The American Family

The American Family

The history of the United States is forged on struggle for freedom. The fabric of this country is woven with the fight to attain freedom and to protect it.

Americans, regardless of their internal challenges or differences have fought and died together when threatened.

From the Buffalo Solders of the Civil War to the Tuskegee Airman of World War II; Americans of all colors united to prevail over those who would threaten our American Family.

Like a family, we have our differences and our disagreements. Like a family, we may appear divided to those who do not know or have forgotten our family history.

But like a family, when our family is threatened or attacked we put aside those differences.

We put aside those disagreements.

We put aside the wrongs of the past.

We put aside that which divides us, and we stand together!

We stand together when a family member is challenged.

We stand together we our home is threatened.

We fight, side by side, as a family!

We stand united as an American Family!

Today we come together as a family of Americans to give notice! To give notice to those who mistakenly believe our family is broken. To give notice those who believe our family can be divided and turned against one another.

Today I stand before you not as a Mexican American, but as a member of the American Family.

From this day forward, I will proclaim that which men and women of all faiths and all colors have fought and died to preserve.

Today I stake claim to my place in the American Family, as an American.

No longer separated by race, color, faith or political ideology, but united by all, under one flag!

As I make this pledge to you, I ask, who among you will join me in claiming your place in this American Family?

Who among you will accept the responsibility to live and teach the meaning of family?

Who among you will fight to protect and preserve this American Family?

Welcome home……..

This family gathering was called to address that which threatens our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, our children and our communities.

Our elected officials took an oath and accepted the responsibility to protect and preserve our family, our community, our jobs, our schools, our hospitals and our country.

But they fall short and lend a deaf ear to the cries of our family members.

So today we gather to announce to those who present the threat, as well as those who have sworn to protect us, that we stand united and will assume the mantel of responsibility of protecting our family.

We will take the action needed to preserve and protect our community and if you fail to stand with us, you stand against us.

There will be those who will use this statement of unity as an attempt to divide their political base.

In order to protect block votes, long since taken for granted, they will cry foul.

They will declare that we are not smart enough to understand the complexities of the immigration issue.

Do not be fooled, their cries will be loud and filled with emotion. They will attempt to place blame and keep us divided.

So, be strong and vigilant.

God bless you, God bless us and God Bless the American Family!



Dave Hernandez
April 23, 2006

www.dave4la.com