Guess who's American now?

[EvilSteve]

Me.

I was naturalized on Friday morning, I'm one of you/us now. :)

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I'm a duallie now, 100% Aussie, 100% American citizen. :)

[IrocRob]

Welcome to the up over. :roflmao: There goes the country...

[yb929rr]

congrats!

[EvilSteve]

Bloody hell, if one Aussie can ruin the country, you had problems before I got here mate. :P

[jcblitz]

Do you feel any fatter or lazier?

[soda7o]

congrats...

[EvilSteve]

I had a really lazy weekend so yeah, I guess. ;) Only went outside on Sunday to move the car. lol.

Thanks guys.

[jcblitz]

I had a really lazy weekend so yeah, I guess. ;) Only went outside on Sunday to move the car. lol.

Thanks guys.

...and congrats btw. You should get a tattoo to celebrate, something like:

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8301/unclesammotorcycleiv5.jpg

[EvilSteve]

Thanks dude. I'm not really into tattoos... lol

Oh, I did go out drinking Friday night and at the behest of my friends wore my tie on my head and was given a shot of JD by some random group of people. Thanks! :D

[Barbi]

UH...:confused: Welcome? Or would it be Congratulations? :huh: oh well...

:sun:

[NYCSTRIPES]

Congrats
Ken

[jcblitz]

Thanks dude. I'm not really into tattoos... lol

Oh, I did go out drinking Friday night and at the behest of my friends wore my tie on my head and was given a shot of JD by some random group of people. Thanks! :D

If you were into tattoos and decided to get that, I would have you deported. What things can you do now that you couldn't before? I'm assuming vote, but not sure what else.

[soda7o]

If you were into tattoos and decided to get that, I would have you deported. What things can you do now that you couldn't before? I'm assuming vote, but not sure what else.

pay more taxes than he has too.. :) and not get shit back!
he can now fight for this country.. oh wait you do not need to be a citizen to go to the us army.. oops!
basically he cant do shit else

[High_Revs_17]

Congrats Dan! BTW, the good ol' USA still smells better. :P

[EvilSteve]

I can vote. I can't be deported to littering (technically, as a green card holder I could have been deported for breaking *any* law). I can get social security (although it probably won't exist by the time I need it). I can hold public office. I can get a gun license.

Contrary to popular belief, green card holders pay taxes at exactly the same rate as citizens, they just don't get any direct benefit from it. Obviously indirectly they get the benefits from spending on public works etc. but no social security.

The main reason for me is that I want to vote. I would serve in the military if required but I was too old when I came here to be required to do anything. I didn't take the oath of citizenship lightly, it's a big deal and should be treated with respect. I would do all of the things I've sworn to if required. Here's the text of the citizenship oath:

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

[Lucky7]

Congrats Danno! I just got naturalized myselft this summer after 20 years in the country. I procrastinated just a little bit.

[GinoE]

Good On Ya Mate!

[John712]

better still carry that card with you :lol:

but congrats :D

[NYCSTRIPES]

Good to hear someone taking the oaths seriously in today's environment. Honestly, I believe that there are more "enemies" to the US living here..domestic threats to our existance. Too many far left (socialist minded) US born citizens who with every breath think of ways to put this great counrty at risk.
Examlpes of late are the leaks of potential military plans to deal with Iran in the media, if legitimate were leaks from the Dept of Defense by some (leftist civic minded moron). These should be treated harshly especially in this time of war in that region that we are so deeply involved in.
I welcome anyone wanting to come to the US like my family had with the intent to make this their home and defend it if necessary. Unfortunately there are way too many people coming in with one thing in mind...getting paid for the privilage of living here. No loyalty, no respect, just for the money and bad mouthing the place with every breath they take. I am sick of it, wanting openly to see the INS get an enema.

Best of luck with your newly acquired citizenship and tell us how it will feel to be able to obtain a gun license, albeit through the tightest application process in the US. I work for the NYPD and think the hoops that you will be made to jump through in order to get the license are rediculous. Just be patient and it will happen.
Better than the alternative, not having access to them at all. I am sure that coming from Down Under I am sure you know what its like to loose firearms ownership rights. NYC is pretty restrictive as to what is allowed, but you can still have some good toys.
There are also some really tough anti-firearms legislations on the horizon, I suggest joining the NRA and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association which is the state level NRA representatives. Also send emails and VOTE. The NYSRPA does most of the NYS lobbying in Albany and fights for gun owners rights within the state. They also sponsor all of the NRA sanctioned NYS firearms competitions.
Overall they are both necessary to maintain membership with if you are serious about keeping your newly acquired access to firearms.
www.nra.org
www.nysrpa.org
Ken

[EvilSteve]

Thanks for the info Ken. My guess is that our political views are very different, however, I will agree with some of what you've said. I'm very proud to be a new American and *will* defend this country should I be called to do so. I will also vote in the best interests of the US as I see them.

