I have written about this before, and it bears repeating: Frederick Douglass is undoubtedly America’s greatest liberty messenger. I refer to him as the “Forgotten Prophet” because his extensive writings and speeches bring to life the tenets of liberty that Americans hold dear. For example, his thoughts about education (school choice), economic prosperity, free speech, religious freedom, personal responsibility, and the U.S. Constitution are just as compelling and necessary today as they were 150 years ago ─ standing the test of time.
Immigration is a valuable and unique aspect that makes America remarkable. It is a tenet of liberty that is worthy of discussion. The most important concern surrounding immigration is how do we permit it and protect our culture and independence? If we lose our sovereignty and our customs and traditions are destroyed, it becomes easier to fundamentally transform America into a Marxist/communist nation.
Thank God for the liberty message of Frederick Douglass. He provided us the answer to this question:
On Dec. 7, 1869, Douglass was asked to address a Boston audience on the question of Chinese immigration. He delivered a speech entitled: “Our Composite Nationality.” Douglass masterfully articulated “why” and “how” immigrants should be received in the United States. He convincingly explained that immigrants are welcome in our country because we all first have human rights.
Douglass supported Chinese immigration and naturalization—granting them full rights of citizenship, jury duty, voting, and elective office because “there are such things in the world as human rights.”
For Douglass, there was a direct correlation between “human rights” and “inalienable rights” — both are God-given. Douglass contended that human rights supersede racial rights and national rights. Douglass wrote:
I know of no rights of race superior to the rights of humanity, and when there is a supposed conflict between human and national rights, it is safe to go on the side of humanity.”
When asked for his thoughts on the citizenship process for those wanting to settle in the United States, Douglass stated:
We shall mould [shape or form] them all, each after his kind, into Americans; Indian and Celt, Negro and Saxon, Latin and Teuton, Mongolian and Caucasian, Jew and Gentile, all shall here bow to the same laws, speak the same language, support the same government, enjoy the same liberty, vibrate with the same national enthusiasm, and seek the same national ends.”
Douglass further added:
We should welcome to our ample continent all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples, and as fast as they learn our language and comprehend the duties of citizenship, we should incorporate them into the American body politic. The outspread wings of the American eagle are broad enough to shelter all who are likely to come.”
Notice the process that Douglass advocated. To assimilate, immigrants should: (1) Bow to the same law—respect the rule of law; (2) Speak the same language—learn to speak English; and (3) Support the same government—become involved in the duties of citizenship. The first duty of citizenship is to obey the law.
Like Douglass, Frederick Douglass Republicans welcome those who choose to legally come to America for the opportunity to make life better for themselves and their families. Nonetheless, we insist that they: (1) Obey our laws;(2) Learn to speak English; and (3) Study and value the importance of what is now their own Constitution.
This also bears repeating: Marxist-Liberals have no answer for Frederick Douglass’ liberty message, and they never will. Hence, learn how to leverage that message.
A former member of President Trump’s Coalition Advisory Board, KCarl Smith is the President and CEO of KCarl Consulting Group, empowering freedom advocates with the confidence, knowledge and skills to trump the race card. His column appears every Thursday in 1819 News. To contact KCarl or request him for a speaking engagement go to http://kcarlinc.com/bookingsandfees . The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
