Henry is Golden!

Listen to Ankarlo’s Take, each weekday morning at 7:20 during Arizona’s Morning News.

Phoenix’ own Henry Cejudo travelled to Beijing and ended up conquering the world. Cejudo won the men’s freestyle 55 kilogram wrestling gold–the first win in that category in 104 years and at 21 he’s the youngest wrestler ever to win. Congratulations Henry.

Here’s the rest of the story: he is the son of a woman who came to this country illegally, a woman who would later receive amnesty. Henry fell to the floor with tears of joy and then took the US flag and wrapped it around his shoulders while running around the mat as he declared his love for the US and the Dream that is distinctly American. Indeed, while our anthem played—he wept. He later told me how much he loves this land of ours as he gushed with patriotism. Again, congratulations Henry. “But Darrell,” some will say, “His parents were illegal.” Yes they were and while the problem was still manageable our country gave them a break. I’m against another break now but will tell you one thing—Henry’s family chose to make the most of their gift. The kids learned the language, got good grade, held jobs and embraced the US of A. Many in our midst should look to young Henry for more than his medal—but for a lesson in country pride.

August 19, 2008

Today on Ankarlo Mornings: Our friend Alonzo’s brother, Henry Cejudo has won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling. Cejudo and Alonzo join Ankarlo.

But, as Ankarlo is proud of Henry he feels like a bit of a hypocrite because his mother came here illegally. Henry, though, is all American.

Several college professors are calling for a lowering of the drinking age from 21 to 18. Ankarlo thinks this is a terrible idea because it will create more alcoholics.

Katie Perry’s hit song, I kissed a girl has been on top of the charts for much of the summer. Her pastor parents have condemned the song. Should her parents have scolded her in public?

Daily Links

Ankarlo’s translator in Mexico, Alonzo’s brother went to the Olympics for Team USA. He’s wrestling phenom Henry Cejudo. Henry just won a gold in freestyle wrestling! Watch the match here (it’s about 40 minutes in).

Russian soldiers took Georgian prisoners during their military campaign there. It also turns out they commandeered American military Humvees that were awaiting shipment back to the States. Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice says NATO will not allow Russia to succeed in Georgia.  Zbigniew Brzezinksi writes about it in Time.

Turns out the government knew Mexican peppers were a problem before the salmonella outbreak.

Talk the Vote: Obama appears to be ready to announce his Vice Presidential running mate. But, we still don’t know who it is. Meanwhile, the Washington Post admits they have carried three times more front page stories about Obama than McCain. It’s scary that even the media is catching on. In a move of political brilliance, McCain could announce his running mate the day after Obama accepts his party’s nomination. Some Democrats are really getting upset because McCain is running a pretty good campaign. This guy is no different.

Katie Perry’s parents, both pastors, have spoken out against their daughter’s song, I Kissed A Girl. They aren’t too happy with her. Read more here.

The US Border Patrol caught 62 illegal aliens south of Bisbee.

We are getting out of control with this whole pet thing. The Chandler police charged a man with animal cruelty the same day Officer Tom Lovejoy was acquitted of the same charges. This man left his dog in the car for about a half hour and the dog survived.

College presidents are urging the country to lower the drinking age.