Jeers: To Bud Kennedy for continuing to advertise his ignorance of the facts. He continues to write about people and organizations that are "anti-immigration." They are anti-illegal immigration. Will someone please explain the difference to Kennedy?
— Wayne Pricer, Edgecliff Village
Showing posts with label We the People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label We the People. Show all posts
December 20, 2008
December 19, 2008
We the People Border fence needed to protect Americans
In light of the protest of Shapleigh and others against further construction of the border fence, we once again see how our politicians disregard the well-being of the American people.
Shapleigh's group says that the fence restricts trade. Tell me, what kind of trade comes across in the areas where the fence is constructed. Drugs, that's what.
They say that the fence causes bad feelings in light of the events in the "murder capital of the world." I say that severing all ties with Mexico is a viable option.
They say "wall of hate." What a joke. The fence protects Americans against illegal aliens and drug traffickers.
For those of you who want to call my statements "racism," I say you don't know what racism is. I'm calling it like it is.
How many Canadian drug cartels do you hear about, and how many Scandinavian immigrants are members of violent street gangs?
"Mexican sovereignty" is a joke, and in Mexico the corruption runs from top to bottom -- politicians, army generals, etc. The Mexican "war on drugs" is only a war to eliminate the rivals of the politicians' favorite drug cartels.
The fence protects the American people.
Pete Porter / West El Paso
Shapleigh's group says that the fence restricts trade. Tell me, what kind of trade comes across in the areas where the fence is constructed. Drugs, that's what.
They say that the fence causes bad feelings in light of the events in the "murder capital of the world." I say that severing all ties with Mexico is a viable option.
They say "wall of hate." What a joke. The fence protects Americans against illegal aliens and drug traffickers.
For those of you who want to call my statements "racism," I say you don't know what racism is. I'm calling it like it is.
How many Canadian drug cartels do you hear about, and how many Scandinavian immigrants are members of violent street gangs?
"Mexican sovereignty" is a joke, and in Mexico the corruption runs from top to bottom -- politicians, army generals, etc. The Mexican "war on drugs" is only a war to eliminate the rivals of the politicians' favorite drug cartels.
The fence protects the American people.
Pete Porter / West El Paso
September 23, 2008
We the People - Shapleigh gripe
This is in response to Eliot Shapleigh's call for a change in "real leadership" to ameliorate the underfunding of basic mental- health programs such as MHMR.
I agree with his principle that Texas should find a way to increase funding to serve more constituents in these programs.
I do not agree, however, in bloating the El Paso county hospital's coffers, whether by state funding or county taxes, to provide assistance to every undocumented immigrant who wants to reside in El Paso.
I want to remind voters that Mr. Shapleigh proposed instituting a state income tax back in the 1990s.
I'm assuming his calls for a change in "real leadership" is a reference to a Democratic-controlled state Legislature and governorship.
I am an Independent. I supported Mr. Shapleigh long before he endorsed a state income tax. I have never supported him since; I simply don't trust him.
Voters beware: Once you have a state income tax, you will never be able to get rid of it.
Michael P. Skindell / East El Paso
I agree with his principle that Texas should find a way to increase funding to serve more constituents in these programs.
I do not agree, however, in bloating the El Paso county hospital's coffers, whether by state funding or county taxes, to provide assistance to every undocumented immigrant who wants to reside in El Paso.
I want to remind voters that Mr. Shapleigh proposed instituting a state income tax back in the 1990s.
I'm assuming his calls for a change in "real leadership" is a reference to a Democratic-controlled state Legislature and governorship.
I am an Independent. I supported Mr. Shapleigh long before he endorsed a state income tax. I have never supported him since; I simply don't trust him.
Voters beware: Once you have a state income tax, you will never be able to get rid of it.
Michael P. Skindell / East El Paso
September 17, 2008
We the People - Church stance is way off base
When did political activism and civil disobedience become part of the curriculum for children preparing for their First Communion?
The El Paso Catholic Diocese is urging catechism teachers to become activists for illegal immigration, to speak out against the proposed border fence, and is calling upon teachers attending its orientation retreat to teach people to go over or under the bridge.
The Catholic Church has become increasingly outspoken in its political stances, and often the viewpoints expressed by members of the clergy and diocesan representatives no longer reflect the opinions of many Catholics.
The Masses For Peace and Justice are thinly disguised anti-military demonstrations, and the call to this kind of activism encourages citizens to ignore the law.
When the line is blurred between personal opinion and public advocacy, the church risks the continued alienation of its parishioners. It is time for us to let them know we are proud to be part of the greatest, most generous country in the world. We support legal immigration and strongly oppose the use of the bully pulpit to promote their views.