I'm actually interested in getting my handgun license. Not to carry or anything, just to use at a range. Is the main plan of the licensing to get people to give up? I've definitely had my patience tested in the ~1.5 years it's taken to get naturalized so I think I'm up for the job.

[Retom7]

Congratulations! I have a few friends who's parents went through the process and finally became citizens after years of living here, and for some of them it was one of the happiest moments of their lives. I guess it just depends what kind of life you left in order to start one here, and how good America has been to you.

Anyway, figuring that since you went through it all, you WANTED it, congratulations again. I know the process kind of sucks with it, but what's funny (and very very sad) is that you probably know more about US history now than half the kids graduating high school who were born and raised here.

[Rev]

Congrats ES...now I have to work on getting mine.. =p

[EvilSteve]

It's definitely a big deal for me, not so much as happy. I mean I am happy but I feel a strong sense of responsibility and some sadness at having renounced (technically) my Australian citizenship. Don't get me started on people that don't take it seriously, that makes me probably as angry as Ken. ;) It took a lot of energy and commitment as anyone that's gone through it knows. And so it should. People that aren't willing to put up with a bit of pain don't deserve it IMO. I know the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance; I certainly feel different and I'm happy to be here.

I said technically about the Australian citizenship because Australia basically says that you can take American citizenship and have your Australian citizenship back without swearing anything. I can certainly see where dual citizenship could get you into trouble in terms of a conflict of interests but fortunately, I don't see that happening with AU and the US any time soon.

I'm already planning a good Spring/Summer ride/BBQ with friends to celebrate in style. :D

[jcblitz]

Good to hear someone taking the oaths seriously in today's environment. Honestly, I believe that there are more "enemies" to the US living here..domestic threats to our existance. Too many far left (socialist minded) US born citizens who with every breath think of ways to put this great counrty at risk.
Examlpes of late are the leaks of potential military plans to deal with Iran in the media, if legitimate were leaks from the Dept of Defense by some (leftist civic minded moron). These should be treated harshly especially in this time of war in that region that we are so deeply involved in.
I welcome anyone wanting to come to the US like my family had with the intent to make this their home and defend it if necessary. Unfortunately there are way too many people coming in with one thing in mind...getting paid for the privilage of living here. No loyalty, no respect, just for the money and bad mouthing the place with every breath they take. I am sick of it, wanting openly to see the INS get an enema.

Best of luck with your newly acquired citizenship and tell us how it will feel to be able to obtain a gun license, albeit through the tightest application process in the US. I work for the NYPD and think the hoops that you will be made to jump through in order to get the license are rediculous. Just be patient and it will happen.
Better than the alternative, not having access to them at all. I am sure that coming from Down Under I am sure you know what its like to loose firearms ownership rights. NYC is pretty restrictive as to what is allowed, but you can still have some good toys.
There are also some really tough anti-firearms legislations on the horizon, I suggest joining the NRA and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association which is the state level NRA representatives. Also send emails and VOTE. The NYSRPA does most of the NYS lobbying in Albany and fights for gun owners rights within the state. They also sponsor all of the NRA sanctioned NYS firearms competitions.
Overall they are both necessary to maintain membership with if you are serious about keeping your newly acquired access to firearms.
www.nra.org
www.nysrpa.org
Ken

Not to turn this thread into a political debate, or even a religious debate, but didn't you see the hypocrisy in that oath? It talks about protecting the constitution and in the last sentence, says "...so help me god". And right in the constitution it says "[N]o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Basically you need to be an American citizen to hold office, but to become a citizen you need to take and upload that oath, and by doing so accept god, going against the constitution. THAT is what bothers me, not this "left wing" vs "right wing" garbage, that's all bickering and grandstanding. But to actually put something into law, preach it, say you stand for it, then turn around and totally ignore it, thats what bothers me. I'd rather have someone disagree with me 100% and truly uphold that belief then someone who 100% agrees with me and lives it about 70%.

And I agree about the firearm legislations, they're way out of control. They're taking away lawful citizens rights to own guns because of the actions of criminals. You have to fight criminals, they're the offenders, not law abiding citizens. Guns just happen to be the tool.

[EvilSteve]

The "under god" bit was added to the pledge of allegiance in 1954 after lobbying from some (pseudo) religious groups. As for the "so help me god" bit, I'm not religious but I don't really care about that part. As I see it, "so help me god" only means something to people that believe in god (it's not that I don't believe just not sure - what's that called again?). So, if you're Christian you say "so help me god" and it really means that, to a Muslim, they'd see that as Allah, etc. For me I saw it as a binding oath, no matter what the wording was, it really doesn't matter. What matters IMO is that you swear to be loyal to the country and to defend its beliefs and values. That's what I was saying when I said it.

