The video above is of Ken O'Keefe telling of how, and why, he renounced his US citizenship...
Personally, I'd think a personal story like that is very much worthy to be made into a "based on true story" movies.. (Okay, perhaps that's because I haven't have any good movies to watch lately, haha)
Anyways, it made me think...
Is there any thing that would ever make me to renounce my citizenship?
I mean, there's a lot of problematic stuff that is going on with the elected government (I'm talking about me and my country), but my perception is always looking for a way to make it better... Change the elected goverment, maybe.. Pressure them into changing policies that need to be changed.. etc...
Because, it is MY country (as in the people), and not theirs (the government), and I want the best for my country.. If they are bringing the country into destruction, or doing evil doings in the name of the country, I'd say that it should be THEM that should be kicked out, and not me...
Still, after watching this video, I thought to my self... Is there a limit? Would there be a limit before I'd actually say, "That's it! I don't want to be a part of this country any longer!"
I still can't think of any.. Or perhaps, I don't even want to think til that point, and sure do hope that it will never go anywhere near that situation..
=(, I had to renounce my Taiwanese Citizenship as requirement for my present workplace in the United States. I was a bit sad having to give it up.
Running from a problem does not help solve the problem. Staying involved, in my mind, and working to change from the inside is what is needed.
What country are you from? I am confused as you say my country...
Anyway, I am Canadian and we have a different perspective of looking at the US, and I am sure many will agree with what Ken has said. Because we don't believe everything that is said by them. I watched the video and I couldn't understand why he kept burning the passport etc. I could understand what he is saying about the wars, because that is what the Republicans want.
no matter how bad things might get here, or how frustrating it might seem, this is a paradise compared to other countries. there is a reason why people from all over the world are waiting in line for their chances to come here, and are crossing borders illegally to get here. all of the things that have happened here - lies, altered history, political crimes on other nations, etc. - they happen other places, too. only, much worse, with no recourse. he will probably want to come home sometime. who knows, though? maybe he won't.
I think O"keefe is a bit out there and No, I would not renounce my citizenship as an American citizen. I am proud to be an American:)
@angys_coco - Hi Angy and me and Ali are waving at you and Coco.
I think a person needs to love their country the same way one should love their children. You stick by it an discipline it when it does wrong. You take responsibility for it, not disown it. So many people complain about politicians in the U.S. but they wont even run for an office within their particular city. They pay no attention to local politics, so naturally specialists interests take over the national seen.
The story of American civil rights should make Americans proud of their country.
I renounced my American citizenship in 2011. It was one of the most liberating things I've ever done. I fucking hate my birth country with every fiber of my being and I have a long list of grievances with it: from their imperialism (they think they're the world's police power and they butt their nose into almost every other country's business), the culture in general, among other things. I had been ashamed to be an American since high school, and renouncing my citizenship was the final step in closing the book on my time as an American. I am proud to be a non-American, and no, I have absolutely no desire to return to America to live (some places are nice to visit, but I will never live there again).
Interestingly enough though, I didn't have to put up as much of a fight as this guy. They let me go without a fuss, and they let most other people go without a fuss too. Maybe this guy was a thorn in their side and they decided to make his life hell? Who knows.
I have to return to watch the video. As for your question, no. I don't always like what Canada does, but I'm Canadian through and through. I'd never be able to renounce that.
To renounce would mean finding a country that is better that would accept you...and that's not easy.
I had considered renouncing my US citizenship, but my reasons were pretty much cultural. I personally don't identify myself as "American", but more rather a Slovak (ethnically) or Serbian (the modern country from which my family immigrated). That was about it. But then I realised it was a bit too drastic.
I don't have to like everything that exists in America - and I don't - but to me, my faith and family are too important, and my home is with my family and my church congregation. I can't leave them.
good post
I am a duel citizen of both US and Canada and I plan to keep it that way since my real citizenship is with the Ojibwa First Nations. My Sister is hearing stories from other students in Canada how immigrants are leaving the USA in droves to go to Canada.
Comments (16)
Anyway, I am Canadian and we have a different perspective of looking at the US, and I am sure many will agree with what Ken has said. Because we don't believe everything that is said by them. I watched the video and I couldn't understand why he kept burning the passport etc. I could understand what he is saying about the wars, because that is what the Republicans want.
You stick by it an discipline it when it does wrong. You take responsibility for it, not disown it. So many people complain about politicians in the U.S. but they wont even run for an office within their particular city. They pay no attention to local politics, so naturally specialists interests take over the national seen.
The guy in the video has mental health issues.
Interestingly enough though, I didn't have to put up as much of a fight as this guy. They let me go without a fuss, and they let most other people go without a fuss too. Maybe this guy was a thorn in their side and they decided to make his life hell? Who knows.
I don't have to like everything that exists in America - and I don't - but to me, my faith and family are too important, and my home is with my family and my church congregation. I can't leave them.