When a church teaches its members to disregard the law, it is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Martha Boone / Upper Valley
The El Paso Catholic Diocese is urging catechism teachers to become activists for illegal immigration, to speak out against the proposed border fence, and is calling upon teachers attending its orientation retreat to teach people to go over or under the bridge.
The Catholic Church has become increasingly outspoken in its political stances, and often the viewpoints expressed by members of the clergy and diocesan representatives no longer reflect the opinions of many Catholics.
The Masses For Peace and Justice are thinly disguised anti-military demonstrations, and the call to this kind of activism encourages citizens to ignore the law.
When the line is blurred between personal opinion and public advocacy, the church risks the continued alienation of its parishioners. It is time for us to let them know we are proud to be part of the greatest, most generous country in the world. We support legal immigration and strongly oppose the use of the bully pulpit to promote their views.
When a church teaches its members to disregard the law, it is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Martha Boone / Upper Valley
September 16, 2008
We the People -
Lack of urban civility
Re: Sept. 6 article "Hit-and-runs leave families wondering why."
Eleven people have been killed in 151 hit-and-runs in Austin that caused injury or death through July 28. Grieving families ponder the "unthinkable" and "unimaginable" violence while police comment that drivers "made a very bad decision" and "just panic" amidst problems of insurance, immigration or intoxication.
A more accurate explanation of this significant "quality of life issue" is the carbarian culture of civic narcissism and road rage, which is an index of the lack of urban civility in Austin, where the self-centered and self-absorbed come to fall in love with themselves (and their metal monsters) in a childish, selfish city of self-indulgence and egotistical lack of concern for others.
Gene Burd
Austin
Hit-and-runs leave families wondering why
Re: Sept. 6 article "Hit-and-runs leave families wondering why."
Eleven people have been killed in 151 hit-and-runs in Austin that caused injury or death through July 28. Grieving families ponder the "unthinkable" and "unimaginable" violence while police comment that drivers "made a very bad decision" and "just panic" amidst problems of insurance, immigration or intoxication.
A more accurate explanation of this significant "quality of life issue" is the carbarian culture of civic narcissism and road rage, which is an index of the lack of urban civility in Austin, where the self-centered and self-absorbed come to fall in love with themselves (and their metal monsters) in a childish, selfish city of self-indulgence and egotistical lack of concern for others.
Gene Burd
Austin
Hit-and-runs leave families wondering why
September 1, 2008
We the People - No hyphens please
No hyphens please
Re: “Stop the labeling,” (Your turn, Aug. 25).
I would love to thank W.G. Wilson for addressing this issue, and I cannot agree more with him in regards to so-called hyphenated identities instead of just plain American.
However, I would also like to suggest that it is not that "minorities want to be called by their former country’s names," but just some minorities, definitely not me.
I am a Japanese citizen with a green card, and am planning to apply for the American citizenship. I never, ever want anyone to suddenly decide my race or ethnicity, but it keeps happening, especially for the past couple years since the illegal immigration debate heated up.
At least once a week someone -- other minorities -- pulls up without my permission just to say, "Hey what’s your race? Chinese?" if not "Where are you from, you speak Chinese?" or "Are you from Vietnam?"
It’s nobody’s business wherever I am from, or what languages I speak.
Something is terribly wrong with this racial labeling among a certain strain of minorities that have their own identity problem and want to infect it to other immigrants.
- Yumiko Kawa
Re: “Stop the labeling,” (Your turn, Aug. 25).
I would love to thank W.G. Wilson for addressing this issue, and I cannot agree more with him in regards to so-called hyphenated identities instead of just plain American.
However, I would also like to suggest that it is not that "minorities want to be called by their former country’s names," but just some minorities, definitely not me.
I am a Japanese citizen with a green card, and am planning to apply for the American citizenship. I never, ever want anyone to suddenly decide my race or ethnicity, but it keeps happening, especially for the past couple years since the illegal immigration debate heated up.
At least once a week someone -- other minorities -- pulls up without my permission just to say, "Hey what’s your race? Chinese?" if not "Where are you from, you speak Chinese?" or "Are you from Vietnam?"
It’s nobody’s business wherever I am from, or what languages I speak.
Something is terribly wrong with this racial labeling among a certain strain of minorities that have their own identity problem and want to infect it to other immigrants.
- Yumiko Kawa
August 30, 2008
We the People - We must set aside partisan bickering
I find all this "gotcha" by the press and finger-pointing by the presidential candidates about who is richest irrelevant to my concerns.
Instead of addressing our real problems, the candidates engage in a game of tit-for-tat and Congress does as little as possible and goes on another vacation.
