We Fight For Them But They Don’t Fight For Us
“Vanessa Guillen is a prime example of how Latinos will fight for this country but the country won’t fight for them.”
As a Mexican American, daughter of both a citizen and resident of the United States, I would do anything for this country — fight for it, defend it, stand with it. But what does it mean if this country does not do the same for me? Do I even mean anything to it?
Probably not.
What does the American Dream even mean? Where does the “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility” come in? Where does achieving justice and advocating for human rights take place? Where are my rights? Where is my freedom?
Oh, I don’t have any.
Yet my parents have worked hard day and night to provide for our family. They left their country, left their families, left their people to come to a country they knew nothing about — the language, the culture, the people. They knew nothing. All they knew was that this country was full of opportunities and possibilities.
Vanessa Guillen’s parents were the same way.
Although Latino’s are known for stealing American jobs, it does not mean they are criminals. We are not criminals. We only want respect, freedom, justice, and equality. Because who doesn't?
We choose to leave our home country for one who has not given us anything. It’s like choosing to leave your birth parents for total strangers to raise you. Tell me how that makes sense? Tell me how that doesn't mean a single thing? That’s how fiercely we believe in a country we know nothing about.
And this is what we get in return?
Vanessa Guillen, a 20 year old, who gave her life to the U.S. Army. Her body dismembered and hidden; disappeared for 2 months until the United States paid attention. Fort Hood, not only lied over and over again but laughed in their family’s face. How do you call that respect and honor? Isn’t that what the U.S. Army is about?
Vanessa Guillen fought for this country, but has this country fought for her?
