CROCKETT'S LAST STAND; Immigration - The Past Predicts the Future By Elisabeth McGowan

      

Elisabeth McGowan

  For all of you that love American history, you’ve probably heard of David,“Davy,” Crockett. For those of you that don’t, he is known for his participation in the Congressional elections during President Andrew Jackson’s presidency, and outwardly opposing Jackson’s policies – mainly the Indian Removal Act. Later on, he fought in the Texas Revolution, but died after the Alamo.           

  Before you think this is a rewind of your high school History class, don’t worry, it’s not. Think about it this way: what is similar to the notions of the Indian Removal Act in this day and age? Perhaps the notion of banning immigrants would come to mind. Just as Indians were forced to move out of their lands because Americans felt those territories belonged to them, modern immigrants have been blamed for taking jobs away from Americans. Some Americans have even blamed Muslim immigrants for specific reasons as well.
                                                           

    Now, I’m not trying to bring up opinions about the debate over the belief to ban immigrants, but I’m suggesting that these types of situations reincarnate in the future, even if it’s hundreds of years later. The personality of David Crockett can possibly be seen throughout some politicians, like John Boehner or basically any other person in the government that is clearly against President Obama’s policies. Boehner sued the president for his action to protect all immigrants from being legally kicked out of America, as Obama wanted to increase deportation relief. Although Crockett stood for the opposite of what Boehner did by wanting to stop the Indian Removal Act, both men are known for their political beliefs against the presidents. 
   Okay, so why would I tell you about this apparent comparison? I’m not hardcore about politics but when I read George Cameron Grant's Crockett's Last Stand, I saw the character of Crockett as a relatable person to people of this generation - especially the event that is discussed throughout Crockett’s statements in this “last stand” of his: the Indian Removal Act. I couldn’t help but notice that this historical person and the situations he was in sounded familiar with what’s happening now. Grant emphasizes that history repeats itself, through people and events.
  Whether you’re a history lover or not, whether you’re in touch with the political activity or not, and whether you’re the ultimate fan of the eminent David Crockett or not at all, you would enjoy Grant's play.You will notice how many events that have already been seen today could have possibly stemmed from the past. What’s your “last stand” on this? Does the past predict the future? Comment below.

       Crockett’s Last Stand will be playing at the Riant Theatre on July 14^th at 9pm, and July 19^th and the 25^th at 7pm for the Strawberry One-Act Festival, at the Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46^th Street.