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Opposition party gains ahead of Latvian vote
Published: 02 October, 2010, 08:46
Edited: 05 October, 2010, 14:15
The polls have just closed in Latvia's parliamentary elections, with preliminary results expected in the early hours of Sunday. Latvian TV exit polls show the center-right government taking the lead.
You’re wrong, Larry. Latvians are Latvia’s greatest assets. Always have been, always will be. Russians are very much Ivans-come-lately. Many Russians nevertheless have become valuable for Latvia. But those who choose to live there and make no commitment to that country are probably not amongst that number, and will not be until they choose to actually make a commitment. Until then, one can never know where their loyalties actually lie, and there are so many of them that one cannot risk giving them the final right of citizenship, namely the right to decide the future of Latvia, until they first actually make a commitment and declare their loyalty to Latvia.
Mars...Like the old American adage...I know with you that 'If I give you enough rope, you'll hang yourself.'...You proved my point better than I ever could...I can't believe that people like you associate with the West when you have more in common with the old Soviets. Let me suggest a variation of an old loyalty oath from your former allies of WWII, "I swear: I will be faithful and obedient to the (Latvian) state and people, to observe the law, and to conscientiously fulfil my official duties, so help me God!"
Estonia had no WW2 allies, Larry. Only enemies. But if we’re talking about oaths of allegiance which foreigners must take to be granted citizenship by naturalization, here is a little exercise in contrasts, for your education. The US citizenship oath goes like this: “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 law; that I will perform non-combatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by 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." The Estonian citizenship oath is as follows: “In applying for Estonian citizenship, I swear to be loyal to the constitutional order of Estonia.” If foreigners, including foreigners from Russia, are not prepared swear loyalty in these terms to Estonia they will not be granted citizenship, and can have no part in determining the future of the country through participation in national elections. Oppressive, isn’t it?
Latvia's Russian minority could become Latvia's greatest asset as Russia expands to meet its full potential & becomes a serious trading partner....or...Latvians can shut the door on Russia and continue to fester as a small EU backwater in Germany's shadow....Future or past ...the choice is theirs..