USA at 250: Henry McKean reports
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What recent Supreme Court ruling was made about birthright citizenship?
The US Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court ruled that babies born in the United States have a constitutional right to citizenship, this rejecting President Donald Trump's bid to end the 150-year-old policy. With America being built on immigration, what does all of this mean for the average American celebrating the 4th of July?
How does the ruling on birthright citizenship affect American families?
Well, Henry McKean joins us now at the crack of a New York dawn from Fitzpatrick's Hotel on Lexington Avenue. Henry, good morning.
Good morning. Yeah, it's daybreak here. I headed out in that heat wave, and 19 have died so far in this extreme 40-degree heat.
What is the significance of America's immigrant history?
And there was a spectacular firework display last night on the Brooklyn Bridge, and those thunderstorms actually held off. It went ahead as planned. And New York, last night and today, it's in full party mood. But a swimmer was bitten by a shark on a New York beach, but it's doing okay. And I met people, Pat, from around the world, first-generation Americans, and they were wearing stars and stripes, and they were from all over the place, and they were just so proud to be American, they told me. Here are John and Diane, who have worked in the UN. I met them on the Hudson River down in Brooklyn, and they were in the shade trying to get out of the sweltering heat.
How do New Yorkers feel about the current political climate?
I'm proud to be an American, although it's tough to be proud during this political time.
We can hear the honking, it's just so American. We can hear the helicopters, it's 40 degree heat, firework display, lots of celebrations, a guy banging behind us trying to sell pizza. This country's still going for it.
Yeah. Well, welcome to New York. I'm a New Yorker, although we live in Philadelphia. My name's John, by the way. And yeah, this is the New York experience, which is, I think, quintessential America.
What are the challenges facing immigrants in America today?
All different kinds of people, all different kinds of energy. I'll call it the entrepreneurial spirit everywhere. Just like you said, right up the block, people selling pizza. I'm sure they don't have a license.
For you, where is America going? What will the next 250 years be like?
I have grandkids, and they'll be around to see a bunch of it long after we're gone. I have to say I worry about where things are now. It's just so much divisiveness in politics. It's just terrible. And the idea of America in my mind is doing great things together, overcoming adversity, making great accomplishments and achievements. And, you know, my parents are the children of immigrants.
And so are mine. And yours.
Is the American dream still achievable in today's society?
And where did they come from?
They came from Eastern Europe, from Poland and Russia. But the idea that this country is built on immigrants, Irish immigrants, German immigrants, all kinds. It's just a foundational part of America. And to have the immigration issue so divisive now is just awful in my mind.
So the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and the fact that that 150-year old policy stays.
Yeah, that's fantastic. Although, you know, there's so many more decisions that the Supreme Court has made that empower the president to do things that are just mean, in my opinion, cruel, like taking away the right of people who are legally here, having been granted status by prior presidents or under prior administrations and suddenly saying, no, no, you can't.
What are the economic conditions like in New York City?
Or deporting people to countries they've never, ever been in. It's just, it feels mean to me. It's not right. Which is not American, in my opinion.
John and Diane there who are nearing retirement, but they still believe America has a future. Now, Henry, you mentioned how entrepreneurial the Americans are. You met a New Yorker selling water.
Yeah, they all have the side hustle, so they have two jobs. And a burger and chips over here with a Coke is about $25. A pint of Guinness in a local Irish bar is about $11.
How do New Yorkers perceive their future and the future of the country?
And rent for a two-bed in Manhattan or in New York somewhere is about... thousand dollars a month it's expensive here is james monteletto he teaches english he's also a builder and when we met he was selling water to cool everyone down before the fourth of july fireworks at brooklyn bridge doesn't change me honestly 250 is just a number thank you thank you
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What recent Supreme Court ruling was made about birthright citizenship?
0:01–0:33
2
How does the ruling on birthright citizenship affect American families?
0:33–0:49
3
What is the significance of America's immigrant history?
0:49–1:29
4
How do New Yorkers feel about the current political climate?
1:29–2:05
5
What are the challenges facing immigrants in America today?
2:05–2:56
6
Is the American dream still achievable in today's society?
2:56–3:51
7
What are the economic conditions like in New York City?
3:51–4:24
8
How do New Yorkers perceive their future and the future of the country?
4:24–9:10