New Trick vs Old Memory

Before I left this evening I looked at the space heater and wondered how cold it was supposed to get tonight. I usually only leave it on for Bandit if it's freezing or below freezing. There are plenty of blankets and throws for him to snuggle under.  Besides, he's got a better wardrobe than I have (if he'd only keep his clothes on!). Moggy has hair that keeps him a little warmer.  He mostly snuggles on top of the covers, but on a couple of really cold nights he has made his way under the duvet. 

I thought I decided not to turn the heater on, so I was quite surprised to come home to a toasty house. Either I'm getting forgetful, or one of The Boys has learned a new trick. 

I'm  torn--Bandit would be the one who would benefit most; however, he's been my Roomie for about 8.5 years now, and although he's honked the car horn at me (three times) and rolls the windows down (every time the child locks are inadvertently turned off), and strips neked when I dress him (except in freezing and below freezing weather), he's never turned on any of the space heaters. At least I don't think he has. 

Moggy, on the other hand, has only lived with us a little over a year, and he's proved himself to be quite the clever prankster:  hiding and pouncing on all feet/paws as they approach and playing Houdini by escaping from the carrier, and the house, into the great outdoors.  And the heater has never come on before--except by my hand. At least I don't think it has. 

Speaking of hands, on the other-other hand, I am increasing in cake candles, so it is possible I actually turned it on and forgot.  That's scary. Although I qualify for certain discounts, I don't have that many cake candles!! 

At least I don't think I do. 

Assimilation

In a recent Facebook post on a friends wall I spoke of the need for assimilation when coming to the USA from another country.  A third person stated there was no absolute right or American ideal and then commented that she wanted to know what I meant by assimilation since it is not cut and dried. This is how I responded: 

Assimilation is taking on qualities of another. It is becoming like them. I do not mean they should become our clones—every culture has a rich heritage that can enhance our own. We are after all a melting pot of cultures.  

To all aliens seeking refuge legally, I say "Come"—However, don't come to my country and then demand that I give you a better life than some of our own people have (work for it). Don't demand that I learn your language in order to communicate with you (learn the language accepted as ours). Don't attempt to impose your religious beliefs and practices on me—find ways to worship and honor your beliefs without infringing on my freedoms and rights to worship in the way I see fit. Keep your customs as long as they do not violate our laws. Share them with me, and if I find beauty, relevance, or value in them I may add them to my own belief system and customs—but don't try to force them on me, and don’t expect my beliefs and customs to conform to yours. Be a positive influence on my country rather than a blight on our society. Add flavor to my country—don't try to destroy it.

If you are unable, or unwilling, to assimilate in these ways, then get the heck out of my country!

For several years I worked in the English as  Second Language Ministry of my Church. I know for a fact that some of the students that I taught were illegals. I wish that were not the case. I wish they were all here legally. Many of them did come forward and seek legal status. I applaud that action. I write this, not to take glory for my "open-mindedness," I write it to say I want refuges to continue to come to the greatest country in the world!  Refuges are what have made this the greatest country. 

However, I take exception to the illegals that come and demand special treatment. I take exception to the refuges who think they should be handed the American Dream without any work or sacrifice on their part.  I take exception to countries who dump their criminals on us. I take exception to suicide bombers posing as refugees fleeing their homeland due to persecution. Again, I say: If you dream of a better life, come to the USA to work for it—but come legally. Come and assimilate. Bring the best of your customs and beliefs and add them to the melting pot, I may find use for them in my own life, but don’t expect me to assimilate to you.