The Oath of Citizenship

The Oath of Citizenship
by Faramarz
20-Sep-2010
 

It was back in the 80’s when the judge said, “Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.”

“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 the 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.”

I looked around the room and at the faces of the new Americans from Iran, Mexico, Philippines, Russia and elsewhere. None of them looked like that they could “bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law!” They were all poor souls who wanted a US passport!

The funny thing was that earlier on the day the judge asked if anybody had lost their green cards and no longer had it with them. Three hands went up, all Iranians!

So as Ahmadinejad comes to Washington this week and the US Citizens who support the Islamic Republic start beating their chests, they may want to read their Citizenship Oath one more time.

You are either a liar (under the penalty of perjury) or a hypocrite!

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more from Faramarz
 
Faramarz

Hamsade

by Faramarz on

I agree with you. I think what matters is the spirit of the oath which is one of loyalty, love and respect for the new Homeland.

There was an older Iranian couple (the inspiration for the picture) who not only were too old for any combat or special operations, they could barely speak or understand English! I made friends with them and listened to their oath. It was the funniest thing! The lady was saying something in Farsi and just moving her lips! 

Iranians are characters, young and old! 


hamsade ghadimi

faramarz, that's a long

by hamsade ghadimi on

faramarz, that's a long oath that one has to take.  chances are most people will not entirely agree with the some part of the oath.  for example, will the 80-year old woman in wheelchair really expect to take arms on behalf of united states?  but at that point of the game, everyone will say "yea, yea, whatever, i agree."  that's not the time and place to contest the oath or enter negotiations on what oath should be taken (in other words, it's not a marriage oath).

interestingly, the first sentence of the oath may be construed as giving up one's passport from his home country.  but having another passport (especially with a country that is considered hostile; e.g., iran) is swept under the rug by the state department.  in fact, i believe that one can serve in the military of his own country while being a naturalized u.s. citizen.  there was a supreme court ruling on an israeli citizen who was naturalized but went back to israel and served in its army.  however, if you go to another country's military and fight against the u.s., then you're in trouble (treason which is a capital offense).


Javadagha

Yes

by Javadagha on

Yes, Granpa Majid.  You agree with me.  Thanks. :-)

There are similar people in Iran, but these people, at least have not changed their nationalities or run away from Iran to hide in other countries.

I was laughing that they consider three American hikers as jasos.  Iranians make very good jasos, especially those who are living in the USA. (Hint: check some of the comments, they are giving it away, yes Granpa, baleh janam:-).

Thanks.


Majid

You tell'em "javadagha"......:-)

by Majid on

 

"Many Eye-ranian "haroom-zadeh's" are easily selling their country for an easy job or a more comfortable life."

 

That's exactly what's WRONG with a bunch of.......you know!

 

And it's so obvious to everyone who they are, isn't it?

 


divaneh

Spot on Gunjeshk

by divaneh on

I agree 100% with you. The looser who calls himself the winner is a sad and lonely individual who keeps morphing from one thing to another. Your description is perfect and I have also realised that he gets some sort of mental satisfaction out of rejection and seems to be seeking it actively. The best strategy is as you said to ignore him unless he makes a worthy comment.

Thanks for another good blog Faramarz. I also had an oath of allegiance in the UK, but I will be fighting for no sucker unless my morals guide me to do so. I don't think the analogy of 2nd world war and the German and Italians fighting against the fascist is an appropriate comparison. Fascist had a good chance of winning the war. Iran has no chance. Also, US policy of reconstruction in the Europe has not been a universal policy and the United States has proved to be an anti democratic force in other areas of the world including our own beloved Iran. Life is precious and there are many other ways to fight for your ideals.


Midwesty

Faramarz,

by Midwesty on

I don't know if there is any ethnic group in the US more self-criticizing than Iranian community. Living in the most rural part of the US I've never been confronted with such a personal questions.

Why do you think we need to prove ourselves. I can't find ourselves any more or less American than the others.

I hope you remember Jim McDermott and David Bonior trip to Iraq right before the US run-up to invade Iraq. These two US congressman went to Baghdad defending Iraq to prevent the war. That wasn't because they were supporting Saddam, but because they could envision the consequence of attacking Saddam.
But ordinary Americans at the time were ready to rip them apart. Same Americans that now are suffering from the longest lasting depression post-WWII.

If we do a good job of being responsible, our kids will follow and decide on their own.


Midwesty

Roozbeh jan,

by Midwesty on

I appreciate your time and understand your point of view on Bassiji's. Again Bassiji's didn't landed from the Mars. They are someone like you and me, younger with emotions at large with different objectives, outlooks and ideals. Some of them are going through phases. You never know when one of them become a Ganji or Sazegara but for sure we can facilitate the convergence of the ideas by trying to hear the other side with no pretext.

Thank you and have a good day! 


