The Bannon Family has come full circle since my great grandfather, James, came to the United States from Ireland late in the 19th Century.

Donald Trump might have callously described it as a “shithole” country back then. The Emerald Isle was in throes of rebellion, fighting for freedom against oppressive English rule and suffering from starvation wrought by British economic indifference. Members of my family, like millions of other immigrants, found safe harbor here in the land of freedom and opportunity.

My grandfather, Jim Bannon, the first member of my family to be born here, faced discrimination in the new land. He told me sad stories about trying to find a job as a young man early in the 20th century. He confronted hostility and “No Irish Need Apply” signs -- the type of hatred that some newcomers still sadly endure today.

My daughter has welcomed a new generation of refugees to America. She teaches high school English to recent immigrants, including refugee children from violence-torn Haiti. She finds their enthusiasm for education and their thirst for knowledge typical of the new arrivals.

Channeling the energy and........

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