Tuesday open thread: A few words from a new citizen

Yesterday we commemorated the festival where Jews celebrate overthrowing an oppressor's yoke and regaining their freedom. In keeping with that theme, a few words from a new citizen:

Outspoken professional basketball player Enes Kanter has legally changed his name to Enes Kanter Freedom to celebrate becoming a US citizen.

The Swiss-born, Turkish-raised Mr Kanter, 29, tweeted a video of his citizenship ceremony on Monday. He recited the oath using his new name.

He has repeatedly condemned human rights violations in China and Turkey.

The NBA star has said his Turkish passport was revoked by authorities in 2017.

In an interview with CNN, Mr Kanter, who plays with the Boston Celtics, said the name change will reflect his "fight" for freedom throughout his life.

"Here [in the US] there is freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press," he said. "I didn't have any of those with Turkey."

We in the jaundiced, oh-so cynical West may scoff at Mr. Kanter's joy. We may deride him as a yokel just off the boat. He is neither of those things. His words and actions strike at something too many of us have lost. He knows what it is to live in a country with no freedom. He knows what it is to live in a country which has lurched from military coups to authoritarian regimes. He knows what it is to be brought up on spurious charges—Turkey issued an arrest warrant for him for his supposed role in the 2016 coup attempt, which he denies having any part of. He sees the US for what it is: imperfect, but still the country where you can live your life and pursue your dreams. 

The rabid right and the loony left actively work against the best principles of this country. And the mushy middle just doesn't care much, having lost touch with this nation's ideals. It takes an immigrant, who has been through more than any of us can imagine, to bring back into stark contrast just why so many still try to come to these shores, both legally and illegally. America, for all its myriad problems, is still the land of hope. China isn't. Russia isn't. When we forget that, we forget what it is that defines this country, or should define it.

Welcome to this great, maddening, sad, joyful experiment, Enes. May we be worthy of your faith.

This is your open thread.