Faramarz

Maziar, Roozbeh and Midwesty

by Faramarz on

 

Maziar Khan,
I really like your analogy of our motherland and our fatherland. However, in our case, the Regime is abusing our motherland while the fatherland is trying to find the best way to help!

Roozbeh Khan,
Thanks for your comments and clear insight on this issue.

Midwesty,
I am happy that you are clarifying your position as we go. Your first comment sounded like being an American-Iranian is like having a disease! But your subsequent comments are more reasonable.

Nobody wants a war and nobody wants innocent people getting killed. But hear me out on 2 issues.

First of all, Iranian-Americans are raising their children in this country. It is very important that these kids have a clear idea about who they are and what they stand for. The double speak, nuance and speaking between the lines do not work with the kids. One needs to be crystal clear on these matters.

Secondly, we as Iranian-Americans should not make the same mistake as the Muslim-Americans made after 9/11 by trying to be on both sides of the terrorism issue! The regime in Iran is criminal one and uses its military power on the defenseless middle-age women and the average citizens. When Khamenei says that he will use "all their assets worldwide to counter US", he is not talking about us. We need to make that point crystal clear to the American people and expose their sympathizers in our midst.


Roozbeh_Gilani

Midwesty: I was not questioning the morality of the hypothesis

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

Just how you'd react to this hypothetical scenario of having to  take up arms against Iran if asked by your new adopted country. I do appreciate your hesitance in answering my somehow personal question and would like to leave it here per my previous comment. 

But let me answer your list of questions in one paragraph so you know where I stand on this: I believe military attack on Iran would be as immoral and unjustified as the one on Iraq or vietnam. I dont want to see the images of my dead civilian compatriots on TV screens. Would I feel the same about the images of dead bassiji militia? Absolutely not. But a few thousand dead bassijis are not worth the life of a single defenceless Iranian child.

Thank you for your time.

 


Midwesty

Doctor jan,

by Midwesty on

You are right. I was just opposing Framarz's view that's why I sounded too generalizing and self-righteous because I had to be someone like him but on the other side of the joob.

That's my exact point. There is no black and white. 

By the way, why are we so afraid of opposing the US policies? We live in a country that even its presidents always run on the platforms to oppose the current policies?


default

Jenabe Gharbe Myani

by Doctor X on

Midwesty jan

You are throwing one too many things into this mix. some totally unrelated to others.

When one takes a pledge in anything, That does not by definition makes them Hypocrite, even in this case where US is the big guy. If anyone were in the position to predict that US will without a doubt attack X weak country in the future, Had they taken the oath then then Yes they would be Hypocrites for sure. But some Bakht Bargashte Who takes it on a a normal basis, Can not be called as such. That would be so unfair.

On bearing Arms. No. again the answers are not so clear! You would not even want to bother to KNOW why so and so did not have the chance to defend their own country, why do you Go on and make generalizations? You have no right to call the liars, since you don't know much about them nor their backgrounds. what makes you so sure and what gives you confidence to Know that such sentiment will automatically manifest itself in the context of doing it for the newly adopted nation? There could be more amicable and differnt circumstances.

 


Midwesty

Roozbeh,

by Midwesty on

Please help me to understand your hypothesis:

1- What do you mean by being prepared to attack Iran? Did Iran do something so blunt and significant that was worthy of being attacked? For example did they attack us first with full force and they are at our doorsteps? 

2- Is there any resemblance between Iran and Germany and Italy of WWII? Why didn't you mention communist China in your list? Is borrowing money from the communist China a treason then?

3- Please let me know where in the pledge of alliance is required to wear a uniform in order to defend the country?

4- Who is making the decision to attack Iran? The US Congress or the President?

5- Who is the president? Obama? or Bush?

6- Who are the majority of the US congress at the time? Democrats or Republicans?

7- What is the general public feelings about the coming war? Are they all pumped up like going to Afghanistan or must be dragged in like in Iraq?

8- Is war the only solution at the time or Iran's action was an isolated one, like hostage crisis?

9- What are general senses among the American intellectuals and known thinkers, I don't count Jeffy Goldberg, an Israeli soldier, as an American thinker?

10- Are the US politicians along their kids and family members on the line or they are getting ready to make bigger pockets?

These are just a few questions I need to know before I answer your hypothetical question. 


default

Ananymouse

by Doctor X on

What does have anything to do with JJ not running this site properly? Does this look like a Mahde koodak to you or IS jj supposed to act as a Big bad Mobser? We are all adults here and Should know our Limits. I horse around with so many all the time and then we put a stop toit and start behaving and just find a way to let go.

Why are you offended by some crappy and sophomoric comments by someone whoes credibility and loyalty been teted and proven? Even if you did have total control over your Blog, would you have wanted to spend a good portion Mobsering people and deleting stuff from your account?

