|
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
One Reporter's Opinion - Setting the Record Straight in the Southwest George Putnam It is this reporter's opinion that as we come to the end of another year, we can look back with pride at the 35-40 years on radio and television telling our fellow Americans the importance of the sovereignty of the U.S. and the borders to be maintained against those who would invade our great nation and destroy its integrity ... and yet the contest continues. There are still many of our neighboring Hispanics, uninvited guests, who claim they are entitled to, and want to take back, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Texas — that those states are actually part of Mexico and were stolen by the U.S. Let's set the record straight. Mexico lost the Mexican-American War. As the winner, the U.S. could have taken possession of all of Mexico; instead, in the Treaty of 1848, the U.S. preferred to purchase the southwest territory for $15 million. The U.S. could have considered the territory "war booty"; however, we paid Spain $15 million in addition to the purchase and gave Spain an additional $3 million in reparations. Now, let's see . . . at the time, the market value of the land was $5.00 per acre. Therefore, the price the U.S. paid was equal to $30 per acre — six times the actual market value. Story Continues Below
The borders of Mexico were established at the time of the land purchase. It is historically inaccurate to claim the U.S. "stole" that land from Mexico; the U.S., in fact, overpaid for the land that became Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Texas. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Feb.y 2, 1848) established the Southern borders and the Gadsden Purchase Treaty (Dec. 30, 1853) spelled out the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. We have constantly praised the contributions of those who have legally entered and became citizens of the U.S. — people like Lupe Moreno, Sam Antonio, Col. Al Rodriquez, Andy Ramirez, and thousands of other Americans of Hispanic heritage who speak from their own personal and family experiences, pouring out their hearts and souls in support of our country. Each of these wonderful people is an example of why assimilation is so important. They and their children know that if they are to succeed, they must adopt the culture, respect the laws and the flag, learn the language, and take pride in being an American. These American-Hispanic heroes are shining examples for all immigrants who aspire to become fellow American citizens. Bless them, one and all — as we enter another new year in our beloved America.
Editor's note:
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Print Page 
Forward Page 
|
| All Rights Reserved © 2008 NewsMax.Com |