Immigration letters from America's interior homeland - August
Letters to the editor for August
Nation changed since Lincoln’s days
Jason Silverman says in his Aug. 7 column the GOP has lost its way on immigration because of its “tone” but does not say how in actuality. He lightly dismisses the fact that we live in a vastly different world than Abraham Lincoln and that immigration means something altogether different now. He brushes off the concerns of crime, jobs, borders and the rule of law as if they are irrelevant to the issue. He does not even consider the problem of immigration of our enemies.
He cites, but fails to grasp the pragmatism of, Lincoln’s immigration view. The nation needed workers. He would import them. There is nothing wrong with this but Lincoln recognized that the immigrant should have something to offer his new nation. The Democratic view is something different. The immigrant is seen as a source of votes, and who, duly offered entitlements, whether he is a citizen or not or here legally or not, will be all but guaranteed to vote Democratic. I suspect the pragmatic Lincoln would have balked at this notion, especially when understood in light of the fact that joblessness is the current problem, not the surplus of jobs that Lincoln was countering. Certainly his pragmatism would not have extended to buying votes from illegal aliens.
Further, I cannot tell from the article if Silverman actually looked at the GOP platform on immigration, because it reads much the same as Lincoln’s. It acknowledges that immigration is good for the nation. It agrees that at times it is a tool for providing sanctuary. The clincher of course, is that it also demands that immigration be conducted by the rule of law, that our borders are recognized as borders and that those who break the laws of our nation and ignore our borders will be treated as criminals.
I suspect that Lincoln would not approve of the tone and demeanor of Donald Trump (nor do I), but there is little in the Republican platform on immigration with which Lincoln could have found fault. In this regard it seems to me that Silverman is confusing the unpleasantness of Trump with the practical approach to immigration offered by the GOP. He also seems to conflate Mr. Lincoln’s better nature with the calculated and exploitive view of immigration outside of the law as proposed by the Democrats. That is a bridge too far, Dr. Silverman.
George Barron
Rock Hill
http://www.heraldonline.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article95670512.html
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Poughkeepsie Journal
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
Letters to editor
August 12, 2016
U.S. must secure border and enforce laws
The Poughkeepsie Journal’s recent editorial repeated its previously stated position supporting porous borders, as well as support for our current illegal immigration and amnesty policy (“Valley loses with immigration reform in flux,” July 19).
The Journal makes weak arguments for passage of the so-called “comprehensive immigration reform” legislation, which was defeated by Congress because it would continue the current and past illegal immigration problem. The result of this legislation would be amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants, as well as no end to the illegal immigrant flow into the United States.
Instead, we need a proven over-time, secure, southern border first, rather than continuing the policy of an uncontrolled border. Candidates that advocated for a secure border first - no amnesty - were swept into office all across the U.S. in the 2014 election.
Besides erecting a secure southern border, people that enter the U.S. on a visa must be forced to return to their country of origin prior to the expiration date specified for that visa.
Currently, an unknown, large number of foreign people remain in the U.S. illegally because the federal government allows this lawless policy.
A sovereign country needs to control its borders in order for that country to continue its existence.
Helmut M. Gartner
Hopewell Junction
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/opinion/2016/08/12/letters-editor/88631072/
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Star-Telegram
AUGUST 11, 2016
Immigration
All the wonderful stories about immigrants are uplifting and heart-warming. But given the world situation, they’re not applicable now.
A pause in immigration is long overdue. The most pressing reason is national security, and to allow for assimilation.
It does not show a lack of compassion, nor is it selfish, to be realistic in setting immigration policy by seriously taking into account world and domestic conditions in perilous times.
To do otherwise is to consign our brains to the nearest trash can.
Harlan Wensel, Fort Worth
http://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article95149867.html
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S savannahnow
Savannah Morning News
August 11, 2016
Stop issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants
According to the AJC.com (Aug. 8) Governor Nathan Deal is issuing driver’s licenses to illegal (immigrants) - 2,753 in May and June alone. These do not include Prresident Obama’s DACA (illegal children brought by parents) illegal (immigrants).
When illegal (immigrants) get driver’s licenses they bring down the wages of Americans. How many young people in the Savannah metro area with low skills are unemployed? Fifteen to 20 years ago, young guys that didn’t finish school or were not going to college could easily get construction jobs and learn skills if they were willing to work hard. But that was before the illegal (immigrants) left the onion fields and took over construction with low wages.
Georgia has about 10 million people. It is estimated there are 400,000 illegal (immigrants) in the state. In response to an open records request, the Ga. DDL admitted that as of mid-2015 they had issued 15,000 drivers licenses to illegal (immigrants).
