Guest Author
On July 4, 2017, 15,000 immigrants were sworn in as new American citizens — something each and every one of them worked hard to attain. On that day, they earned the most sought-after citizenship in the world and swore they would support and defend our Constitution. And on that day, along with their citizenship, they were granted the right and the responsibility to vote,
Voting is a right that we, as Americans, hold dear. It is the right to choose the leaders who represent us. It is the foundation of a democratic republic. That’s why we must protect that right and not minimize the value of it by allowing noncitizens the same right.
There are more than 11 million illegal immigrants currently living in the United States. These illegal aliens have crossed our borders, violated our laws and ignored the processes we have in place to keep our citizens safe.
And, yet, there are cities throughout the United States that willingly ignore this violation of the law. Many cities, like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, proudly call themselves “sanctuary cities,” where violent illegal aliens can find refuge and forgiveness for any violations of the law they have committed. These sanctuary cities put the safety of all American citizens at risk to harbor fugitives.
Even worse, some cities across our nation have taken it a step further. Not only are they allowing violent illegal aliens to remain within their boundaries without the threat of getting caught, but some cities are going so far as to grant illegal aliens the right to vote in America.
In San Francisco, voters passed a proposition in 2016 that grants illegal aliens with school age children the right to vote in school board elections. The proponents of the measure argued that they wanted better representation on the school board, and, if their kids — children of illegal immigrants — are in school, then they should have a voice on the school board.
Now, a college town in Maryland is mulling a similar initiative. College Park is currently weighing a new measure to permit illegal aliens vote in elections. Proponents of the measure argue that residents — no matter their legal status — rely on critical government services and should have the opportunity to weigh in. Should College Park approve this absurd measure, it would be one of 11 cities in the Maryland to do so.
Cities like San Francisco and College Park, among others, have lost their American values, and have been overrun by liberals. They have forgotten the principles our nation was founded on — the right for American citizens to choose our leaders — in granting foreigners who violated our laws to come to our country the right to shape our country’s future through voting.
It is simple: You are either an American citizen or you are not. If you are, you enjoy the rights and privileges of American citizenship. And you also bear the responsibility to ensure its safety and survival for generations to come. The right to vote should not be allowed or practiced by anyone who was not born in our country or who has not taken the necessary, legally required steps to become a citizen of our nation. This right is too precious to grant to those who have not earned it.
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Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is a native of Bartow. He is a Republican running for Governor.
4 comments
Christopher M. Kennard
August 29, 2017 at 3:22 pm
My Father’s family came over on the Mayflower in 1620. We were immigrants to the ” New World”, fleeing the tyranny of Europe’s rulers, religious discrimination and the resulting social disunity. I have no interest to defile my family’s history or beliefs by allowing someone who retains some of the beliefs Adam Putnam seems to endorse.
I see here a candidate that knows little of the true history of how this country formed and why we have walked a similar path of slavery, civil strife, dictatorial characters in public affairs, book burning ignorance and rank selfish greed.
I cannot vote for you, sir. You are not an “angel” on the side of good; but rather a long term member of the corrupt cabal of politicians Florida who have “misruled” Florida under the Democratic Party and Republican Party banner for the 45 years that I have resided in this state. And yes, many of us realize both political parties “dance” to the tune played by their mega-wealthy “owners” and corrupt campaign cash and secret slush fund donations.
I will make it my business to engage in more intensive research of Adam Putnam’s background, character, political record, etc. in order that we are not surprised at this fellow’s beliefs and intentions as formed by his family, friends and culture. Trump and Hillary woke folks up! Bernie Sanders seems as if he was the only real person who cared about the American people when he ran for President of the United States last year. He has given us a good template from which to work with when reviewing candidates running for elective public office.
Voters, I believe, will be leaving the major political parties and their hirelings en mass as better candidates who are honest and retain their personal, professional and political integrity begin to campaign for Florida’s elective public offices.
These candidates will replace our current cabal of greedy insiders who have led Florida down the path of dissolution, as reflected by the number of American citizens and residents of Florida who have been denied the right to vote (one in ten eligible voters in Florida; one out of four Black residents) who can no longer vote for the rest of their lives due to felony convictions for cannabis use, etc.
Our low national rating for education of our children is another good indicator as to where people like Scott, Rubio, “Chain Gang” Charlie Crist, Debbie Wassermann-Schultz, Corrine Brown, and the Tea Party crowd have led Florida wrong.
Look at the incredible numbers of people without medical care in Florida. Why? Please read over the above paragraphs for a repeat of the same answer — our elected politicians.
Time for a change!
Sean Rosa
August 29, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Although I read this wonderful website daily, I rarely read the comments, and have never commented. However, the comment above me changed that; here is why, first the assumptions:
-he or she questions Adam Putnam’s character based on his support of only allowing American citizens to vote.
-US voting is based on one’s citizenship.
-Citizenship is earned through either birth or naturalization.
-The logic is that those with a vested interest in the democracy have a voice. (enfranchisement)
-Prior to this, only landholders could vote, in that the vote “touched and concerned the land.” (some states had other disenfranchisement laws)
-Currently, the only people that cannot vote at the state and federal levels are foreign nationals, minors, felons, and citizens who fail to register.
-The logic behind the restricted suffrage is that the individual are not vested, not adequately informed, forfeited by way of crime and punishment, and an unwillingness to exercise their right, respectively.
So,
With all that in mind, the above comment seems to suggest that enfranchisement is a farce.
If one is unable or unwilling to abide by the common set of rules that defines suffrage, then they cannot vote. This is at the core of a representative government. Plurality is not democracy. The only alternatives would be to abandon democracy, or alter enfranchisement. Does this person suppose we alter birth-right citizenship? Go back to land-based voting? Or eliminate democracy?
I am being tongue-in-cheek, but the issue Mr. Putnam touched on seems to be a non-issue. Mind you, a case could be made for permanent residents, but to extend voting rights to temporary or undocumented immigrants is contrary to a representative government.
Do the research on Mr. Putnam. From what I’ve read, he is deeply concerned with the issues you mentioned. I just don’t particularly enjoy the your attitude, outlook on life, or general victim mentality. There is still time to run, and your virtue signaling behavior would likely garner a hefty number of votes.
Rosa, out.
Dan
August 29, 2017 at 6:26 pm
It will make it easier for ICE to round up these “Illegal Aliens” if they register to vote on a local school board or city election. Those voting need to be deported immediately after M13 candidates are removed. The Deferred Deportation Actions of DACA & DAPA have now been terminated and those here illegally are no longer protected nor accepted.
keita
August 29, 2017 at 11:45 pm
In this instance I stand behind what was said about voting by Adam Putnam 1000%! He said everything exactly right, there was NOTHING said out of place nor wrong. I do not believe in illegals voting under any circumstances, If you have committed a crime, then go before a judge, or ask the governor to allow you to get your voting rights back, but don’t act like it’s someone else’s fault, or someone else caused it. Be an adult and accept the responsibility of your own actions. If I misunderstood you, my sincere apologies.
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