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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: epicure who wrote (52978)	7/15/2002 8:29:45 AM
From: J. C. Dithers	Respond to of 82486

I did not know that so many aliens were made to register and state their political beliefs. Nor did I. Maybe it did not attract much attention at the time, and even I was too young then to have noticed. I take it that you do not like the sound of it. I can't say that I have any problem with it. I assume that "aliens" meant people who were here awaiting citizenship. I think it would be appropriate, then or now, to inquire as to their political beliefs, especially the emphasis on overthrowing governments. If you recall, our nation had gone through violent episodes with "anarchists" in the 1920s and 1930s, including bombings (with loss of life) and riots. Also, of course, Europe was at war in 1940, and it was fairly apparent that we inevitably would be drawn into it. I could picture myself, for example, applying for citizenship in Israel. I would think it logical that they would ask me questions about my political beliefs, and whether I had any history of political activism in the U.S. I would just look at that as a natural area of concern for them. Even beyond that, whatever country I was applying to, I would expect to have to pledge my allegiance to that nation, and forsake any political ties or loyalty to my former country. To me, that would be a normal expectation and requirement for me to be granted the new citizenship. However, as I say, I have no knowledge about the Registration Act of 1940, and whether it was controversial. Do you suppose this Act is still in effect?