Allegiance to whom?


“Creating a new villain is inevitable when the boogeyman resembles them.” Dr. BLR

 

 

For sports fans, we were recently entertained by baseball players from 20 teams, including MLB All-Stars and qualifying teams such as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Brazil. The drama surrounding the games made for prime-time TV and soap operas. Given the recent events involving the imprisonment of a duly elected president, Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, it only made sense that the world would be captivated by the USA and Venezuela in the finals. The game came down to the last inning, and, though controversial, one pitch proved Venezuela was superior, and they won 2-1. Many of the baseball players were from the MLB, and I am interested in knowing to whom they pledge their allegiance. Most foreign MLB players come from Latin American countries, but switch out their uniforms for international sporting events. 

I ask this because the United States recently engaged in an unprovoked war against Iran at the request of our ally, Israel. Previously, I observed the situation with Israel and its conflict with Palestine and found that around 12,000 dual American-Israeli citizens were called up for reserve duty to fight. When I learned about this, I questioned whether any of these same soldiers volunteered to serve in the wars that American citizens have given their lives for over the years. Also, while the U.S. and Israel are fighting together, which uniform does the American-born soldier, who maintains Israeli dual citizenship, wear? 

Unfortunately, the American public may never know the truth. The amount of fake news and deception coming from the Trump administration disrespects his supporters and everyone else who pays taxes and has sworn allegiance to this nation. Military personnel sacrifice their lives to protect “our” country and shouldn’t be made to risk their lives to defend another nation. 

But wait! Since returning to the office, President Trump has been responsible for causing the deaths of hundreds of people in different countries. Some of these countries have never caused any problems for America, yet still have millions of their citizens living in the continental U.S. If and when we go to war with these countries, which side will the immigrant Americans support? 

If it’s not obvious from the tone of this essay, we are living in uncertain times when it comes to whom we can trust during difficult moments. I have no problem with anyone representing the country they come from. It is a sense of pride everyone should share, but America is the land of immigrants who have been given the chance to build a better life. However, can we expect them to be happy when America is bombing their countrymen in suspected drug boats? Can we expect them to stand up for us when America drops bombs on their homeland and kills thousands of their people? It’s not an easy question to answer, but it’s important to consider because it’s an issue that isn't discussed openly and is likely on many minds as we continue down the path of “the forever wars.” Also, just like tracking down Nazi war criminals and punishing them for their actions, should we do the same for those committing atrocities in another country, and believe they can return to the U.S. and not be held accountable?  

Finally, a quick way to address this issue is to require anyone who is allowed to immigrate and become a citizen to automatically lose their citizenship in their home country. This will verify where the new person's true allegiance lies. Just know, this isn’t about baseball, even though it was a good leadoff. (Get it?) This is about who we’ve become and why. 

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