On the Fourth Of July, President Bush was at Monticello, (Thomas Jefferson’s home,) celebrating Independence Day by swearing in 3,000 new immigrants as American citizens. Here’s part of his speech:
Thank you, and happy Fourth of July. (Applause.) I am thrilled to be here at Monticello. I've never been here before. (Audience disturbance.) To my fellow citizens to be, we believe in free speech in the United States of America. (Applause.) And this is a fitting place to celebrate our nation’s independence. Thomas Jefferson once said he'd rather celebrate the Fourth of July than his own birthday. For me, it’s pretty simple — the Fourth of July weekend is my birthday weekend. (Applause.) For some of you, today will be your first Fourth of July as American citizens. A few moments, you will take part in the 46th annual Monticello
. When you raise your hands and take the oath, you will complete an incredible journey. That journey has taken you from many different countries; it’s now made you one people. From this day forward, the history of the United States will be part of your heritage. The Fourth of July will be part of your Independence Day. And I will be honored to call you a fellow American. (Applause.) [More]
“It was mostly for the freedom of travel,” she said. “Get that blue passport and you can go anywhere.”
It looks to me like Bush needs to read Electing A New People,by Peter Brimelow and Ed Rubenstein. But actually, it’s about eight years too late for that. But it’s one more example of Independence Day morphing into Immigration Day. And just think … in January 2009, a new President will be sworn in — who will be even worse, whether his name is McCain or Obama. That’s why we keep asking you for money.
For some of you, today will be your first Fourth of July as American citizens. A few moments, you will take part in the 46th annual Monticello
