Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America by: Richard Raynor

In Richard Raynor's essay, "Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America" he speaks about immigration and all the disadvantages they face. First, Raynor shares the story of a mother of five children who is an immigrant. The mother struggles to live in California everyday, with no job and little help from the government all she can do is have hope in America. Raynor mentions that just like Maria, many illegal immigrants share the same nightmare as her. The author then continues with another story where he states that America is filled with different nationalities and cultures. Those illegal immigrants suffer very much here in America, they have to face many hardships but they stay here because they only wish to prosper. Illegal Immigrants have to work low paid jobs because they have no choice, as well as having to pay higher rent. Richard Raynor doesn't think that immigrants make or break America but instead are a contribution to our country since many of them create small businesses. Immigrants deserve to get a break after having to endure such harsh treatment.

I agree with Richard Raynor, i don't think that Immigrants are as bad as the government make it seem. I think that they need to be cut some slack because I think that the only reason they come to America is because they want to work and live a better life then they did in their countries. They are not trying to take any one's jobs, just make some money to support their families. It's sad that Illegal immigrants are so limited in life here and have very few opportunities. Everyone should be given the chance to work and try to live a better life.  I think people should really think about the remarks they make and how it makes people feel because when i read that all Latinos are lazy i felt bad because i myself was born here but I'm considered a Latino. Just like every person in this world, immigrants are in search for prosperity and a better life.

I'm not willing to settle for the crumbs by Kim Severson

In the essay "I'm not willing to settle for the crumbs" by Kim Severson, she expresses her view on gay marriage  and equal rights as well as shares her personal experience with the situation. Severson wishes to marry her girlfriend and going through the beautiful experience of a wedding and everything else that comes with a marriage. However, unfortunately gay marriages are only permitted in several states like in Massachusetts. Though that was one of the few options she had to marry her girlfriend she refused because it would've been an unfair wedding. Severson wanted everything a straight couple would receive and all the advantages, she didn't want to pay higher taxes or collecting legal files, etc. Severson believes everyone should receive equal treatment and not be limited in life. Last, Kim Severson and her girlfriend decided to wait on their marriage because it's not fair to get little recognition simply for being gay. As Severson states, "It's my wedding damn it. I don't want the crumbs. I want the whole cake" (508).

I truly enjoyed this essay because i think it's a very interesting topic. I as well believe in equality for everyone it does not matter what sexual orientation we come from. No one should feel like they are less or like they cannot do certain things simply because they are gay. It is completely ridiculous and unfair that in order to get married you would have to travel to different places and not have that beautiful experience like everyone should. Getting married is more then just a paper but simply having all your loved one's celebrating your happiness with you means a lot and the fact that gay people aren't given this opportunity is very unfair.  Last, having to pay even a dollar more than a normal straight person would is very harsh. People and the government should think about how much harm and pain it causes gay people to know that there are certain things in life that they can't do.