I know: Let's have dictionaries with erasable print! That way, when words are changed to suit political or ideological purposes, we can just make the corrections and move on. Wouldn't want being correct to get in our way, now would we?
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Note, I said "correct." Not "politically correct."
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A rose is a rose is a rose. Yeah, sure it is.
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We are careening past the day when words have accepted meanings. If we keep on at this rate, dictionary makers will be faced with three choices: either publish volumes twice the size they are now, print the books with erasable type, or just throw in the towel. What good is a dictionary when the meaning of words keeps getting changed, modified or downright destroyed?
It's too easy to use Bill Clinton's variations of "is," but that's an extraordinary example of what's happening.
We're in a world where "pro-choice" means the right to kill an unborn baby, where "single mother" encompasses any female who gives birth regardless of her marital status, where anyone who raises serious and thoughtful doubts about affirmative action is a "racist," where anyone who has concerns about homosexuality based on religious or historic ramifications on a society is a "homophobe," where anyone who disagrees with the liberal media culture is deemed a "fanatic right-winger" and sometimes "redneck" as well.
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What happens if you love your country and want it to be safe and free and are willing to fight to maintain that safety and freedom? You once might have been called a patriot. Today, you'd be called a "war monger" or an "isolationist" and certainly would not be praised for your "flag-waving xenophobia."
Speaking of the flag, God help you if you revere the flag and expect it to be honored as a symbol of our country, our history. You will be vilified and mocked.
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And then there are the "borders." Borders? Oh, right: the geographical boundaries of our country – any country.
Traditionally, borders are respected. You just don't walk across from one country to another. There are rules and regulations governing who crosses, when, how, for how long and, in some cases, for how much. Every country has its own laws. Traditionally, those laws are seriously enforced.
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Yes, laws. My dictionary (Webster's New World) defines laws as "all the rules of conduct established by the authority or custom of a nation." In other words, those rules and regulations instituted by governments which guide how citizens of the country live and behave and how "visitors" to the country do the same.
"Lawful" is defined as conforming with the law.
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"Lawless" is defined as non-conformance with the law or illegal.
"Lawbreaker" is one who violates the law.
Interestingly, "lawmaker," "legislator" and "lawgiver" all have the same definition: as one who makes law.
So, will someone please explain why we have duly elected legislators making laws benefiting people who have crossed our borders illegally, work in this country illegally using fake birth certificates and/or social security numbers, and are employed under the table by businesses who are themselves violating federal and state laws?
Historically, anyone operating that way in a country would be constantly on the run, fearful of authorities. But, not in our world, where these illegals are protected:
- by cities which turn a blind eye to the lawlessness and in some cases provide extraordinary protection;
- by churches and religious organizations which provide sanctuary;
- by unions which solicit membership among illegals (who in turn, by their very presence and "membership," are taking jobs from union members who are legal citizens and lowering pay levels);
- by local, state and federal laws which mandate the rights of citizens be accorded to these illegals;
- by similar laws which burden the legal, taxpaying citizens of the country with paying the bills for all the costs of these illegals.
The end result of all of this obfuscation waters down the meaning of U.S. citizenship. It also demeans the observance of our laws by people born here and those who immigrate legally and become citizens.
There is a clear definition of citizen: a member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to it by birth or naturalization and is entitled to full civil rights.
How is it acceptable for lawmakers to make it possible for foreigners here illegally to get driver's licenses, open bank accounts, hold jobs, get social security, insurance, free housing, food, school, medical and other social welfare, and ultimately be forgiven all their lawbreaking and made citizens?
It is not acceptable. Talk about recall! Get rid of every one of them.