know we’ve discussed this before – but what haven’t we?
In a few years I can apply for citizenship, I intend to do so. The benefits I get from doing so out weigh the negatives for me – and I believe that as someone who intends to live here the rest of my life that it’s a contract between the US Federal Government and me that is owed. I know two people here from Scotland who are know citizens – one did it to be able to vote, the other because she feels this is her real home now.
But I also know a few people here in the US who don’t want to become citizens for various reasons – they are proud of their British heritage and see US citizenship as relinquishing that, it ain’t worth the hassle, they think they’ll probably move back to Britain soon, and last but not least – they don’t really like America or Americans for that matter so have no intention of being known as one. The last one I don’t fully understand but each to their own.
Do you intend on becoming a citizen of your country (so that includes those outside the US obviously)? If you already are one was there any special reason you chose to? For those that aren’t are there any special reasons? Is there anyone who does not want to become a citizen because they don’t like where they are or the people?
I really dunno Bungle. The thing is, I said to the wife that I will take the oath once the USA have found 11 players who can kick the ball better than the Brazilians, and that's about it really. I only really get emotional about England/Britain when we have kicked azz in some sort of sporting event. I do not go all gushy eyed over fish-n-chips and definately do not fall into the category of the "I'm not eating that foreign muck" mentality.
I really don't expect becoming a citizen would greatly increase my sense of worth within the community, but then again Being British doesn't either, it is just I am British and living in the USA. I don't think that I owe the USA anything nor does it owe me. I owe my family a great deal, but that would be the same if we lived in Britain/Namibia/Seychelles.
I feel that I can contribute to society and my community just as well being a limey as I can being a yank.
I live here, this is my home and Melissa and I plan on living here for the next 30 years at least (well the mortgage company sure hopes so)
I may become an American, I may not. I do think there are advantages and disadvantages, but I sometimes find the pro's and con's to be quite trivial.
"You can vote" well whoop-de-do, A more realistic arguement to that is "You can be voted for!"
If people think their value of self worth will be enhanced by having a blue passport then I feel they have some pretty big self esteem issues.
For me, I will become a US Citizen if I feel it is right for me. I am not too sure if I will ever feel that way, or what indeed will make me feel ready. But I also do not think it is as massive a life changing event as people make out. I mean you still got to go to work and your morning dump doesn't smell any different.
Now I don't want anyone to go off at me, as I didn't say this, Someone said this to me (An american) when we were talking about it.
He said to me, you don't need the government to tell you you're American, You don't need a piece of paper to clarify it either.
"Matt" he said, "You barbeque in your back yard with the kids, you drive a chevy, coach soccer, shop at Kmart and drink Folgers. You are American, you don't need approval from the government/INS to make it official"
If being naturalised means a great difference to someone then kudos to them. I will certainly not begrudge someone making that decision. For I one day myself might make that decisoin, but as I said it isn't the be all and end all to life.
Nice answer.
One reason why I would have considered it before now is that I wouldn’t mind being able to work in Federal positions. I mean currently I can fight for the US in Iraq but I cant work at the post office.
In the 5 years thread, britmom wrote,
"I am happy and content to apply for citizenship"
That's a top bollock attitude. She pretty much summarised in a sentence what I wrote in 5 paragraphs.
I probably will apply but my wife doesn't want me to because she doesn't believe me when I tell her that I'll still be a UK citizen and it won't affect our kids in respects of thier maybe wanting to live in the UK one day.
I want to be able to vote (I pay taxes so I should vote on how it's spent) and maybe also want to work for the post office....oh and I don't want to have to get a new card every 10 years.
I became a citizen so that I could vote. Doesn't seem to mean much to you Manc, but it means a lot to me. I love the fact that you can vote, not only on federal & state issues, but local issues that affect the community you live in. I plan on staying here forever, so it just made sense to me.
Manc, we need to talk about the driving a Chevy and shopping at Kmart...
I'm not even gonna go near the Folgers remark.. lol
I'll be in touch.
Other than that, nicely put. wink
On 2003-07-10 09:30, mrbungle2103 wrote:
I mean currently I can fight for the US in Iraq
Hey, you might get your wish the way things are going (if your under 35 I think)...
The draft is coming back regards...
Andrew :smile:
On 2003-07-10 10:14, Elaine wrote:
I became a citizen so that I could vote. Doesn't seem to mean much to you Manc, but it means a lot to me.
I think you missed his point Elaine, he was referring to the fact that it doesn't make you any less of, or more of a person in a general sense of the word as far as other people here...
It's all about assimilation, and I personally feel part of the fabric that is America, I have my own business, I work in the community, I have a people that I do work for, and the only thing that sets me aside from them is an accent (that gets mistaken for Norwegian but there you go), thus the Land Of Opportunity has been exactly that for me, and I feel very fortunate that I have been able to do this.
Good thread Bungle...
:smile:
On 2003-07-10 10:14, Elaine wrote:
Doesn't seem to mean much to you Manc,
It isn't a big deal really though is it?
Then again neither was me passing my 11 plus.
On 2003-07-10 10:17, maczippy wrote:
Manc, we need to talk about the driving a Chevy and shopping at Kmart...
I'm not even gonna go near the Folgers remark.. :lol:
I forgot to mention my House Trailer and Springer appearance.
_________________
Manc
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: manc1976 on 2003-07-10 10:35 ]</font>
I don't feel it makes you more or less either, that wasn't my point. It just isn't meaningfull to Manc, but is to me. I'm not trying to sound superior. We all have our priorities in life and things that are important to us, this is just one of those things that's important to me. smile
On 2003-07-10 10:34, Elaine wrote:
but is to me.
Elaine, thats fine really it is. If you felt comfortable and ready to do it, I cannot fault you or anyone else who has done it.
As I said, if and when I feel the same I may do it too.
You are still the same person you were beforehand.
On 2003-07-10 10:40, manc1976 wrote:
You are still the same person you were beforehand.
Just a whole more patriotic! :grin:
Voting is a big deal to me too - I would like to be able to say out loud that my vote didnt do anything either. lol But yeah - I would like to have some say on how I pay my taxes in my relative community.
Also important though is working - my wife was delayed for 9 months on a high level security check because of me being foreign. I have wanted to apply to jobs that require citizenship and been bummed (dont be rude grin) )when I find out I cant apply.