Because we Americans are eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil and we don't say "Ey" enough to make Canucks comfortable.
Canadian or American?
- Thread starter NTRPRZ
- Start date
That is probably a more serious answer than you'd think. I've been reading his latest autobiography, and he talks candidly about how he remembers his lines, how he's trained himself to remember things. That's why he doesn't understand fans who can quote whole scenes 20+ years after they saw a particular TOS episode; to him it's over and done with and he needs to cram the next set of lines into his memory for whatever his current job is.Well, it sounds like he's not an American citizen...but as far as his explanation of why, I'm once again impressed by his disinterest in giving a straight and serious answer to any question.
If he could take the citizenship test orally instead of on paper, I suspect he'd do much better at it.
The civics part of the citizenship test is oral. It's part of the interview.
The part about being required by law to bear arms is pretty disturbing. Forcible military service is hardly compatible with the ideals of a democratic society. And I understand that military people generally agree that a volunteer armed service is more capable and professional than a draftee armed service.
And there might be some First Amendment questions about that "so help me God" part.
Disturbing only at first glance. If you go to the relevant government website, you'll see that one may request to take a modified oath.
Questions, sure. Answers... probably shortly after our money and Pledge of Allegiance become First Amendment-compliant, aka "never".
kkozoriz1
Fleet Captain
If the "so help me God" part isn't a necessary part of the oath why is it in there in the first place?
Exactly. That’s why the U.S. doesn’t currently have a military draft -- or any form of mandatory national service, for that matter -- and is unlikely to have one any time soon. If conscription is ever re-instituted, naturalized citizens will be required to obey the law and serve like everyone else. Seems reasonable, doesn’t it?
It’s there by default. Traditionally, formal oaths end with “so help me God.” If you like, consider it a figure of speech, like saying “God bless you” when somebody sneezes.
"When required by the law." This isn't detailed in the allegiance, because it's not appropriate there. It is common knowledge that there are all kinds of requirements and restrictions with respect to serving in the military. When you are young, you are vulnerable to become a part of it--via a draft order. I believe it applies to anyone between the ages of 18 to 25. See "Selective Service System." Thus... if you are 26, you are exempt. They're not going to draft grandma, just because she knows how to use a shotgun. THAT is what this segment of the allegiance is all about.
You may also be interested to know that all first world nation governments reserve the right to institute a draft to populate their military institutions. The age ranges probably vary... But hey, when your country needs defending, it's important for sufficient capable people to be there to do it. If you're within the eligible age and don't agree with that, then delay seeking citizenship...
You may also be interested to know that all first world nation governments reserve the right to institute a draft to populate their military institutions. The age ranges probably vary... But hey, when your country needs defending, it's important for sufficient capable people to be there to do it. If you're within the eligible age and don't agree with that, then delay seeking citizenship...
WTF? Democratic societies have frequently had a draft, without too much complaint about it being antidemocratic. We have a volunteer military now (the Pentagon loves it, probably won't change anytime soon) and every so often, I hear complaints of the undemocratic nature of not having a draft, since you end up with just certain demographic groups in the military (conservative, religious).
It also arguably makes it easier to get into wars, since most people don't know anyone in the military, so it's all segregated far away and abstract. The segments who will volunteer for the military are the least likely to object to having to bear the cost of war.
On balance, I'd say nonvoluntary military service is somewhat more democratic than voluntary.
And I had no idea Hannibal Lecter is American now. Very educational thread.
Under the US's current draft protocol, you end up with only certain demographic groups in the military anyways. Males ages 18-25: the new underclass at best, the new slaves at worst.
Anthony Hopkins became a U.S. citizen on 12 April 2000, but remains a citizen of the U.K, giving him dual citizenship.
Canadian-born Pamela Anderson also holds dual citizenship -- which seems somehow appropriate, given that her most notable attribute comes in twos.
And Charlize Theron gained her U.S. citizenship in May 2007, which means she’s -- yep -- an African-American. Welcome to the tribe, sistah!
Yes, I'll agree about the evil bit but just a tidbit (or timbit) of information for you: It's "Eh", not "Ey" and Canadians hardly ever say it unless we're mocking Americans. And "Eh" is actually British. We simply get the blame for it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go skiiing with the Eskimo family next door...
kkozoriz1
Fleet Captain
Traditionally religion is used a a cudgel to seperate out the non-belivers. It's appropriate if used in a religious setting. It's not in a multicultural society.
I agree. I apologize for derailing the thread with my query about the “spooky” citizenship oath, but my curiosity was piqued.Hi, I'm a reader of the TOS forum and not TNZ, and I'd like my thread back please...
So, no Shatner/Canadian bacon/ham jokes?
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