@Dan….Thank you for your earlier kind response…..I wanted a “direct link” to you, so I popped down the thread. However, before I reply to those aforementioned remarks, please let me first respectfully preface them with this additional thought : I was born a ways after the 1950’s, so I have no reason to want to return to a place I’ve never been…..however, I did enjoy the benefits of growing up in a more recent point in this country’s history when peace, prosperity and patriotism still ruled the day, and thus, have no qualms in wishing to replicate those secure conditions in our current/future society. Personally, I don’t see that so much as a political statement, as a sincere hope upon which all Americans would agree. Having gotten that sentiment out of the way, Dan, I must repeat that I really appreciated your thoughtful consideration of my explanation for the opposing view to the controversial topic at hand. When I initially read the various threads and their questions posed by Mr. Fairman regarding the GOP convention, I knew to gird myself for the standard, negative rhetoric we often see here….and my expectations were sadly more than surpassed…..very few surprises! Quite frankly, I usually just overlook these less than diverse “collections” and move on, as I tend to comment very little about political matters, particularly since many of the posters I most adore here are reliably on the opposite side of “the aisle.” (As you, yourself, have very diplomatically noted….) Hence I routinely just grit my teeth and concentrate on the incredible charm, wit and creativity that I do admire in these said individuals and forget the rest….whilst remaining silent. Yet, when I came upon these specific subjects and found the same old blanket condemnations and too-cute comments aimed toward those with a contrary opinion, I said to myself, “Not This Time!” That’s because the puerile labels like the very hackneyed “haters,” not to mention, (fill-in-the-blank) phobes, or other oft-used pejoratives simply don’t comport with any of the fine, personable—-and yes, highly-educated and well-read—people of varied political stripes I know who are supporting Mr. Trump, let alone those numerous naturalized citizens who have exhibited much the same attitude on the subject of illegal immigration as both his wife, Melania, and, of course, Antonio. As I have previously observed, all of them truly cherish their citizenship and are so (rightfully) proud of the fact that they attained their status according to the laws set forth by our nation….they don’t find it one bit incongruous for them to support either DJT’s candidacy or his specifically proposed remedies for this admittedly controversial issue. It’s actually totally in line with their beliefs that everyone should be required to follow the same intensive procedures that they did for the immense privilege of becoming an American, and they are more than a tad miffed and insulted that they have been maligned for pointing out what they consider the vastly important distinction between their own legal entries into the USA and the mass illegal crossings we are now witnessing on our border. I would describe their displeasure as akin to a person who went through the hard work, expense and time it took to complete a doctorate program vs. someone who just steps onto campus grounds and is awarded the same degree simply for showing up, no further effort required. I realize this hypothetical is not exactly comparable, but perhaps it will give you—and others—an idea how those in this situation have expressed it to me. It’s not so much a slam on the individuals being encouraged to participate in this lawless behavior, as an indictment upon how the present system is providing them inequitable access in contrast to the personal experiences of previously law-compliant emigrants. As far as Mr. Trump being accused of harboring anti-immigrant feelings? That is also a tough proposition for me to accept, given that his own family has consisted of a much-beloved mother who originally hailed from Scotland and the spouses/mothers of four of his children who were born in formerly Communist Eastern bloc countries!!!! Again, I emphasize it is the illegal component and its accompanying dangers (of health and safety) that he—and many of his prospective voters—-have so vehemently railed against. I will further propose that for any of us to be likewise labeled as xenophobic is disingenuous because with rare exception, we trace our very American existences to forefathers who arrived here from elsewhere…..does that mean we despise our own antecedents? I should hardly think so!!!! At any rate, I realize this has been a lengthy post, as I am wont to write, so I do apologize for that, Dan….I really enjoyed your response and wanted to further expound upon my initial remarks. Lastly, I should like to add that as someone who has dared provide alternative opinions over these past few days, I’ve been most thankful for the thoughtful, accepting nature of posters like yourself (and James, too….) Agreeing to disagree needn’t be traumatic, rather it can be fun and interesting!….I truly consider such positive dialogue to be vital to the political process…it’s happened far too seldom in this highly-polarized election season, and since you asked, no, I’m not running for office…..LOL….although I am very immersed in politics almost 24/7—I actually need to catch up on my sleep after this week!— but I did avidly participate as a student council/government representative during my uni years….I ran three successful campaigns and still look back at that activity as being one of the highlights of my college career! By the way, that’s despite the fact the majority of my peers were also of often opposite views….we still got on famously…no fisticuffs to report! Oddly enough, my tenure on the school’s newspaper was not nearly as rewarding since those much-vaunted ideals of freedom of speech/the press were not uniformly applied to those who failed to espouse the publication’s prevailing left-of-center political philosophy. Oh, well….go figure!