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The GOP, on brand as always.
So, funny story.
In the mid-1800s, a million people died of famine in Ireland. Another two million fled the country as refugees, heading anywhere they could find work. Because they were Catholic, British laws deprived them of their right worship, vote, own property or guns.
In the mid-1800s, a million people died of famine in Ireland. Another two million fled the country as refugees, heading anywhere they could find work. Because they were Catholic, British laws deprived them of their right worship, vote, own property or guns.
Something like 85,000 of them piled into cargo ships like livestock. They were called coffin ships, because over 20,000 of the passengers died on the way.
But they mostly came to America, because freedom. Opportunity. Hope.
But they mostly came to America, because freedom. Opportunity. Hope.
But a lot of Americans were mad that Ireland wasn’t sending its best people. I mean, these weren’t scientists, or engineers. Or factory owners. They were poor, and god help us, Catholic.
How very dare they.
Protestants were scared they’d try to impose some sort of Catholic law.
How very dare they.
Protestants were scared they’d try to impose some sort of Catholic law.
But mostly they just took the menial jobs. They built the railroads. Dug ditches. And people thought omg they’re taking our jobs. These dirty immigrants. So some employers made it clear that Catholics, and Irish need not apply. 
And some white, Protestant, American-born men decided to take care of the problem themselves. And they formed a political party called the American Party. Members were called Know-Nothings, because when asked about the secret organization, they were like shrug idk.
The Know-Nothings were mostly working class men with a lot of anxiety who thought Catholics would choose their religion over their new country. They deported Irish. Encouraged mob violence, that ended in the destruction of homes and churches, and injury and death.
And in 1855, in Kentucky, on Election Day, the Protestant mobs they inspired turned deadly.
Know-Nothings were “guarding” the polls to make sure immigrants didn’t vote. They brought guns.
By the end of the day, 22 people were dead. Including a priest. No one was ever convicted.
Know-Nothings were “guarding” the polls to make sure immigrants didn’t vote. They brought guns.
By the end of the day, 22 people were dead. Including a priest. No one was ever convicted.
In an 1855 letter, Lincoln made a point to say that the Know-Nothings were anathema to the very idea of America.
The words are still relevant af.
The words are still relevant af.
Just a small reminder that there’s nothing new under the sun. That American history is a story of immigrants, and that some people are always trying to pull the door shut behind them.
As a descendent of Irish immigrants, it’s good to remember. Éirinn go Brách. America go Bragh.
As a descendent of Irish immigrants, it’s good to remember. Éirinn go Brách. America go Bragh.
And Beto would be the first to tell you, don’t drink and drive. Go out, have some beers, celebrate the fact that immigrants aren’t going anywhere and our country is always evolving.
Then take a Lyft home and tip well. A 2018 study found that 90% of drivers in NYC are immigrants.
Then take a Lyft home and tip well. A 2018 study found that 90% of drivers in NYC are immigrants.
