CIVIL RIGHTS

Liberties don’t justify illegal discrimination

Regarding “Gay rights trump basic civil liberties” (Opinion, Sept. 30), as a lesbian who just moved to Atlanta from California, I was amused that the author of this column begins with the California law regarding transgendered youth and their rights to use gender-appropriate bathrooms. Transgendered individuals are a vital part of the LGBT community. However, they are not “gay.”

A lesson in gender identity is not my point, however. The author bases the rest of his argument on legal cases regarding one of the basic tenets of a free society: Discrimination in any form is wrong. I agree that some of these lawsuits are extreme. As with any civil rights movement, there will be those who push the boundaries to make a point. However, the law is black and white. If there is a violation of the law against discrimination, it is a violation of law.

The author decries laws used to trump “fundamental civil liberties such as free speech and free exercise of religion.” Obviously, he believes his right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” trumps mine.

KATHARINE COLE, ATLANTA

IMMIGRATION

Enforce nation’s laws, don’t proffer amnesty

Many Americans think people who are illegally in this country need to be penalized because they broke the law. The truth is that our nation’s immigration laws need to be followed because doing so is the right and moral thing to do.

It would be great if the U.S. could open its doors to everyone who wants or needs to come here, but our population would quickly swell. Think what the ramifications would be for our natural resources and international relations if we had over a billion people living the lifestyle of most Americans today. Then, there is the fact that many, if not most, immigrants primarily speak their native language. It isn’t fair to those of us who have lived here all our lives to have to learn new languages and dialects just to thrive in our communities.

What we need is strict, but just, enforcement regarding illegal immigration — with no amnesty given to those who have come illegally into our country — combined with a decrease in the issuance of visas, green cards, etc.

WILL LANCE, ATLANTA

GOOD SAMARITANS

Thanks to those who helped at crash scene

I was in a motorcycle accident recently in Crabapple. A driver pulled into me, knocking me off my bike and onto the road. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of aid rendered by complete strangers, and just want to say “Thank you” and “Bless you.” One lady on the scene was a nurse. A couple of gentlemen grabbed my bike, moved it out of traffic and reassured me that it sustained only minor damage. They all waited until police and emergency personnel arrived.

I’m sorry that I didn’t get the names of those who helped me, but I will work diligently to “pay forward” their kindness.

NICK DEANGELO, WOODSTOCK