I am a native Texan and come from a long line of Southerners on the paternal branch of my family tree. My mothers family was driven from Russia in 1917 with nothing but what they could carry and sew into the linings of their clothing. Only to then be driven from Mexico and part of the family murdered by Pancho Villa. One half of the family immigrated to America, the rest to Eastern Europe and in less than 20 years they were nearly exterminated by the Nazis. My family has a long history of working within the system to effect change. Until the bitter end. When I read the sort of comments I am seeing here, I am saddened and disgusted at the selfishness and impotence of those who would rather run than work to change. If the desire to leave is so strong, then go. Now. Do not use the advantages that are not available everywhere to build your treasury so that you may escape. That is cowardice and an insult to those that worked so hard to get here and have served the country with honor.

I really dislike these sort of discussions because the things I read destroy the opinions I held of individuals that I believed to be rational. Yet, I can not condemn their lack of rationality when I my strongest desire is to say work to change it or get out now. Not later, but right this minute. Put your ass in steerage and head to a "better place". Live like a pauper and try to build a life for yourself in a country that does not offer you the advantages you have here.