These driver’s licenses look just like yours. Illegal (immigrants) have voted in North Carolina using licenses like these. Do you want your vote diluted by illegal (immigrants)?
There are two political parties that want this to happen. Democrats want the votes, and establishment Republicans want the cheap labor.
Where does that put you, the working American?
With driver’s licenses, illegal (immigrants) can get employment benefits and other state and federal benefits.
Governor Deal doesn’t care how upset this makes you; he can’t run for re-election, but you can let your state representatives know what you think about it.
PHIL SNIFFEN
Savannah
http://savannahnow.com/opinion-letters/2016-08-11/friday-letters-editor
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DAILY BULLETIN
LETTERS
Torres not representing the right interests
Who does Rep. Norma Torres represent? Who does she work for? Members of the Congressional Central America Caucus, a group founded and led by Ms. Torres, recently met with the president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez. It was all to push a letter signed by Ms. Torres and 76 other Congress members requesting that President Obama grant temporary protected status to individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras who are fleeing their countries due to violence.
Interestingly, Ms. Torres recently held a gun violence community roundtable to “share ideas to address the growing gun violence epidemic.” The National Day of Action on Gun Violence Prevention was an idea formed and supported by the Democratic Party. She wants this topic to be handled as a vote on “common sense for widely supported legislation.”
Well, Ms. Torres, most Americans have had enough of lost American lives, law enforcement officers, plus businesses and communities being destroyed by thugs and terrorists. The legislation that is widely supported by American citizens and that is our national heritage is all based on the U.S. Constitution. Our Founding Fathers were brilliant men of vision and common sense, therefore any solution would have to be constitutionally based.
So Ms. Torres wants temporary protected status to more illegal immigrants? At the rate our country is declining it won’t be long before American citizens will have to request such an honor. Our Founding Fathers understood the danger of tyranny, that is why they presented the argument for the Second Amendment; it is our given right, nature’s God to protect ourselves. Americans have to protect themselves! Support the U.S. Constitution!
Lorena Masonis, Ontario
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LEXINGTON
Herald Leader
August 11, 2016
Liberalism lacks concern
Donald Trump’s wall seems to give Democrats a big laugh. So imagine how hard I laughed seeing the no-scale fence stretching nearly five miles around Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Convention. Who did she need to keep out: illegal aliens, cops or maybe her husband’s old flames?
Our citizens along the southern U.S. border would love that kind of protection, but they have to fight for their land and their lives all by themselves.
Neither Clinton nor President Barack Obama has any concern or respect for our citizens.
When Obama strutted into the memorial for the murdered Dallas police officers, his priority was the two black men killed by policemen the week before. The memorialized officers had nothing to do with those two deaths. I was embarrassed. Who’s Obama gonna call when he needs help? Ghostbusters?
I’ve always known that liberalism is a form of mental illness. After eight years of Obama as president and four of Clinton as secretary of state, I’m positive I’m right.
Karen Hall
Lexington
http://www.kentucky.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article95144922.html
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CantonRep.com
CONNECTING STARK COUNTY
Letter to the Editor: Voters no longer accept status quo
Posted Aug. 10, 2016
Updated Aug 10, 2016
It was both amusing and insightful to read the Aug. 5 letter, "Where do Republicans draw the line?"
The writer covered issues of "foreign policy to international anxiety to national security" to highlight Donald Trump's "personality disorders and character flaws." Implicit in its content is the premise that our current politicians are doing an acceptable job dealing with these issues. This is exactly why Trump has gotten this far - we are sick and tired of &quoot;politics as usual."
We are frustrated with all the lies, corruption, and weakening of a great nation. We are angered when the government takes more of our hard-earned money and gives it to people who don't work. We are angered when more than 30,000 illegal aliens amass nearly 80,000 convictions, including 250 homicides, 186 kidnappings and 373 sexual assaults (2014 data), but are then released into the general public by the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We watch in disbelief when a presidential candidate continues illegal activities and is not punished. There are so many more examples, but I can't do it in less that 300 words.
Suffice to say Trump is not perfect. His "shoot from the hip" style is disconcerting, but the voters appreciate his candor and inability to be politically correct. He says what we feel and we, too, want a change to the status quo. His opponent will be just more of the same.
DICK KAUFMAN, PLAIN TOWNSHIP
http://www.cantonrep.com/opinion/20160810/letter-to-editor-voters-no-longer-accept-status-quo
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BattleCreek Inquirer
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
Letter: Immigrants already have path to legal status
Linda Huckfeldt, Letter To The Editor 12:07 a.m. EDT August 10, 2016
This is in response to the Aug. 4 story, “Immigrants help Boost Economy.” Just how do you think that’s going to happen?
