The immigration editoriol [Vol. XXXVIII, Number 14, Dec. 6, 2010] is reflecting opinions and conclusions based on very faulty and erroneous assumptions.
First, there is no comparison to the immigration of yesteryear that for sure was greatly resposible for helping build this great nation and making it the exceptional nation it was, is and is now at risk!
If you studied your history you’d remember there were annual quotas by Congress of ALLOWED immigartion. There was Ellis Island, among other immigration points of entry, which were stongly controlled and immigration laws then strictly enforced. It was a privilege to enter the USA then – NOT A RIGHT!
The immigrants then learned our language, studied for citizenship, worked hard, paid taxes and accepted no entitlements unless they were destitute; not today’s picture.
You and others with your immaturity and lack of knowledge and experience blame the people/original immigrants for how they went about creating the greatest nation the world has known – just as our current president does and whom I’m sure you all are part of the voting block that put him in office.
I wonder if you’ve learned your lesson – if not, read recent history (Nov. 2) and reflect. And, for your information, the Indians of old were stealing and killing each other for the land (and food) they controlled – NOT OWNED – long before the Europeans got here. And, their descendants are today some of the wealthiest (and greediest casino owners) dwellars in America! Without the America as it is and has been, where do the tortured, hungry people escape to? Your editoriol does all a disservice. There is so much more that can be said….
E. P. (Lou) Marinos
Retired executive
Board member/chair public co.
Board member, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre
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February 8th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
The anger in this response is clear. What is not clear is Mr. Marinos’s reason for lashing out at the reporters who expressed their opinions in their editorial. One of the reason’s the U.S. is such a great nation is the right to free speech.
As for the issue of immigration, though there was a time in which quotas were allowed, those were established and altered to best benefit the powerful in America. Take the allowance of mass Chinese immigrantion for the building of the railroads followed by exclusionary acts upon completion of the lines for example. I firmly believe that immigration to our country is a priviledge. However, it is one that should be afforded equally to everyone with pure intentions. I would venture to say that a majority of those crossing into our nation are doing so to advance themselves and their families. They are not looking for hand-outs. They are looking for opportunties. And while many do not learn English (as I do believe they should), most work very hard every day just to make ends meet. These are the people for whom the immigration laws should be reformed. Rather than keeping everyone out, we need laws that allow for the non-criminals to enter easily. It would be better for the immigrants and for our nation if a legal, efficent way of gaining citizenship were to be created.