The John Adams Society
John J. Pope Marianne Stebbins G. Larry Colson David Schilling
October 2007
“What experience and history teach is this -- that people and governments never have learned anything from history, or acted on principles." - George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
the capture of the Alamo following a brave 13-day standoff by a small group of heroic, principled men, a fight to their death, made the ultimate Texas victory against Mexican tyranny possible. Yet today, tyranny of a different sort emanates from the southern border: the unchecked illegal immigration of Mexican citizens seeking many things, among them, access to free education and free healthcare siphoned from the pockets of working, tax-paying Americans. We undermine our own culture, a culture of personal responsibility and freedom, by making the risk of sneaking into the United States illegally more attractive through lack of enforcement and through such government-imposed lures via the welfare state. With such, we are ensuring that a good portion of those coming in are as interested in handouts from the taxpayer as much or more than they are interested in participating through the old American work ethic.
Too many politicians seem to seek a reunion of Texas -- and indeed our entire Union -- with Mexico, not only by welcoming the illegal northern-bound immigrants, but by merging our cultures and economies, and in a more physical sense by expediting North American super-highways. Most recently, the President authorized access to Mexican truck drivers, allowing them to circumvent our border checks. American truck drivers consider this a hostile act against their livelihood. Additionally, this policy opens up wide security loopholes that our enemies can so easily exploit. We have given up our will to hold the Alamo, and in that forfeiture, we are surrendering our national identity, culture of self-reliance, our security and our independence.
On
the other hand, wouldn’t
each of us attempt to flee to the United States were we living in a tyrannical,
impoverished nation? Who are we to say that all Mexicans must continue life
under oppressive government if they do not choose? Our nation has always been
a melting pot, and we should be welcoming with open arms those who seek the
same freedoms we have enjoyed and the attending responsibility. Those who wish
to come to our country, assimilate with our culture and language, share our
values, and participate in our economy through hard work and by offering their
services and paying taxes are, in spirit, American. Just as Mexicans fought
alongside Tennessee Volunteers at the Alamo, like-minded, freedom-seeking Mexicans of today
can serve and enhance our nation.
The Chairman, fearing the doom of repeated history, has called for a debate to settle the question:
Resolved: Remember the Alamo!
The Debate will be held on Wednesday October 17, 2007 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 486-8059 or the Secretary at (952) 470-8090.