The story, quoting the report, “The Contributions of New Americans in Michigan,” goes on to say that many of the 126,000 undocumented immigrants in Michigan should be made legal. Why? Undocumented means “illegal” - they are here illegally. If they want to stay, let them go through the process legally.
Undocumented immigrants take what jobs are out there for the Americans that need them. They buy our businesses, make money on them and send it overseas to their families. How is that helping “our” economy.
I don’t care what the White House says or Gov. Rick Snyder says, we do not have to have them in our country.
They are getting benefits that we earned. If anybody gets that money, it should be our veterans, not illegal aliens who come here to try to change our country to fit their needs.
Linda Huckfeldt
Olivet
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Lake News Online
READERS' MAILBAG: Trump's rise due to failed leadership
Editor's Note: This letter is in response to a Washington Post column by Michael Gerson entitled “It's not too late to repudiate” that ran in the Aug. 3 Lake Sun edition.
By Vicki Steadman,
Lake Ozark
Posted Aug. 10, 2016
Updated Aug 10, 2016
Michael Gerson (“It’s not too late to repudiate,” Lake Sun 8.3.16: A4), in a dudgeon over Donald Trump’s careless remarks, misses the pressing Constitutional crisis of our day: the lawlessness of our political leaders. Trump’s rise to presidential candidate is largely due to the failure of leadership in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our national government. The men and women who occupy these positions swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the U. S. Constitution. With increasing regularity, we see that oath shamefully disregarded. Personal and party preferences replace allegiance to the Constitution. These public servants have treated our constitutional republic, where we the people are the sovereigns, as their own personal fiefdom where they make the rules.
Take illegal immigration, Trump’s signature issue, as one example of our leadership’s flagrant lawlessness. Our Constitution is a social contract between the citizens of our country. Within that community, American citizens have equal rights, privileges and immunities, and, in order to preserve the character of the American regime, they also have the right to agree to the membership of individuals wanting to be a part of that community (see Hillsdale College’s online course Public Policy from a Constitutional Viewpoint, “Immigration”). To accomplish the latter, we enact immigration laws through elected representatives, which are then to be enforced by the elected executive. The failure of the President, with the complicity of Congress, to enforce the written law does indeed contribute to a change in national character. Moderation, respect for the rights of others and for one’s own rights, and courage to defend these rights when necessary are basic character traits required of citizens to maintain a self-governing republic like ours. The majority of the world’s people grow up under regimes that do not practice these values. Illegal, indiscriminate and unlimited immigration into our country from such regimes provides these people no incentive to practice new ways, assimilate and thrive. Most of them will remain unchanged, but our republic will not.
Mr. Gerson rightly acknowledges Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr., as admirable leaders. Alas, we are no longer in the time of Lincoln or King, both of whom fought their battles guided by the high principles in the Declaration of Independence within the framework of the Constitution, but we should expect no less of current leaders. Gerson rejects Trump as a presidential contender because he concludes from Trump’s remarks that he is racist and chauvinistic. I find that a most unreasonable conclusion given that for over forty years Trump has been a highly successful businessman in the quintessential cosmopolitan city. Many of the policies he supports would actually be good for the nation. On the other hand, Trump’s opponent has proved lawless, dishonest and unfaithful in her discharge of high public office. No contest. Trump was not my pick in the primaries, but he has my vote now.
http://www.lakenewsonline.com/opinion/20160810/readers-mailbag-trumps-rise-due-to-failed-leadership
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OregonLive.com
Op-ed about immigrants never mentions the word 'illegal': Letters to the Editor
By Letters to the editor The Oregonian
on August 10, 2016 at 3:20 PM
Where's the word 'illegal'?: In her response to Cynthia Kendoll's Aug. 2 opinion piece, Nancy Haque never acknowledges the all-important adjective, "illegal." Instead, Haque extols the achievements of her parents, herself and her siblings, none of whom entered this country illegally. It would seem that, despite her master's degree, the co-executive director of Basic Rights Oregon could use a refresher course in basic reading skills.
Gary Miranda
Southeast Portland
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THE MORNING CALL
Khan used as pawn by Democrats
August 8, 2016, 8:38 AM
I watched the Democratic National Convention and heard the commentary by Mr. Khan, who criticized and tried to demonize Donald Trump for his perspective on illegal immigration.
This, of course, was Mr. Khan's right to do so. I think, however, Mr. Khan dishonored his war hero son by trying to leverage him into the fray on immigration.
