December 21, 2010
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They Had a Dream
I have mixed emotions about the events of this past weekend. As most people know by now, the draconian ban on homosexuality in the United States military has been repealed. Tomorrow President Obama will sign the
repeal, paving the way for the inevitable Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8 and gay marriage finally becoming the law of the land. That’s all great news. But on Saturday, as my friends and I stood in line at a movie theater and heard the buzz of cell phones and twitter feeds announcing the DADT repeal, I actually felt guilty about another far reaching piece of legislation that didn’t pass. The DREAM Act “would have created a path to citizenship for certain young illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children, completed two years of college or military service and met other requirements, including passing a criminal background check.” “Two Dreams, One Dead“, as Time magazine opined. That dream is dead, at least for now. But I for one am glad to know people like David Cho, whose tireless efforts on behalf of the DREAM Act have raised awareness worldwide, and caused him to be named one of the Top Ten Game Changers in education today (along with heavyweights like Michelle Rhee and Jill Biden)! People like David Cho are the leaders of tomorrow. Just watch:He is American in every way, but on paper. The arguments against the DREAM Act are nothing but shameful propaganda spread by ignorant neophytes like Sarah Palin. I urge every American to educate themselves about this important legislation. David can take solace in Dan Choi’s struggle to repeal DADT. Don’t be disillusioned by this temporary setback.
The DREAM Act is the right thing to do! I’m glad there are people like David Cho and Dan Choi who fight tirelessly for what’s right, to make this country a better place for all of us. Keep up the good fight gentlemen!
Comments (24)
I don’t know much about the Dream act. But I watched the video of David Cho and was moved by his passion and story. These issues aren’t simple nor are they black and white. I’m glad you’re giving this some visibility.
After viewing that video, I remember some of the struggles my parents went through but our experience was considerably easier than David and his family.
You met Dan Choi? That’s awesome! I guess I shouldn’t be surprise since you meet celebrities every week haha.
Funny, I have not heard of the DREAM act, so thank you for telling me about it. David Cho is quite the speaker.
@ElusiveWords - Is it hard for children of illegal immigrants in Canada to get Canadian citizenship Matt?
@Roadlesstaken - Yep Alex, I most certainly have. I’m glad to make you aware of the DREAM Act too. Please spread the word!
I’d heard of the DREAM Act, but hadn’t heard about its outcome. Thanks for the update.
yeah, it’s a shame the DREAM act didn’t pass…but in the end, one way or another, a revised one or a new one altogether will have to be enacted. The country cannot keep skirting this issue without serious economic repercussions.
@Roadlesstaken - Thanks for the rec. Alex. That kind of exposure is priceless!! Merry Christmas.
@CareyGLY - woefully misinformed is the correct term when describing these people. i’ll concede that they are looking out for their country’s well being but there are alot of them that are just plain xenophobes looking for an excuse to broadcast themselves.
@unabridgedtales - You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
@ThePrince - I know you’re right. I just feel so bad for the kids who are in college now and want to contribute to this country, but can’t. It makes no sense. The ignorant people who say that illegal immigrants don’t pay taxes are so woefully misinformed it’s disgusting. Hopefully we can all raise awareness to this issue, so that even a Republican congress can see the error of their ways.
@ThePrince - I couldn’t agree more. It’s just like the teabaggers. Not all of them are racists, but a good chunk of them sure are, whether they admit it or not.
You know what’s awesome about America? No two Americans look alike.
Keep the DREAM alive.
David is a dynamic speaker!
@stevew918 - Yep, I’m quite sure he’ll be a senator some day!
@CareyGLY - I’m not sure, I had to go to the Gov’t of Canada site to double check. (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/proof.asp) It’s a bit confusing as you can see…
<li>Provincial or territorial birth certificates are often enough to prove that you are a Canadian citizen if you were born in Canada.
<li>Your birth certificate cannot serve as proof of citizenship if you were born in Canada after February 14, 1977, and at the time of your birth, your parents were neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents, and at least one parent had diplomatic status in Canada.<li>If you were born in Canada before February 15, 1977, to a parent with diplomatic status, please contact us to find out if your birth certificate is a valid proof of citizenship.
But I also found other references in discussion groups that as long as you’re born in Canada, it doesn’t matter what the status of the parents are. Btw – the gov’t is also clamping down on smugglers who bring in refugees. It’s a conservative gov’t and unfortunately the refugees will be caught in the middle of this.
Great post, great photos. I wish I could meet Dan Choi!
@ElusiveWords - Interesting. Thanks Matt. It is indeed confusing. The DREAM Act concerns children who were brought to America by their parents who entered illegally, usually in search of a better life for said children. If you’re born in America, you’re automatically a citizen here, even if your parents are illegal.
@suggestivetongue - Thanks for stopping by. I’m sure he would like to meet you too!
Yeah, I read about the Dream Act on NY Times… it’s sad that it didn’t pass (for now, at least). I feel sorry for them, it is such a major identity crisis- you spend almost your entire life in the country but you have no legal status, sucks!
So wonderful! I know many young people affected due to undocumented immigration, yet the dream act would open great doors for them! I just came across David Cho as I was giving a speech a few weeks ago & was captivated by his passion for the issue, along with many other young people. I mean, David is such an accomplished kid literally paving the way for himself through college. I’m disappointed in the stupidity of people nowadays. Such ignorance. I’m glad you are shedding light on this issue. :)
P.S. SOOO weird bc I posted this exact same video a while back. Looks like great minds think alike. :D
Also, I’m very glad DADT was repealed. Such an exciting time! :)
Those Republicans are such naysayers. Bah them losers.
@Dezinerdreams - You’re right Vivek. Many of them did not even know they were illegal until they entered college.
@HelloKitty0809 - Thank you very much. Indeed…great minds! I just added an audio clip to this post from NPR last week. David Cho and other speak eloquently about the issue.
@xpcabocy - I know, right? Bah Humbug to them!
I’m thrilled the DADT was repealed! Now I need to set more time aside to learn the details of the DREAM Act. The summaries I’ve read have left me with questions. Great pictures! You’re life seems full of wonderful friends and GREAT FOOD! mmmMMM! Merry Christmas
I thought you might like reading this post on the DREAM Act.
http://cmdr-keen.xanga.com/736951585/i-want-a-dream/
@ItsWhatEyeKnow - Thanks , I’ll check it out. The links I’ve provided here should answer most of your questions. Merry Christmas!!
Carey,
I just finished visiting your xanga blog. I am able to pick myself back
up again because there are inspirational people like you. Thank you for
sharing my video, NPR link, and the facts about the DREAM Act – I truly
appreciate you taking your time and effort to share something very
important to your friends.