I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America … one nation, indivisible. That means something to an American vet. Which flag are you pledging allegiance to?
Some years ago, there was a potential coup in a country endangering American lives. Militarily, we prepared. I was a Navy Captain assigned to a Red Cell as the terrorist leader. As you plan, you think like a terrorist.
What does a terrorist think about: their cause, messaging, controlling communication, and spreading propaganda. Consumed with their cause, they recruit and arm their fighters. One way to recruit is to flood a country with immigrants. They have no patriotic affiliation. It becomes a conflict of the haves versus have-nots, socialism versus capitalism. Adversaries seek positions to work inside government, influence education, and obtain intel. They diminish the host country’s ability to provide safety and destabilize the government politically and economically with high-impact attacks. Terrorists inflict pain on a guest country, endangering lives and forcing evacuation. Revolutionaries say, “The power of the people is greater than people in power.”
To protect us, there are approximately 1 million in law enforcement. An estimated 20 million have illegally entered our country, and if 1,000 of military age are willing and convert to the cause, you have the making of a militant force. A cell of 20 people in each of 50 major cities, no uniforms but armed with drones, improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, handheld weapons, encrypted communication devices, could carry out significant destruction (Tsarnaev brothers – Boston bombing, McVeigh – Oklahoma). The movie “Act of Valor” is an OPLAN on terrorism through our southern border.
If anybody believes terrorists have not entered this country, they are naïve. Any terrorist leader who has not placed people in this country has failed. My generation is familiar with Viet Cong tactics (friend by day, enemy by night) and the Tet Offensive. A threat exists.
Sponsors of terrorism, Iran for example, could direct an attack on American assets and citizens. You watched a plan executed on the streets of LA. Rioting, looting, and property destruction, a precursor and diversion for what could follow. Who is the sponsor?
When migrating to the U.S., ask yourself, do you want to assimilate and become an American citizen, or are you looking to establish your culture in our country? Consider France. Muslim migration out of war-torn countries reached a significant population concentration. So established, police would not encroach (no-go zones). Reportedly, Sharia law was established.
Illegal immigrants are takers of resources: education, housing, food, and medical care, thereby depriving American citizens. They come from cultures far different than ours. Many are indifferent to our customs and rule of law. If you want to legally migrate – contribute, assimilate, and pledge allegiance to the United States, don’t burn our flag; leave your flag at home. Remember where you are and why you came.
As a vet, I feel a twinge when you defile the flag. Symbolically, I think of Iwo Jima, Armstrong planting the flag on the moon, and every navy ship where that banner waves on the high seas. A lot of blood was shed for that flag. A lot of patriotism is attached to that flag. So I ask, what flag do you want to pledge allegiance to?
Illegal immigration is a risk too significant to be passive. When you approve of illegal immigration, you are incentivizing more of it. Control the border and deport those who broke into our country.
Charles Williams USN ret.
Former Asst. Navy Secretary