Firearms laws have always been a bit weird IMO, criminals really don't care either way, it hurts normal people more than anything but I guess the logic is that there'd be less guns available to petty criminals.

[jcblitz]

The "under god" bit was added to the pledge of allegiance in 1954 after lobbying from some (pseudo) religious groups. As for the "so help me god" bit, I'm not religious but I don't really care about that part. As I see it, "so help me god" only means something to people that believe in god (it's not that I don't believe just not sure - what's that called again?). So, if you're Christian you say "so help me god" and it really means that, to a Muslim, they'd see that as Allah, etc. For me I saw it as a binding oath, no matter what the wording was, it really doesn't matter. What matters IMO is that you swear to be loyal to the country and to defend its beliefs and values. That's what I was saying when I said it.

It's a slippery slope argument. Just because "God" fit's into the mold of a few major religions, it also offends many as well. Many civilizations, as well as religions, were demolished due to the same idea of "God" as they are using it in that context.

It's not the same (it's specific to christ, but it gives you an idea where I'm coming from).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/394196869_0625ec77ff.jpg

[EvilSteve]

lol that cartoon is funny dude. :)

I see what you're saying but maybe I didn't make my point clearly enough. People saying this oath should be less worried about the semantics of it and more worried about what they're there to do. I can see why people could be offended but they're really choosing to be offended IMO. "When in Rome" - that's really what I'm saying. You spell it tire, Australians spell it tyre, it's the same thing. The oath says "so help me god", people should be interpreting that as whatever means the same thing to them not automatically being offended by it because it's not exactly tailored to their beliefs. I understand your argument from the angle of the constitution but honestly, there are many more examples of this than what us new citizens have to say (pledge of allegiance, court oath, the president and most of the congress being openly religious and religion being a major factor in the last election). I'm more concerned that you couldn't get elected at all if you weren't Christian in most of the country. Having said that though, it may well be that there's a clause in the constitution saying something contradictory but if the majority are Christian conservative, who am I to say that the issues that mean something to them shouldn't be the most important issues to our representative leaders? I'd be a minority which means that, for the most part, I don't get a say. For example, I would never have voted for GWB but if he wins the election then by definition the majority of people (who can be bothered to get off their asses) want him as president, therefore, he deserves to be president.

[NYCSTRIPES]

Not to turn this thread into a political debate, or even a religious debate, but didn't you see the hypocrisy in that oath? It talks about protecting the constitution and in the last sentence, says "...so help me god". And right in the constitution it says "[N]o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Basically you need to be an American citizen to hold office, but to become a citizen you need to take and upload that oath, and by doing so accept god, going against the constitution. THAT is what bothers me, not this "left wing" vs "right wing" garbage, that's all bickering and grandstanding. But to actually put something into law, preach it, say you stand for it, then turn around and totally ignore it, thats what bothers me. I'd rather have someone disagree with me 100% and truly uphold that belief then someone who 100% agrees with me and lives it about 70%.

And I agree about the firearm legislations, they're way out of control. They're taking away lawful citizens rights to own guns because of the actions of criminals. You have to fight criminals, they're the offenders, not law abiding citizens. Guns just happen to be the tool.

Reading into this a little? I just think that there will always be a portion of the citizenship that will find issue with everything. Remember that this nation was founded by God fearing Christian men. They put religious quotes in the oaths and on the money in your pocket. I never hear anyone complain about the money part though. They were glad to pay respect to God and were also glad they removed the English King from controlling their daily lives.
In an effort to seek the guidance from Almighty God, the founding fathers did utilize the quote often. I believe it was meant to ask for the strength to do the right thing under the watchful eye of God and the Church (regardless of denomination) but was not intended to be a part of an individual's decision making process like you are illuding to.

That said, I am no religious zealot by any stretch of the imagination. I am just pointing out that I understand where this sentiment comes from and I am comfortable with making my Pledge of Allegance to this country, reference to God and all. Its these kinds of things that have led parents to sue schools over pledes, prayers and other things. Some I can understand, most I do not. I always suspected that most have no allegence to anyone but to themselves.

Just as a matter of curiousity really for me, since you brought up this part, since I think you said that your brother is serving with the US Marines, I am wondering if he had the same problem with the "So Help Me God" portion of his oath?

