This whole "the first American to win the NYC marathon in 24 years isn't a
real American" story.
Have you heard about this?
Meb Keflezighi won the men's division at the Marathon on Sunday. His time was 2 hours, 9 minutes and 15 seconds. That's a great achievement, isn't it? Mr. Keflezighi, 34, is the first American to win since 1982. He was born in Eritrea (in Africa). His family came to this country when he was 12, and he's been a naturalized citizen for 11 years. He lives in California.
But almost as soon as his name was announced, there was this ugly current of "
Well, he's not a real American." I guess because his name isn't
Tom Max Smith and he doesn't have blond hair or blue eyes.
It's damn offensive. This is a nation of immigrants. What could be more American than a guy with a dream working hard, pursuing his goals, and winning something prestigious like the New York City Marathon?
There's no
debate about it! The man is a legal US citizen!
And hey, for those "some say he's not a real American," get your fat asses up off the couch, put down the Cheetos, and do it your own damn self then.