This country is in serious trouble and hitting the skids more every day. We haven't a friend in the world except perhaps Great Britain, and it is in bad shape, too. We owe billions of borrowed money to our enemies. If they ever decide to call in their notes, we will collapse.
Our enemies control the oil market while Congress dithers and plays politics. Congress also refuses to take control of the immigration crisis for fear of losing the resident Latino vote. Most of the immigrants who come from south of the border are here for the freebies, not to become good U.S. citizens.
I talked to a woman recently who is here with a green card. I asked her why she didn't apply for citizenship. She was frank.
She said: "I don't want to be a citizen unless I could keep my other citizenship, too. But my cousin says I should become a citizen so that I can get more Social Security when I retire, so I may apply when I am about 60."
Our own citizens care only for the party and "what's in it for me," so why should newcomers be any different?
Until we all stop playing party politics and try to get what is best for the country, the United States I once knew is gone.
So what is important? We had better decide before it is too late.
Martha Williams
San Angelo
The Standard-Times
Instead of addressing our real problems, the candidates engage in a game of tit-for-tat and Congress does as little as possible and goes on another vacation.
This country is in serious trouble and hitting the skids more every day. We haven't a friend in the world except perhaps Great Britain, and it is in bad shape, too. We owe billions of borrowed money to our enemies. If they ever decide to call in their notes, we will collapse.
Our enemies control the oil market while Congress dithers and plays politics. Congress also refuses to take control of the immigration crisis for fear of losing the resident Latino vote. Most of the immigrants who come from south of the border are here for the freebies, not to become good U.S. citizens.
I talked to a woman recently who is here with a green card. I asked her why she didn't apply for citizenship. She was frank.
She said: "I don't want to be a citizen unless I could keep my other citizenship, too. But my cousin says I should become a citizen so that I can get more Social Security when I retire, so I may apply when I am about 60."
Our own citizens care only for the party and "what's in it for me," so why should newcomers be any different?
Until we all stop playing party politics and try to get what is best for the country, the United States I once knew is gone.
So what is important? We had better decide before it is too late.
Martha Williams
San Angelo
The Standard-Times
August 28, 2008
We the People - Writer misses point on language
Writer misses point on language
05:22 PM CDT on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Re: "A message for the English-only ultra-patriots – This argument isn't really about language, muses Mary Sanchez. It's about punishing immigrants," Sunday Points.
With few exceptions, history has shown that people who don't speak the same language cannot create a common culture and that people of different cultures eventually don't want to live together. We seek a common language to preserve our union.
California is not known as a bastion of right-wing America-first-ers. When bilingual education was struck down there, it was due to the support of the Hispanic community. Those immigrants understand the necessity of speaking the language of the society they live in. Ms. Sanchez should get out more and learn that there isn't an immigrant-punishing cross-burner hiding around every corner.
Gerald Meazell, Frisco
05:22 PM CDT on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Re: "A message for the English-only ultra-patriots – This argument isn't really about language, muses Mary Sanchez. It's about punishing immigrants," Sunday Points.
With few exceptions, history has shown that people who don't speak the same language cannot create a common culture and that people of different cultures eventually don't want to live together. We seek a common language to preserve our union.
California is not known as a bastion of right-wing America-first-ers. When bilingual education was struck down there, it was due to the support of the Hispanic community. Those immigrants understand the necessity of speaking the language of the society they live in. Ms. Sanchez should get out more and learn that there isn't an immigrant-punishing cross-burner hiding around every corner.
Gerald Meazell, Frisco
August 27, 2008
We the People - Bilingual ballots unnecessary
03:45 PM CDT on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Re: "A message for the English-only ultra-patriots – This argument isn't really about language, muses Mary Sanchez. It's about punishing immigrants," Sunday Points.
Ms. Sanchez's column is typical of the folks who bash us for wanting English to be our official language. We do not mind hearing any language here in this country. We simply feel that printing and speaking everything in English and Spanish is unnecessary. We do not do that for the Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Polish, etc. Why Spanish?
No other nation in the world prints election ballots in other than their national language. Why should we?
Speak anything you want, but learn English and let's stop printing everything in Spanish and English.
Mitchell B. Sandlin, Mesquite
Re: "A message for the English-only ultra-patriots – This argument isn't really about language, muses Mary Sanchez. It's about punishing immigrants," Sunday Points.
Ms. Sanchez's column is typical of the folks who bash us for wanting English to be our official language. We do not mind hearing any language here in this country. We simply feel that printing and speaking everything in English and Spanish is unnecessary. We do not do that for the Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Polish, etc. Why Spanish?
No other nation in the world prints election ballots in other than their national language. Why should we?
