Letter: Living up to our American ideals
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- May 26
- 2 min read
I’m the son of an Icelandic father and a Swiss mother. That would mean I’m 50/50. I am a direct descendant of immigrant families to the United States from 1900 to 1920. We appear as “white people.”
My father’s family (Bjornson) immigrated from Iceland to escape the ongoing volcanic eruptions and the limited farming opportunities. They started in Canada but moved into North Dakota via the Homestead Act. My mother’s family (Hoffman) left Switzerland for the “American Dream.” They were dairy farmers and relocated to Eastern Iowa.
Both families worked hard and appreciated the “American” opportunity. They “blended in” and did fine. Our country welcomed them, and they contributed to the overall success of what the United States of America stands for and promises.
Not exactly what Vail Valley and America (in general) offer right now. We have a “lady with a torch” who upholds our commitment to the immigrant. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” I guess we are unable to respond to that commitment to the world at this time. Fine. Take her down and ship her to a country that will. Kick everyone out who’s “foreign” — including me? You love your statutes and what they supposedly represent, but don’t get the responsibility behind them?
It’s not easy to be an American. The world looks to us to be the leaders of what’s fair, just, and basic human rights. If we don’t protect these human rights, who will? Is it easy? No. But who else is going to do it?
Shutting down America (and Vail Valley for that matter) is the same old crap I’ve heard for many years. I’ve got mine, and I’m closing the doors to you. Have a nice life. KumBaYah. And being a supposedly “Christian Nation,” where is the Jesus in this?
Sig Bjornson
Eagle
Read the letter in the Vail Daily