"The Enlisted Oath
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Ken

[NYCSTRIPES]

lol that cartoon is funny dude. :)

I see what you're saying but maybe I didn't make my point clearly enough. People saying this oath should be less worried about the semantics of it and more worried about what they're there to do. I can see why people could be offended but they're really choosing to be offended IMO. "When in Rome" - that's really what I'm saying. You spell it tire, Australians spell it tyre, it's the same thing. The oath says "so help me god", people should be interpreting that as whatever means the same thing to them not automatically being offended by it because it's not exactly tailored to their beliefs. I understand your argument from the angle of the constitution but honestly, there are many more examples of this than what us new citizens have to say (pledge of allegiance, court oath, the president and most of the congress being openly religious and religion being a major factor in the last election). I'm more concerned that you couldn't get elected at all if you weren't Christian in most of the country. Having said that though, it may well be that there's a clause in the constitution saying something contradictory but if the majority are Christian conservative, who am I to say that the issues that mean something to them shouldn't be the most important issues to our representative leaders? I'd be a minority which means that, for the most part, I don't get a say. For example, I would never have voted for GWB but if he wins the election then by definition the majority of people (who can be bothered to get off their asses) want him as president, therefore, he deserves to be president.

Before this thing gets carries away on a tangent, I want to say that no matter where your political affiliations lie, I applaud you for wanting to participate. Its what makes this a great place to live. Just don't give up and make your vote count.
Regards
Ken

[EvilSteve]

I've voted all my life, I don't plan on giving up now. :)

I'm with you on the oaths Ken, the spirit of the oaths is what's important IMO and I believe that 100%.

[jcblitz]

Just as a matter of curiousity really for me, since you brought up this part, since I think you said that your brother is serving with the US Marines, I am wondering if he had the same problem with the "So Help Me God" portion of his oath?

My brother and I are not the same. We have different opinions, experiences, educations, hobbies, friends...etc. So I can not say if he "had a problem" with it in the same regard that I do. I do know that he did not say god, he just said "so help me.", which I believe it should be, regardless if we have the same objections or not. Your religious beliefs should have no bearing on your civic duty, you are a solider of the constitution, not a solider of the church you belong to and you must not blur the two. You should only need to be backed by your word as a decent person, not by who you gave it to.

[liquiddevil2000]

Do you feel any fatter or lazier?

hahaha..funny...:roflmao:

[JoeyHonda]

Me.

I was naturalized on Friday morning, I'm one of you/us now. :)

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I'm a duallie now, 100% Aussie, 100% American citizen. :)


Congrats! now go and buy a POS Harley like all the other red blooded Americans!

-jh

[ffejtable]

First of all grats! I doubt most Americans could even pass the test for citizenship, myself included!

As for your religious beliefs, I believe you fall under agnostic. (dont know, dont care)

For the gun license, in NJ you can go to a range without a license and rent a gun to shoot. if you dont plan to own or carry, this might be an option, unless NY is different.


What was your path to getting a green card? H1B visa?

[EvilSteve]

Thanks for the info on guns dude, I might give that a shot... damn, sorry for the pun.

My wife is a dual citizen AU/US so I got a green card when we came here.

[SAXON117]

Congratz

[Marker54]

Welcome, glad you could make it to the party!

[NYCSTRIPES]

Generally, in NY you cannot shoot a handgun without a handgun permit and I am unaware of any shop that would rent a handgun since TNT Guns in Floral Park, NY relocated to another shop without a range in the basement.
If you need information on local shooting, drop me a PM and I can fill you in about the NY ranges. I also live in Queens.
Ken

[jcblitz]

From what I've been told you can't even pass through NY with a handgun in your car unless you have it registered there...or something like that. I know when I use to live in NJ and we would head out to a range in PA we would have to travel around this one NY town (even though it was quicker to go through) because of it. Again, that is what I was told by a guy I was with that was like deathly afraid of it, but I couldn't find the law and didn't want to find out the hard way.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

The best way to travel through NY or any state that has restrict ion is to carry a copy of Title 19­Part 1­
Chapter 44 926A pf the federal code with you. Some law enforcement may not know the law. DO
keep the firearm in a locked box. Keep ammo in another locked box. No ammo in Magazines or speed
loaders. In the t runk or if no trunk as far back in the vehicle as possible in a locked box. This covers all
bases. All of this may not be necessary but it may save you some gr ief.

[EvilSteve]

Thanks Ken.

I've heard the separate locked box theory somewhere. I think that's what's required when taking a handgun to a range with just a simple handgun license (there are several levels).

[Cakes206]

Thats awesome Dan, Congrats!

[EvilSteve]

Thanks dude. :)

[Rock712]

Dan congratz......

[EvilSteve]

Thanks Rock. How goes that Duc dude? :)

[Rock712]

Thanks Rock. How goes that Duc dude? :)

duc's in storage, i've been in norfolk for work.........hopefully in 2-3 weeks will be home long enough to start breaking out bikes and riding.....


i'll pm you before i go shooting again

easy easy

[Hanz-Solo]

Hey congrats Dan! :partyblow

[EvilSteve]

Thanks Hanz. :)