JJ's has got so much more crucial and pertinent matters to attend to than worrying about Loonies letting it all loose in here.


Roozbeh_Gilani

midwesty.

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

Just expanding on some of good points you yourself raised, specefically "defence of USA" in the oath of allegiance for naturalisation.

Please note, that US soldiers from WWII, to Korea,  Vietnam, Iraq and afghanistan wars were actually "defending USA" against Fascism, communism and islamist terrorism.

Now we all know that both Italian and german US citizens fought for US in their own countries to remove the dictators Mussolini and Hitler. And as you know US german and Italian relationships are very good now.

Let me ask you this: as an Iranian_american, would you be prepared to attack Iran wearing US military uniform if asked by uncle sam? If you feel uncomfortable about my question, please accept my apologies and we leave the discussion here.

Thanks.


Midwesty

Roozbeh,

by Midwesty on

Do you know why the US constitution is such a beautiful document? Because it is simple!

When I ambeing pounded by the political havoc surrounding the war and peace issues, I reflect into myself. Because after all, bearing arms and defending a country is a personal decision.

So go ahead and do that yourself, this time try to see the words defense and offense through the eyes of the funding father of this country, who believed in "liberty and happiness for all!"

By the way I know I am on the higher moral ground on this topic but by experience I know most people's perception and consequent judgment are skewed by the sheer idealistic propaganda for a short period of time! That short period of time is the time that the most damages are being done!


Roozbeh_Gilani

midwesty: "Defence of USA", could mean attacking your own....

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

country of birth, in your case Iran, wearing United States military uniform.
Now I am saying this not as amorale judgement on anybody, just to emphasise the point I made in a previous comment here.

BTW, this is an excellent blog.


Midwesty

The pledge of allegiance

by Midwesty on

is to bound the new citizens to bear arms and defend the US against the enemy even though it might be their country of origin.

Keywords are DEFEND and BEAR ARMS.

1- Defend concern: the US is the big guy on the block and it's more likely to ATTACK the little guys not the other way around (Afghanistan is an exception). So people who cover the attack under a new name of defend are the hypocrites.

2- Bear Arms concern: the answer is clear since there are two type of Iranian-Americans:

a) One who didn't even defend their own country of born, let alone defending the country of which they have adopted. This makes this group of people more like liars. They say they will bear arms but we know they won't.

b) The one who defend the right side no matter what. The US constitution is on the right side but whether the politicians who make the decision to go in war are on the same side, remains to be seen!

So you are talking about two different things, the morality of what is right and wrong (what is intended by the US constitution) and the political relativity of what is defined as right or wrong (the political decisions). 

I am a US citizen and I will defend this country if we get attacked that's what is in my nature. I defend myself, my family and the country of which has given me the education and my livelihood. Does it mean that I defend the political rats? Never!


Bavafa

Dear cousin Framarz,

by Bavafa on

With the exception of a very few do you know any one here that is not a lair and a hypocrite at some level?

Good blog though, keep them coming as you are one of my favorite writer on IC

Mehrdad

P.S. I may add, I will bear arm to DEFEND my new home, should it ever be attacked or invaded by a foreign force.


maziar 58

..

by maziar 58 on

I might have said this before this dual Identity for us is like a custody battle ;Iran as a motherland is always loved(every body loves his/her mother) and most of us living here in the USA for decades 

America as a fatherland been good to us with all the thing we have or not so .......

I do not wish any body EVER  have to decide one day: WHICH SIDE ARE YOU IN ?   Maziar

marg bar jomhury Islami 


Faramarz

Sargord Type Zero

by Faramarz on

Thanks for reading and commenting.

I don’t see any conflict between loving your culture, people and the motherland and at the same time show respect and love for the new homeland.

The conflict comes when people mix the IR Regime with our people and our culture, like the folks who were having dinner with Mahmoud and the gang in New York. The scarves on some of the ladies were so tight that I couldn’t see how they could chew their foods!

To those folks I say, “You are either with Sepah, Basij, Mahmoud and Khamenei or you are with the peaceful protesters on the street, the students and the US and international community that support them.”

As for Sargord, the more he talks, the more he shows his true colors.


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sargord: the remarkably wet blanket

by gunjeshk on

sargord is a remarkably wet blanket. I don't believe in his persona. notice how he has suddenly morphed today from ordinary half-iranian to half iranian-native-american.  he is a lot like the "nur" character who keeps trying to haunt this place while reinventing himself as other religious and ethnic personalities. just like nur, the underlying problem is a weak identity.

all s.p. does is continually try to ratchet up his pitiful projections of authority. he wants to be an authentic something-or-other by constantly dissing others. he doesn't seem to know that all he needs to be is human. i don't really believe he has much conviction other than creating dissention with a few psuedo-intellectual comments, much like "nur" did. after all, causing unhappiness is good way to get attention if you are not emotionally well.

he would not get his "fix" if we stopped feeding his negativity! ignore him, until he says something sensible (if that ever happens).

let his blather be his own indictment. I can't imagine what it is like to be as crabbed and confused as he seems to be. leave him alone. he is "a legend in his own mind." at the end of the day he has to live with himself and that can't be fun.


