What a great milestone. Today Benny is officially a US Citizen. After taking him downtown for the final instructions and swearing in, I took this picture of him strolling out of the Federal Building with not one, but two flags in hand. Benny definitely has a magnetic personality. The lady in charge of the proceedings took a liking to him, and gave him an extra flag. She even wanted the doodle paper he was occupying his time with. She mentioned putting it on her desk. What can I say... Guatemala's loss is our gain.

I opted to stay in the room to see the other people (mostly kids from 14-18 years old) recite their oath to seal their citizenship. What a great experience to witness kids with the presence of mind to renounce all ties to their homeland, and to state they would defend the US if called upon by their military obligations or through civilian protocol.

I would venture there are plenty of illegal workers who would cherish the thought to be able to take this oath. Maybe we'll elect a President that has compassion for these silent voices living among us. I certainly would, but I don't see a viable candidate with my viewpoints either. Correct me if I'm wrong.