First of all, “coming legally” in 1845 meant just showing up. How about we make it that easy for people escaping hunger today?
Second, there’s been a couple generations of machine party politics, anti-black riots, and white flight since the potato famine. Privilege applies.
Second, there’s been a couple generations of machine party politics, anti-black riots, and white flight since the potato famine. Privilege applies.
And while we’re talking about the 1840s? My family knows that at least 2 of my ancestors were Mexican military officers decorated for their valor in the Mexican-American War. They lost anyway. But if they hadn’t I likely wouldn’t have so many undocumented relatives or friends.
So, in review: at the same time that O’Reilly’s ancestors were welcomed here the ancestors of other Americans were held in slavery or losing their land. And yes that difference continues to have an effect.
If Bill O’Reilly wants to honor his ancestors struggle he should picket the British embassy not take potshots at immigrants who have more in common with his Irish immigrant ancestors than he ever will. (Okay, I’m done.)
