about protecting our shores by tackling illegal immigration head-on, we are no safer. Terrorists will continue to walk across the border with a Tecate in one hand and a bomb in the other.

As has become our custom, we are fighting this war with a self-imposed hand tied behind our back.

It doesn't take stars on your shoulder to realize that's no way to win a war.