Navarrette: Civic rules shouldn't be just for immigrants

Last week, Ruben Navarrette listed 10 rules for immigrants to follow. Click on the headline and see the 10 rules he lists for the rest of us to follow. - - Donna Poisl

By Ruben Navarrette Jr.

There was a huge response to a column listing 10 ways for immigrants — especially those from Mexico and Latin America — to improve their relationship with the United States. The feedback was about 95 percent positive. That was true even among self-identified Latinos, both immigrants and the native-born.

But by far the most interesting reaction was from dozens of readers who suggested that the advice — don't feel entitled, don't play the victim, stress the value of education, etc. — should not be limited to immigrants. The sermon, they said, should also be aimed at Americans, too many of whom have grown soft and have shed the values of their immigrant ancestors.

Great idea. I have no problem criticizing my own tribe — my fellow native-born Americans. After all, it's the cohort I know best. Besides, the criticisms apply to me too. There are plenty of things I could learn from my Mexican immigrant grandfather, if only he were here to teach me.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.