Ronald Reagan, disavowing Donald Trump's border policy

[thewayne]

"You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the earth, can come to live in America and become an American...Other countries may seek to compete with us; but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world, no country on earth comes close. This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America's greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people, our strength, from every country and corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation."
-- Ronald Reagan, in his final speech as president

In retrospect, I disagreed with much that Reagan did, but I was quite a political naif at the time and have changed a lot since those years. Still, quite a thing that he said then.

Comments

[acelightning]

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-ward sunset gate shall stand
A mighty Woman with a torch,
Whose flame is the imprisoned lightning,
And Her name "Mother of exiles". From her beacon hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp," with silent lips cries she.
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free;
The wretches refuse of your teeming shore - send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me;
I lift my lamp beside the Golden Door!"

[thewayne]

If Our Beloved Leader has ever read those words, they certainly didn't resonate.  Then again, evidence would suggest he has the attention span of a gerbil, however long that may be.

[acelightning]

Even his own ancestors were "wretched refuse" at some point. But sympathy and compassion and fairness and humanity are not emotions he's capable of.

[silveradept]

Reagan may have been a terrible president, but he knew the need for immigrants very well.