If I had a family member lost to radical Islamic terrorists, I certainly would not advocate the mass invasion of people coming from countries that host and support terrorists into our country.
Mr. Khan, in my opinion, was and continues to let himself be a pawn in the Democratic Party's agenda.
Louis Lutterschmidt
Allentown
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/letters/mc-dnc-khan-pawn-agenda-lutterschmidt-20160808-story.html
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INFORUM
Letter: At least Trump hasn't killed anyone
By By Jay Sandt August 8, 2016
I write with a few comments about the recent letter to the editor from Larry Larsen, who says Trump is like Harry Potters' Dementors characters that suck the happiness out of a person. Interesting analogy because at least Trump hasn't killed anyone like the four people in Libya, stood idly by when they asked for a rescue, then blamed it on a movie being made in the U.S., only to later rescind the comments, and then finally say, 'What difference does it make?" when questioned by Congress.
I have to ask if Trump supposedly sucks the life out of someone, how much more vile is a person that actually allows people to be murdered while they idly sit by? These are the facts, and maybe before going to the ballot box, as Larry says, he and others that think Hillary is a better candidate, should stop reading fantasy novels and find out some of the vile and villainous things that she has done in her 30 plus years of politics.
At least Trump doesn't have blood on his hands, he hires people from all races and genders�especially woman, wants law and ordder to be brought back in by ensuring cops aren't killed in the streets, protect the borders of the country, ensures all religious freedoms are equally protected, ensures immigration policies are adhered to and people are vetted correctly, better trade that benefits USA and not other countries, and stops giving hundreds of millions of dollars to other countries that hate America - no matter what the reason.
Sandt lives in Moorhead.
http://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/4089971-letter-least-trump-hasnt-killed-anyone
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The Gazette
G LETTERS:
By: Letters August 7, 2016
Lights, cameras, action - spin
Newspapers, TV and radio bombard citizens with opinions. At the DNC convention, Khizr Mazzam Khan made great press to report that his son, a Muslim, was killed fighting for the U.S. Donald Trump rose to the bait and made a poor choice to be critical.
Gazette readers might appreciate these facts: The son died June 8, 2004, but Khan chose 2016 to complain on national TV. Khan is a lawyer specializing in immigration law to help Muslims enter the U.S. He is part of the Journal for Muslim Minority Affairs, where an editor is Syed Zainul Abedin, curiously the father of Huma Abedin, whom we all know as Hillary Clinton's private secretary and wife of the famous and sometimes overexposed New York Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner. Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive! - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
Jack Flobeck
Colorado Springs
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app.com ASBURY PARK PRESS
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
LETTER: Trump puts spotlight on uncomfortable facts
August 7, 2016
It is unfortunate that the DNC used their recent convention as an opportunity to conveniently package the grief and pain of the Khan family into an elaborate audio-visual display in order to portray Donald Trump as an anti-Muslim zealot. Mr. Khan used his right of free expression to accuse Donald Trump of not having read the Constitution, and to disdainfully state that Trump has sacrificed "nothing." Yet when Trump used his right of free expression to respond to Mr. Khan's accusations and motives, he was accused of grossly disrespecting a Gold Star family.
No rational American would ever question Captain Khan's heroism, or the entitlement of his parents to the respect and gratitude of our nation. The Khan family in every sense of word best reflects what makes this nation great. That being said, what was overlooked was the fact that Trump has never advocated the removal or deportation of legitimate U.S. citizens, be they Muslim, Mexican or otherwise.
Speaking as someone who has also shed blood for this country, I would remind Mr. Khan that the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution also gives each citizen the right to confront their accuser, which is what Trump did. The bluntness of Trump's speech can sometimes make people cringe, but he puts a spotlight on uncomfortable facts about both illegal immigration and terrorism. If these facts are ignored, the "dark and dismal" future the Democrats accuse Trump of painting may very well become a self-fulfilling actuality.
Bruce R. Meigs
Brick
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Fontana
Herald News
Your Community, Your Newspaper
Letter to the Editor: DNC filled with fraud, deception
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Dear Editor:
The 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia was the most blatantly offensive display of fraud and deception I have witnessed since the Watergate cover-up.
First, promoting illegal aliens to plead their case as law violators to the assembly and millions via commercial television was an insult to any and all Americans who have earned the privilege of citizenship. Gee, if I robbed a bank, would these DNC organizers let me explain my case to those delegates? Ha. Ha. Ha.