Speak anything you want, but learn English and let's stop printing everything in Spanish and English.
Mitchell B. Sandlin, Mesquite
August 24, 2008
We the People - Point of Contact
Re: "Point of Contact – Our Q&A with Carlos Quintanilla, president of Acción America," last Sunday Points.
Mr. Quintanilla compares Trinity Medical Center's reporting the presentation of forged documents with other local institutions' past performance on illegal hiring, but someone else's failure to report crime is no justification.
Mr. Quintanilla describes Trinity Medical Center's actions as aggressive. Reporting crime is not an act of aggression. Nor did Trinity Medical Center file charges and make an arrest as he stated. The proper authorities did.
Mr. Quintanilla confirms that people like María Martinez have been breaking the law by presenting false documents for decades – as if it is a mark against Trinity Medical Center. Even if a significant number of employers close their eyes to hiring illegal immigrants as Mr. Quintanilla states, most don't.
Mr. Quintanilla complains that because hospitals are designated safe zones, Trinity Medical Center should not have reported the crime. Hospitals are safe zones from crime, not for crime.
But enforcement should be consistent, as he states. All employers should say "no" to hiring illegal immigrants and report them to authorities, as Trinity Medical Center did. And one could argue that immigration enforcement is about as consistent and fair as enforcement of our other laws.
Finally, a suggestion to Mr. Quintanilla on more complete communication: If you will be so kind as to place either the word "legal" or "illegal" before every use of "immigrant" and "immigration," your ideas will be more clearly communicated. But I think you won't.
Neil M. Collins, Oak Point
Mr. Quintanilla compares Trinity Medical Center's reporting the presentation of forged documents with other local institutions' past performance on illegal hiring, but someone else's failure to report crime is no justification.
Mr. Quintanilla describes Trinity Medical Center's actions as aggressive. Reporting crime is not an act of aggression. Nor did Trinity Medical Center file charges and make an arrest as he stated. The proper authorities did.
Mr. Quintanilla confirms that people like María Martinez have been breaking the law by presenting false documents for decades – as if it is a mark against Trinity Medical Center. Even if a significant number of employers close their eyes to hiring illegal immigrants as Mr. Quintanilla states, most don't.
Mr. Quintanilla complains that because hospitals are designated safe zones, Trinity Medical Center should not have reported the crime. Hospitals are safe zones from crime, not for crime.
But enforcement should be consistent, as he states. All employers should say "no" to hiring illegal immigrants and report them to authorities, as Trinity Medical Center did. And one could argue that immigration enforcement is about as consistent and fair as enforcement of our other laws.
Finally, a suggestion to Mr. Quintanilla on more complete communication: If you will be so kind as to place either the word "legal" or "illegal" before every use of "immigrant" and "immigration," your ideas will be more clearly communicated. But I think you won't.
Neil M. Collins, Oak Point
August 19, 2008
We the People - Bull what?
Dear Editor:
I doubt it seriously if Mr. Gabler will get a response from our senators. Here is why. Both our U.S. senators back the President’s three-times-defeated McCain-Kennedy Amnesty Bill (amnesty and path to citizenship for illegal aliens), despite all their deliberate spin to the contrary. Both are in the pockets of big business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the sake of cheap labor. Their staffs are obviously programmed to act as they did. So why should the senators be interested to stand up for border agents Ramos and Compean who did their duty to prevent drug smugglers and/or illegal aliens to cross our borders, and ask GW to pardon these good men? To make matters worse, Johnny Sutton, who lied and deliberately withheld evidence during the border agents’ trials, is a personal friend of the president. The trial was based on the sole testimony of a known drug smuggler who is now finally sentenced to jail. Sutton is the only one who should be jailed, not the border agents! Unfortunately, Washington nowadays is a circus with the clowns in charge.
Our state senator, in a speech a few months ago, stated that he had procured millions of dollars for border security and schools. After the meeting, I told him that his statement was just a half-truth, because I had a 2007 video tape in which he stated that he would not spend a penny going after illegal aliens; the money was only for drug interception.
He also stated that children from illegal aliens had the right to be educated in the U.S. at our expense. I disagreed and he kind of shouted: “Don’t believe the bull from former Sen. Galloway.” My response: Senator, the bull originates from you, not from Sen. Galloway.
