I collect words and quotes like some people collect antique automobiles, and recently I’ve been interested in American presidential quotes on specific topics like, for example, immigration. The American Immigration Center offers quotes from noted Americans on the topic of immigration including the quotes of these presidents.
“I take issue with many people’s description of people being illegal immigrants. There aren’t any illegal human beings as far as I’m concerned.” Woodrow Wilson, 28th.
“Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as their talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd
“As an immigrant, I chose to live in America because it is one of the freest and most vibrant nations in the world. And as an immigrant, I feel an obligation to speak up for immigration policies that will keep America the most economically robust, creative and freedom-loving nation in the world.” Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th.
“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries {Haiti, El Salvador, other African nations} come here?” Donald J. Trump, 45th.
Shame on you, 45, for such a reprehensible comment that sullies the legacy of not only other great American leaders but spits on the words of the Statue of Liberty herself as she has welcomed the world on Liberty Island in New York Harbor since 1886.
Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
the wretched refuse of your teeming shores.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me –
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
And finally, as I celebrate our national holiday today of the birthday of one of the greatest civil rights activists in our history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I leave you with a personal favorite quote of his.
“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous
than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
Stay tuned.
I'll Call It Like I See It 
As long as he doesn’t do anything really stupid, #45’s quotes will hopefully be forgotten in a flash once #46 turns up.
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That is wonderfully optimistic of you, Annie, and I appreciate the encouragement. Hopefully, we won’t have alienated entire continents before he’s gone.
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45 is truly mind-boggling!
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Truly.
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You can take FDR off your list, IMO. After knowing how he abandoned the Jews who wanted to immigrate here to avoid being killed by the Nazis, poo on him.
Yes, I’ll always stay tuned!
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Thanks for that good observation, Luanne. I’ll have to have a closer look at my WWII history… sometimes actions speak louder than words!
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So true. I used to love FDR and all his extravagant buildings until I learned what he did to the Jews.
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What everyone did to the Jews at that point in history is a black mark against all of us.
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Good point!
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There are great words from our leaders and perhaps individually heartfelt. But our policies through the decades have been about exclusion. What Trump has done for me is to learn our history. Listen to Episode 3 of the Constitutional podcast. Learning our history is not just for kids, and where have I been? Trump words are ugly.
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I will check out the Constitutional podcast – I am not up to speed on podcasts. I appreciate your comment.
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It seems the US government has descended into a self-made hell, and all citizens are going to pay the price if we dont wake up soon! Thanks for addng your voice!
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I am awake, frustrated, and ready for the 2018 mid-terms. Thanks for the comment.
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