Roozbeh_Gilani

"half breed"

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

Why do you have to sink to the gutter level of your fascist opponent, if you genuinly believe that you have the morale upper hand?

Also I'd not trivilise the oath of citizenship. This oath is based on certain values and is intended to be honest expressions of ones allegiance to the new country. If you dont believe in it, just live with your green cards in USA as permanent residents. 


Midwesty

No too fast Faramarz...

by Midwesty on

You label anyone you choose as an IRI supporter to shut him up. An old trick, frankly!

When 99% of Americans were glorifying opening a new front in war on Terror (read Iraq), the small 1% was labeled as such by the angry mobs. The mob was ready to hang evil lefty witches, until the reality slowly started to settle and now we are deep into its shit!

So not too fast my American friend, as we have famously said, doshmane dana beh az dooste naadaan, having a wise enemy is better than having a foolish friend.

By your own standard the question is why are you, an American is here on "Iranian" dot com?


Simorgh5555

Anonymouse - Sargord and the truth

by Simorgh5555 on

I know you are addressing JJ but I wish to add an observation about Sargord's indifference to the sufferings of Iranians and the almost inhuman unconditional support he gives to the Islamic Republic: it  is because he  is a half breed. His comportment and opinions are more akin to the Deevs in Shahnameh or Zahak the deamon King'. This interloper enjoyed a high school education during the time of the shah to which he admits he had great memories of but you can bet your bottom dollar he would not return to live there today. Unfortunately, Sargord believes he can validate his Iranian side and feel accepted amongsts Iranians by supporting the regime.

 


Anonymouse

JJJ y do u allow Sargord to go around saying nonsense like this?

by Anonymouse on

JJJ in every blog he goes and posts an annoying comment about the blogger being anti-Iran or exile or some other crap.

JJJ do you like your bloggers to be called names with impunity by an individual day in and day out?  You don't care or feel you need to provide any semblance of normalcy for your bloggers?  You think we should take all this nonsense with open arms?

I've suggested you give your bloggers the authority to manage their own blogs and comments under it.  You don't do that and yet feel comfortable that someone goes around as a matter of habit and leave anti-Iranian comments about your bloggers.  

In my opinion make no mistake about it, Sargord's behavior is a direct reflection of you and how you manage your website and treat your bloggers. I'll live with it but you can do better.

Everything is sacred


Faramarz

Sargord Comanchero!

by Faramarz on

Having a parent that has been in the US since the ice ages would make you a Native American! Cherokee or Apache? But you look more like a pale skin (Rang Parideh!)

No exiles here Sargord!

Like many Iranians, after finishing my education, I had the choice of staying here or go back, and I made the decision to stay and to become a citizen with open eyes.

I see a pattern with you and the other made-in-the-USA IR/Hamas/Hezbollah supporters. None of you have deep Iranian cultural roots and at the same time, you all seem unappreciative of the opportunities that the US has provided to you. The First Amendments Right of free speech carries with it an obligation to use logic and common sense!

You guys are neither here, nor there! Ahmadinejad’s comment about “The tumbleweeds” (Khaar o Khasak) actually applies to you folks! You are like the lost souls in the Purgatory!

Why don’t you write about your childhood? I promise to read it! Are you still upset about the fact that you were the only kid in the class that brought peanut butter sandwich for lunch while the other kids were enjoying their Ghormeh Sabzi?


Monda

can one be both, Faramarz?

by Monda on

I see the type everywhere. I don't feel citizenship can be injected through that oath but the conflicts started before that day for me. 

(In high school that was one of my favorite songs of all times. My friend Maryam had gone through the trouble of writing down the lyrics for me on a long sheet of paper)


Jahanshah Javid

Nationality of the heart

by Jahanshah Javid on

Faramarz, I know what you mean. But there's a big gray area between "liars" and "hypocrites". Most immigrants get Green Cards and/or citizenship for practical purposes. They are looking for economic opportunity, freedom and happiness like any other human being, but taking the oath of citizenship does not seal them as American patriots. The nationality you feel you are is shaped by experiences that can't be changed by signing a piece of paper. Iranian Americans are law-abiding, productive citizens even though they often FEEL more Iranian than American. It's the same with immigrants form other nations too.


Sargord Pirouz

Ha! Some of us are not

by Sargord Pirouz on

Ha! Some of us are not naturalized, Faramarz. 

And in my exceptional case, my non-Iranian side has lived on this land since the last ice age (figure that one out, why don't you).

So I'll speak my mind whichever way I feel like. You got that, exile?