A friend sent me this , just posting it for those that may want to copy it. :)

After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her drivers license with her face covered, I believe this is even more appropriate. Read on, please! This is an Editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa Newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

-- Anonymous, May 05, 2002

Answers

I'm not sure the controversy was about having her face covered. As I recall, she wanted only her HEAD covered. If she wore it like a headscarf, as most Muslim women do, then it wouldn't be so bad. That said, I would certainly draw the line at women wearing full face coverings for their photos. That's just silly.

As for the statement about bugger off if God offends you, God is part of the culture, In God We Trust, yeah, okay. God doesn't offend me, I just don't believe in God. And this country allows me the freedom to NOT believe in God if I so choose. The reason I got so tired of a previous forum is because a vociferous handful of extreme fundamentalists wanted to force their philosophy on me and others. They weren't just against Muslims, they were against Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, anybody who doesn't think exactly the same way they do.

I was an agnostic at 16 and realized I was an atheist in my early 20s. Sweetie is an agnostic. We don't make a big deal about it, don't go to church and don't attend church weddings--we just go to the reception and mumble something about being delayed in traffic. We wouldn't dream of trying to force people into our way of thinking philosophy and I wish other people would do the same. That includes atheists, agnostics, polytheists and others who think their way is the ONLY way.

I don't belittle people who believe in one God or several. It's their business. Whatever keeps them going, ya know? If religion can help you get through crises with a bit more strength, that's great. Just don't tell me to get the hell out if I don't trust in God.

-- Anonymous, May 05, 2002

"We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation..."

Can't say as that is what I learned in American history.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002

The motto, as it appears on our currency, was added after about 100 years, wasn't it? Something like 1943 or maybe in 1950's?

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002

I mean, or something like...

it was the Declaration of Independence that had 'endowed by the creator with certain inalienable rights...'

the god stuff came later.

They should have left it as creator.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002