A.N.M. Geldens
Kingwood
I doubt it seriously if Mr. Gabler will get a response from our senators. Here is why. Both our U.S. senators back the President’s three-times-defeated McCain-Kennedy Amnesty Bill (amnesty and path to citizenship for illegal aliens), despite all their deliberate spin to the contrary. Both are in the pockets of big business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the sake of cheap labor. Their staffs are obviously programmed to act as they did. So why should the senators be interested to stand up for border agents Ramos and Compean who did their duty to prevent drug smugglers and/or illegal aliens to cross our borders, and ask GW to pardon these good men? To make matters worse, Johnny Sutton, who lied and deliberately withheld evidence during the border agents’ trials, is a personal friend of the president. The trial was based on the sole testimony of a known drug smuggler who is now finally sentenced to jail. Sutton is the only one who should be jailed, not the border agents! Unfortunately, Washington nowadays is a circus with the clowns in charge.
Our state senator, in a speech a few months ago, stated that he had procured millions of dollars for border security and schools. After the meeting, I told him that his statement was just a half-truth, because I had a 2007 video tape in which he stated that he would not spend a penny going after illegal aliens; the money was only for drug interception.
He also stated that children from illegal aliens had the right to be educated in the U.S. at our expense. I disagreed and he kind of shouted: “Don’t believe the bull from former Sen. Galloway.” My response: Senator, the bull originates from you, not from Sen. Galloway.
A.N.M. Geldens
Kingwood
August 9, 2008
We the People - Hospital is exactly right
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Re: “Job applicant facing deportation — Family says hospital, police collaborated in ruse to arrest woman,” Friday news story.
Please tell me Gabriela Martinez was joking when she accused Trinity Medical Center of not having morals because they helped apprehend an illegal alien.
Ms. Martinez’s mother used a fake Social Security card to apply for a job at a restaurant within the hospital and is, apparently, an illegal alien. Yet Ms. Martinez blames the hospital for helping deport her mother.
Worse yet, the headline writer seems to promote a similar opinion with his obvious bias. A far better headline would have been: “Hospital aids fight against illegal immigration by doing exactly what it should.”
Ellen Stevenson, Allen
Re: “Job applicant facing deportation — Family says hospital, police collaborated in ruse to arrest woman,” Friday news story.
Please tell me Gabriela Martinez was joking when she accused Trinity Medical Center of not having morals because they helped apprehend an illegal alien.
Ms. Martinez’s mother used a fake Social Security card to apply for a job at a restaurant within the hospital and is, apparently, an illegal alien. Yet Ms. Martinez blames the hospital for helping deport her mother.
Worse yet, the headline writer seems to promote a similar opinion with his obvious bias. A far better headline would have been: “Hospital aids fight against illegal immigration by doing exactly what it should.”
Ellen Stevenson, Allen
August 8, 2008
We the People
Illegal entry
I think that immigration has become too much of a problem. Yes, this country was built on immigrants, but that doesn't give people the right to just walk into this country.
Our ancestors had to fight and sacrifice more than we could imagine just to have a chance to come here.
The reason that this has become a huge problem is that the country they are coming from has so many problems and dysfunction that they will actually risk all their freedom in that country just to try and come here.
The only way we are going to fix this problem is if the original country, such as Mexico, will try and fix their problems so that the Mexican citizens will be happy and not have to come here.
We must spread the opportunity of democracy and freedom in order
to fix this.
Carlos McDonald / Upper Valley
I think that immigration has become too much of a problem. Yes, this country was built on immigrants, but that doesn't give people the right to just walk into this country.
Our ancestors had to fight and sacrifice more than we could imagine just to have a chance to come here.
The reason that this has become a huge problem is that the country they are coming from has so many problems and dysfunction that they will actually risk all their freedom in that country just to try and come here.
The only way we are going to fix this problem is if the original country, such as Mexico, will try and fix their problems so that the Mexican citizens will be happy and not have to come here.
We must spread the opportunity of democracy and freedom in order
to fix this.
Carlos McDonald / Upper Valley
August 6, 2008
We the People - Wrong Patient Priorities In Health System Outlook
Wrong Patient Priorities In Health System Outlook
A recent patient survey indicated that 70 percent of the women who gave birth at Parkland Hospital in Dallas were illegal immigrants. In 2004, the hospital spent $70.7 million delivering 15,938 babies.
Medicaid (taxpayers) ponied up $34.5 million to cover the delivery costs for the undocumented women. Dallas County taxpayers also kicked in $31.3 million, or about 40 percent of the total obstetrics costs, and the federal government (taxpayers) paid an additional $9.5 million.
In California, 60 hospitals are in financial trouble due to this phenomenon.
These are incredible numbers. I recently needed a hernia patch. Instead, I had to borrow money to pay a $24,000 property-tax bill, part of which goes to the hospital district.
And the punch line is that my sister in Presidio tells me to go down there and cross the border to Ojinaga to get the hernia operation.
In Mexico, it is a fraction of the cost in the United States, and lots of Americans are now going across the border to get health care if they have to pay for it themselves.
