CITIZENSHIP: Is it so cheap?

Our Founding Fathers, often praised for their foresight in creating a future-looking document (the Constitution), apparently imagined that there would be future issues that would need to be addressed and made a part of that sacred document through the amendment process. Examples of Constitutional Amendments dealing with serious inequities are well known.

Today, citizenship in this fabulous country is viewed as "the gold ring" by many from outside our borders. If only I can make across the border and give birth in Los Estados Unidos, my baby will be an American citizen, entitled to all the benefits of that coveted entitlement, seems to be the thought process of those overwhelming our borders and social service budgets.

Our policy of "natural-born" endowment circumvents an otherwise difficult-to-attain process for those not born on America soil. If citizenship is so valuable, why is it taken for granted by so many of our "natural-born" citizens? The answer is that "natural-born" citizens do not have to pay a price for this valuable birthright.

However, to make a change in any policy to target specific groups seems so contrary to our sense of "fair play," thus begging the questions: "Should a change be applied to all people, including "natural-born" inhabitants, and should the change be accomplished by the amendment process?" In essence, the change would be to make citizenship an "achievement," not a "right." In effect, all would be required to spend 18 years preparing for citizenship and only then would be eligible to take the final exam.

We study, learn and are tested to get a driver's license. This is a privilege, not a right! It's too important! That tells me that we consider the right to drive more important than the right to vote.

What say you, CITIZEN?

CHARLIE RICHARDS

Worley