Not Made In America

12 million immigrants were processed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. Many came before. Many arrived since. Immigrants came to America through portals other than Ellis Island too. Now, their stories will be told at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. There’ll be a special wing at the museum called “The Peopling of America Center.” Visitors will learn about the arrival of groups including native Americans who migrated here, blacks imported as slaves, Mexicans who became “annexed” Americans, Asians who came in a wave across the Pacific and a multitude of other groups in more recent times. This is a wonderful idea for all of us to learn about America’s diverse heritage. Near to the Statue of Liberty and the multi-cultural city, New York, there’s no more fitting place to have this remembrance than right here in our harbor.

The Lady And The Tramps In Charge Of Her Safety

In a story dated February 10th, it was reported that the Department of the Interior found gross and dangerous lapses regarding the security of our Statue of Liberty. All New Yorkers and all patriotic Americans should be appalled by these facts and motivated to write to their elected officials demanding swift action. As of now, it’s the National Parks Service’s responsibility to ensure Her safety. Maybe that should be changed … as of NOW.

Immediate action must be taken to correct past mistakes. Those apes in charge of Her safety must be reprimanded, reassigned or fired. Perhaps we need not worry about foreign terrorists who have talked about destroying this symbol of our freedom so much as government officials who fail to discuss and take immediate action NOW.

Living In New York, Statistically Speaking

According to the Health Department, 2006 had the lowest death rate of any year on record. Only 6.7 out of every 1,000 NYC residents died. However, there were no statistics available for the death rate among the city’s tourists. We fear the high prices must have scared to death many an unsuspecting traveler from Mayberry, Podunk and other parts unknown. If true, and the number of dead tourists grows, who'll be left to buy the Statue of Liberty ashtrays?