Edward Holman
Bacliff
A recent patient survey indicated that 70 percent of the women who gave birth at Parkland Hospital in Dallas were illegal immigrants. In 2004, the hospital spent $70.7 million delivering 15,938 babies.
Medicaid (taxpayers) ponied up $34.5 million to cover the delivery costs for the undocumented women. Dallas County taxpayers also kicked in $31.3 million, or about 40 percent of the total obstetrics costs, and the federal government (taxpayers) paid an additional $9.5 million.
In California, 60 hospitals are in financial trouble due to this phenomenon.
These are incredible numbers. I recently needed a hernia patch. Instead, I had to borrow money to pay a $24,000 property-tax bill, part of which goes to the hospital district.
And the punch line is that my sister in Presidio tells me to go down there and cross the border to Ojinaga to get the hernia operation.
In Mexico, it is a fraction of the cost in the United States, and lots of Americans are now going across the border to get health care if they have to pay for it themselves.
Edward Holman
Bacliff
August 1, 2008
We the People - Melting pot, not diversity
Melting pot, not diversity
Re: "Diversity? No thanks – I choose to live among neighbors who share my values, says Trey Garrison, regardless of origin or color," Monday Viewpoints.
That ugly word "diversity" should be supplanted by "melting pot." When they arrived in the U.S. during immigrant waves of the past, citizen candidates sought to "fit in" as quickly as possible to the American lifestyle.
Sad to say that today there seem to be un-American forces at play that scream, "Look at our differences!"
We should be concerned should this "diversity" thing continue to grow that our good ol' American unity will be fragmented and our once-cohesive nation might Balkanize as the flame beneath the melting pot extinguishes.
Ed Matza, Plano
Re: "Diversity? No thanks – I choose to live among neighbors who share my values, says Trey Garrison, regardless of origin or color," Monday Viewpoints.
That ugly word "diversity" should be supplanted by "melting pot." When they arrived in the U.S. during immigrant waves of the past, citizen candidates sought to "fit in" as quickly as possible to the American lifestyle.
Sad to say that today there seem to be un-American forces at play that scream, "Look at our differences!"
We should be concerned should this "diversity" thing continue to grow that our good ol' American unity will be fragmented and our once-cohesive nation might Balkanize as the flame beneath the melting pot extinguishes.
Ed Matza, Plano
July 30, 2008
We the People - The problem is clear
The problem is clear
Extensive and explosive population growth is the root of all of our problems. Our resources are tapping out and the cost of living is constantly going up as resources deplete and demand increases. Highways are perpetually inadequate and are always under repair. Schools are underfunded. Hospitals are going broke. Wages are decreasing.
This country is in a constant state of catching up to population demands. When is it going to stop? The time to get serious about stabilizing our population growth is years overdue. Our government needs to stop pussyfootin’ around and get serious about securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. Forget amnesty and tell those who have invaded us that by a set deadline they must be out of this country or expect consequences. Then enforce those consequences.
The public needs to start demanding that our elected officials get proactive. Eight years discussing the matter is too long.
— Toby Cappel, Fort Worth
Extensive and explosive population growth is the root of all of our problems. Our resources are tapping out and the cost of living is constantly going up as resources deplete and demand increases. Highways are perpetually inadequate and are always under repair. Schools are underfunded. Hospitals are going broke. Wages are decreasing.
This country is in a constant state of catching up to population demands. When is it going to stop? The time to get serious about stabilizing our population growth is years overdue. Our government needs to stop pussyfootin’ around and get serious about securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. Forget amnesty and tell those who have invaded us that by a set deadline they must be out of this country or expect consequences. Then enforce those consequences.
The public needs to start demanding that our elected officials get proactive. Eight years discussing the matter is too long.
— Toby Cappel, Fort Worth
We the People - Don’t kill in Texas
Don’t kill in Texas
Regarding your editorial "More than a life at stake in August" (July 21), this is the kind of nonsense we have come to expect from our ever-dwindling paper of record here on the west side of the Metroplex. You have chosen to come down on the side of a double murderer who, according to the judicial system in Texas, has been given adequate due process.
You want an international court’s decision to supersede that of a Texas court of appeals, a position the Supreme Court rightly recognizes as a violation not only of federalism but of state sovereignty. Texas is not bound by the International Criminal Court. If an illegal immigrant does not want to be subject to Texas justice, then he should not kill Texas residents.
— Mike Bush, Euless
Regarding your editorial "More than a life at stake in August" (July 21), this is the kind of nonsense we have come to expect from our ever-dwindling paper of record here on the west side of the Metroplex. You have chosen to come down on the side of a double murderer who, according to the judicial system in Texas, has been given adequate due process.
