House, nation rules must be unforgiving

Are so many Americans so far removed from the stories of their ancestors and the trials and tribulations they made in coming to this country?

Don't they know how they struggled to learn the language, and even changed their names sometimes to fit in better? Took classes to become a citizen, to learn American history -- all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. They left family and friends behind to secure a new life for themselves and their children in what they thought to be the best country in the world.

I will not be called a racist because I expect immigrants to come into my country the right way -- legally.

My father and grandparents immigrated from Denmark, and I remember the stories. They were proud to be here, and proud citizens, too. They taught us to follow the rules of the house -- and the laws of the land.

I tried messing with the rules of the house, and found it wasn't worth it. And I knew the laws of the land would be even more unforgiving -- as they should be.

Jessie Stephens

Sleepy Hollow