What, exactly, "beats down" these so called oppressed groups you mention? Does the government truly do so, or is it possible that their own entitlement mentality is the root of the problem? I know that there are those who are genuinely unable to fend for themselves. Children, the elderly, and mentally and physically handicapped people need our help, and I am happy to give to them. On that same token, I knw plenty of handicapped and old people who get pissed off if someone tries to give them anything. I can name several companies who employ the handicapped and pay them well, so they might have a chance to fend for themselves and gain some sense of accomplishment. Skilcraft Corp. of TX and Eggleston Services in VA come to mind.

The old "rough childhood" or "disadvantaged family" routine is older than Methuselah, and I am sick of hearing it. There are plenty of people who come from disadvantaged families, myself included, who are now successful because we applied ourselves, held ourselves to a high standard, and worked hard. If you think I got where I am today because I am white, or because I am lucky, or because there is some grand conspiracy, you have your head crammed in your ass.

Opportunities exist for ALL Americans, be they native born or naturalized, and this is the argument's true core: some people feel that the American way of life should be available to people who are not citizens and have never made a contribution. Some people have the entitlement mentality, "the world owes me something just because I am here" bit, and they never want to give anything back or make any contributions to the nation or to society. They would rather sit around and bitch about how much their life sucks and how they want the government to do more for them and how they hate those who are "more fortunate." I can tell you now, luck has nothing to do with it. I bust my ass every day for the life I maintain, and nothing, NOTHING, gives anyone the right to come along and take what's mine to give it to someone else. I have no problem making donations to charities or handing a couple of bucks to a guy on the street (I have been known to grab them up and take them to BK or Subway on numerous occassions), but there is a difference between true generosity and the government simply taking my money and giving it to someone else.

I know I got a bit off topic there, but the point is that if someone wants to reap the benefits of living in America, should they not be expected and required to abide by American laws and pay American taxes and learn the American language while they are here?