You want an international court’s decision to supersede that of a Texas court of appeals, a position the Supreme Court rightly recognizes as a violation not only of federalism but of state sovereignty. Texas is not bound by the International Criminal Court. If an illegal immigrant does not want to be subject to Texas justice, then he should not kill Texas residents.
— Mike Bush, Euless
July 21, 2008
We the People - ICE-y reception
ICE-y reception
Dear Editor:
Again ICE showed this week its unwillingness to enforce the law. The same Chicago Church (United Methodist) that gave the infamous Elvira Arellano and her U.S. born son ‘sanctuary,’ in defiance of U.S. Immigration laws, is now giving ‘sanctuary’ to another customer: Flor Crisostomo, who is using the church as a base to champion immigration reform. After more than a year of sanctuary, Arellano was finally arrested and deported after she left the Church to travel to a rally in L.A. Both Arellano and Crisostomo had been ordered deported to Mexico by federal immigration officials before seeking sanctuary in the church. Both the United Methodist and the Catholic Church are known for continuously violating U.S. Immigration laws with impunity by aiding and abetting illegal aliens. Churches are not above the law, they are not embassies or consulates, and cannot legally provide sanctuary to anyone. Julie Myers, assistant secretary of Homeland Security for ICE, arrogantly stated: “Our agency takes enforcement actions when we deem it appropriate,” basically saying: “TO H..” with the law. According to Doris Meissner, a former commissioner at the I.N.S. the agency overseeing immigration until the Department of Homeland Security was formed in 2003, stated that, “avoiding churches is unofficial policy for federal immigration officials.” Since the 1970’s, the unwritten rule has been “no churches, playground or schools.” She obviously forgot to mention the day labor sites where illegal aliens and their prospective employers can be scooped-up with a front end loader six days a week. ICE operations are apparently guided by unwritten rules and unofficial policies and not by established laws. Our country is supposedly a nation of laws and not a nation of unwritten rules and unofficial policies. As such, ICE officials are derelict in the exercise of their duty to enforce the law. It is quite clear that ICE has no intention to go relentlessly after employers of illegal aliens (as they claim they do), and churches aiding and abetting them. It is time to hold these employers and the responsible church officials accountable for their actions, by arresting and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, churches that violate our immigration laws should automatically lose their tax exempt status. It is useless to have laws if we apparently have no intention to enforce them.
A. N. M. Geldens
Kingwood
Dear Editor:
Again ICE showed this week its unwillingness to enforce the law. The same Chicago Church (United Methodist) that gave the infamous Elvira Arellano and her U.S. born son ‘sanctuary,’ in defiance of U.S. Immigration laws, is now giving ‘sanctuary’ to another customer: Flor Crisostomo, who is using the church as a base to champion immigration reform. After more than a year of sanctuary, Arellano was finally arrested and deported after she left the Church to travel to a rally in L.A. Both Arellano and Crisostomo had been ordered deported to Mexico by federal immigration officials before seeking sanctuary in the church. Both the United Methodist and the Catholic Church are known for continuously violating U.S. Immigration laws with impunity by aiding and abetting illegal aliens. Churches are not above the law, they are not embassies or consulates, and cannot legally provide sanctuary to anyone. Julie Myers, assistant secretary of Homeland Security for ICE, arrogantly stated: “Our agency takes enforcement actions when we deem it appropriate,” basically saying: “TO H..” with the law. According to Doris Meissner, a former commissioner at the I.N.S. the agency overseeing immigration until the Department of Homeland Security was formed in 2003, stated that, “avoiding churches is unofficial policy for federal immigration officials.” Since the 1970’s, the unwritten rule has been “no churches, playground or schools.” She obviously forgot to mention the day labor sites where illegal aliens and their prospective employers can be scooped-up with a front end loader six days a week. ICE operations are apparently guided by unwritten rules and unofficial policies and not by established laws. Our country is supposedly a nation of laws and not a nation of unwritten rules and unofficial policies. As such, ICE officials are derelict in the exercise of their duty to enforce the law. It is quite clear that ICE has no intention to go relentlessly after employers of illegal aliens (as they claim they do), and churches aiding and abetting them. It is time to hold these employers and the responsible church officials accountable for their actions, by arresting and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, churches that violate our immigration laws should automatically lose their tax exempt status. It is useless to have laws if we apparently have no intention to enforce them.
A. N. M. Geldens
Kingwood
July 19, 2008
We the People - The importance of being bilingual
7/19/2008
I am a second-generation Mexican American and had to learn Spanish because I liked going to Mexico a lot. People from other countries should learn to read at least a menu in English. But it is a business decision and if brings in more business, then go for it. I think it is more embarrassing to be in a foreign county for years and not speak the host language.
