October is a big month. Diwali. Halloween. Breast Cancer Awareness Month. LGBTQ+ History Month. Oktoberfest. And naturally, one must not forget National Yorkshire Pudding Day, which falls on October 13th.
It is also the month that I became a US Citizen, back in 2009, having been a US Resident for over ten years by that point.
I always say — to anyone who will listen — that the day I became a US Citizen was one of THE top most meaningful moments of my life. It is up there with learning that I was going to be a mother, and the day on which I married Mr Maximalista.
On my Oath Day in 2009, I legally formalized my commitment to this country, the way I made a commitment to my husband on our wedding day, and made a commitment to my daughter on the day she was born.
These vows may not mean anything to anybody else. But I take them seriously: to me, these are the most meaningful choices of my life.
*****
In this state of humble awareness — and typical of me to start overthinking stuff!! — I have been pondering, What makes a person a good patriot? What does citizenship mean? Is a birthright citizen worth MORE than a naturalized citizen?
As a curious observer, I often see flag wavers wearing t-shirts emblazoned with stars and stripes, or the cross of St George, etc… which makes me wonder if I should be doing / wearing the same thing in order to prove my allegiance to any given country?
If I don’t do this, does it make me unpatriotic? SHOULD I be doing this in order to somehow prove my patriotism to outside observers?
When did it become not patriotic enough to simply be a law-abiding citizen? To pay one’s taxes on time? To vote? To take civic duty seriously?
What does patriotism mean to you?
*****
The weekend after my Oath of Citizenship, I hosted a celebratory Citizenship Party at Four Gables. One of my friends gave me a book called The Citizen Solution, by Harry C Boyte. I still have it on my bookshelf, and occasionally use it as a reference. (Thank you, Liz B!)
In my opinion, following the guidelines set forth in this book is a thoughtful way in which to show patriotism. Far more so than loud-mouthed gun-slinging in the name of God and Country.
With all of the recent opprobrium pertaining to ICE agents’ forceful removal of foreigners [of which I am one] from their workplace or suchlike, and shanghaiing my fellow immigrants off the street, I have taken to carrying my US Passport Card around with me, wherever I go.
You know, just in case ICE decides they don’t like my foreign accent or my foreign ways… one never knows. I am chillingly reminded of Martin Niemöller’s famous words:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
If ICE agents ever come knocking down my door, will it be because I wasn’t a “good enough” citizen?
Do you ever ask yourself the same question?
Lots of love,
Mxo
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