Then, the mother of a felon who assaulted a police officer and paid the ultimate price for it was dragged before delegates to blab on about justice and sympathy for her cause (whatever that was). Totally offensive to the sensibilities and respect of ANY American who has obeyed laws of society and those who enforce it.
I predict this November election will be loaded with fraud, especially after that fool Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, initiated federal suits against 16 states that passed voter ID requirements prior to the 2016 primaries. Here again, another case of rigged democracy.
Now I understand why Bernie Sanders and his pledged delegates were so mad before AND after the Wasserman emails were revealed.
The Democratic Party has become a party of unruly Bolsheviks who demand government to do for Americans what we would do better, much better, for ourselves at any cost.
Such a sad, pathetic chapter in the political life of this country.
Jeff Griffith
Fontana
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SunHerald
August 6, 2016
Stop the political correctness
The July 25 article about Border Patrol Agent Anthony Anderson’s act of bravery is commendable but bears correction.
“Immigrants” enter the United States through ports of entry by presenting passports and visas and are then lawfully admitted to reside permanently in the U.S. while maintaining their immigrant status.
Enough of the political correctness! Anderson didn’t rescue “immigrants.” The people rescued were aliens attempting to violate federal law by entering the U.S. illegally, a crime punishable by six months in prison for the first offense and up to two or more years for subsequent violations.
Kudos to the agent for his courage.
Doug Sullivan
Gulfport
http://www.sunherald.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article93548222.html
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Idaho Statesman
August 5, 2016 7:26 PM
Laraway letter: Quoting Scripture
Regarding July 26 letter from Connie Grover titled “Quoting Scripture.”
Ms. Grover fails to comprehend the fundamental differences between the Quran and the Bible. It is true that some Old Testament passages describe brutal treatment of nonbelievers, but this is nonprescriptive. Christ urged his followers to obey the Golden Rule and to love their neighbors and even their enemies, whereas Muhammad admonished Muslims to follow his example, including the subjugation and forced conversion or killing of the Kuffar (unbelievers). Since Muhammad was considered to be the Perfect Man, the last and the greatest of the prophets, it is the duty of every Muslim to emulate him as closely as possible.
It is no wonder that nearly all the acts of terrorism today are being conducted by followers of Muhammad, and are being waged against men, women and children. The reward for pious terrorist martyrs is 72 virgins and 24 young boys in heaven, and this “reward” is a powerful motivation for devout Muslims.
European countries are rapidly experiencing greater attacks by Muslim radicals and the U.S. isn’t far behind. It is imperative that all non-Muslim countries strictly “vet” all immigrants from Muslim nations to assure they will accept the countries’ laws.
Melvin R. Laraway, Boise
http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article94074652.html
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SCNOW MORNING NEWS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: We are on the road to oppression
Dear Editor, August 5, 2016
How does a nation that loves freedom get to this point?
First the country must be willing to let its rights and freedoms be dictated by a government and some of its people who say they both only want the best for all of our citizens.
Some of our people for decades now have been working to gain control of our legal rights and freedoms. This has not just happened over night.
While we were asleep at the switch, most of our newspapers and other media have been acquired by people who are against the things that have helped to make our country great. To me, this is like the Russian newspaper Pravada that tells its citizens what to do and how to think. In other words, mindless people who follow the Russian government rules without any disobedience. Are we nearing or at this point yet?
Hillary Clinton and some of her people have been slipping into their speeches of how guns will be controlled. Controlled my foot, for if she and others like her are elected, they will make it so hard to have a firearm that we will not be able to have a slingshot. We can see now how many states and their politicians have banned guns and /or parts so that their legal gun owners can not legally own them. They suggest banning guns will do away with crimes and/or murders. I say show us the proof. Not only should Republicans be afraid, but Democrats and others should be also.
Think about this: These people do nothing or very little to rid gangs of guns. They only want to mess with the legal citizens. Why do they fear legal citizens? Is it because we will obey their illegal and stupid laws that will do away with our rights and freedoms if we will let them and the gangs and illegals will not obey their laws?
In some countries where the government has taken away freedoms, liberties and peoples rights are being enforced by their military, their law enforcement and other agencies. The people have one of two things to do. The first is to become the pawns who mindlessly follow their governmental rules. The second is to rebel against all of the people who want to oppress them. When governmental officials oppress the people, all government officials, law enforcement agencies and the military and their families will become the enemies of the state. If or when this happens, they will be fair game for repercussion.
We are following the road that many of other countries have taken, so I ask you which road do you want to follow before it is too late?
JOHN H. BETHEA
Marion
http://www.scnow.com/opinion/article_7f397b3e-5b3b-11e6-8b4c-5fdc92319088.html