— Jesus Chairez
East Dallas artist and retired federal worker
The most obvious impact of "bilingualism" is cost. This goes far beyond restaurants. I am the mayor of a small city, and in every posting we make, we are required by law to do it in Spanish. It now takes twice the effort and twice the cost and only benefits less than 0.5 percent of the population. Before retiring, I lived in seven foreign countries. Not a single one then and not a single one today requires language obligations in other than the domestic tongue.
— Duane Smith, Star Harbor
Without basic English skills, a person living in the United States is severely handicapped. Let's work to master the English language first , and anything beyond that is an added bonus.
— Anne S. Patillo, Richardson
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with bilingualism, and, in fact, it can be quite beneficial to speak multiple languages. However, a common language shared by all citizens is the fabric that holds a society together. Without the commitment to assimilation demonstrated by learning the primary language of one's chosen country, the country's sense of shared identity is threatened and that which divides a country makes it weaker.
— Warren D. Caldwell, Richardson
I am a retired Latin teacher, and I can read Spanish, Italian, and French, but I cannot speak any of the Romance languages. I wish I could. However, I think as many people as possible should study another language. My grandchildren have studied Spanish, French and Chinese, and I am glad that they have this interest. As to Spanish menus, I think this would be an encouragement to those who have neglected to learn English, to continue to stick to their Spanish. Maybe the Spanish menus should be passed out to English-speaking people to encourage them.
— Dorothy Ivey, Dallas
I am a second-generation Mexican American and had to learn Spanish because I liked going to Mexico a lot. People from other countries should learn to read at least a menu in English. But it is a business decision and if brings in more business, then go for it. I think it is more embarrassing to be in a foreign county for years and not speak the host language.
— Jesus Chairez
East Dallas artist and retired federal worker
The most obvious impact of "bilingualism" is cost. This goes far beyond restaurants. I am the mayor of a small city, and in every posting we make, we are required by law to do it in Spanish. It now takes twice the effort and twice the cost and only benefits less than 0.5 percent of the population. Before retiring, I lived in seven foreign countries. Not a single one then and not a single one today requires language obligations in other than the domestic tongue.
— Duane Smith, Star Harbor
Without basic English skills, a person living in the United States is severely handicapped. Let's work to master the English language first , and anything beyond that is an added bonus.
— Anne S. Patillo, Richardson
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with bilingualism, and, in fact, it can be quite beneficial to speak multiple languages. However, a common language shared by all citizens is the fabric that holds a society together. Without the commitment to assimilation demonstrated by learning the primary language of one's chosen country, the country's sense of shared identity is threatened and that which divides a country makes it weaker.
— Warren D. Caldwell, Richardson
I am a retired Latin teacher, and I can read Spanish, Italian, and French, but I cannot speak any of the Romance languages. I wish I could. However, I think as many people as possible should study another language. My grandchildren have studied Spanish, French and Chinese, and I am glad that they have this interest. As to Spanish menus, I think this would be an encouragement to those who have neglected to learn English, to continue to stick to their Spanish. Maybe the Spanish menus should be passed out to English-speaking people to encourage them.
— Dorothy Ivey, Dallas
July 17, 2008
We the People: Illegal is the problem with immigration
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Letter: Illegal is the problem with immigration
Opinion
Cokie and Steve Roberts (column, July 13) have it all wrong. Americans are not against immigration; they are against illegal immigration.
I love throwing a party and inviting guests to enjoy my home and yard. I would not like coming home to find my backyard filled with uninvited people who are trashing my house and yard, eating my food and demanding I pay for their doctor's visits, educating their kids and giving them a place to live.
Legal immigrants follow the rules and earn their right to citizenship. Illegal immigrants do not.
The fact that in these politically correct times you cannot call a lawbreaker a criminal and treat them as such is pathetic.
It is not my - nor my country's - responsibility to provide for the world.
Lynn Harris
Amarillo
Letter: Illegal is the problem with immigration
Opinion
Cokie and Steve Roberts (column, July 13) have it all wrong. Americans are not against immigration; they are against illegal immigration.
I love throwing a party and inviting guests to enjoy my home and yard. I would not like coming home to find my backyard filled with uninvited people who are trashing my house and yard, eating my food and demanding I pay for their doctor's visits, educating their kids and giving them a place to live.
Legal immigrants follow the rules and earn their right to citizenship. Illegal immigrants do not.
The fact that in these politically correct times you cannot call a lawbreaker a criminal and treat them as such is pathetic.
It is not my - nor my country's - responsibility to provide for the world.
Lynn Harris
Amarillo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
