READERS WRITE

Select immigrants who are assets

Unable to find jobs in our bad economy, many would-be illegal aliens are choosing to stay home and some already here have returned to their country. This is not to say that we are in danger of soon running out of illegal aliens but it does show that when jobs are not available they will largely self-deport or not come at all. Perhaps this proof will stop those who wail that we can’t possibly deport 12 to 20 million illegal aliens.

Isn’t it obvious that if we can stop the unscrupulous employer from hiring these lawbreakers that our illegal immigration problem can be greatly decreased while improving employment for deserving American citizens and residents? I firmly believe there are few jobs that Americans will not do if the jobs have decent wages and benefits. Perhaps we do need to have a certain number of work visas for agricultural workers but these visas should be limited to unaccompanied workers and require the employer to provide health care and ensure the migrant worker’s presence is monitored.

While we perhaps have a moral responsibility to admit a certain number of immigrants, I believe our country has the basic right to select the immigrants who we need and who will be an asset to our nation.

ERNEST WADE

Loganville

Quality of life outweighs cost in health care

Regarding Jay Bookman’s column “Life-and-death questions dog health-care debate,” (@issue, Dec. 18): Having lost all my family to cancer in one form or another and having them go through radiation/chemotherapy as their choice, I discovered first-hand the meaning of quality of life vs. quantity of life. For many, there is pain, debilitation and loss of dignity in going through treatments. Others do get their life back. My family was not that fortunate.

Twelve years ago, after my family was gone, I adopted two kittens and found a wonderful life with them. This spring one died after developing lymphoma. I worked with my vet in going through the least-invasive treatments for her, but nothing helped and I chose not to go ahead with the most invasive chemotherapy. I chose to let her live out her life in the most comfortable way possible, where she could still be herself. Then when my vet let me know it was time, I let her go in peace. I will never have any regrets.

As with human health care, pet health care is expensive, and I did pay a large price for the extent to which I went. Health care is too expensive for anyone and it’s particularly disturbing to deal with the cost and having that possibly determine the medical decisions we have to make. I did apply the same value to my pet as I would a human family member. I opt for quality of life with dignity, and have made it known to relatives and friends. It’s not a matter of spending or saving money for me.

KATHY WINTERS

Sandy Springs

Will Bush policies bear fruit?

After reading the opinion piece regarding President Bush’s legacy by Kevin Hassett of the American Enterprise Institute, I realized that Hassett is the man I want to write my obituary (“President’s legacy may surprise you”, @issue, Dec. 25). If Hassett can present the presidency of George W. Bush in such a humane light, I can only imagine how saintly he could make me appear (and I am no saint).

I have no fondness for President Bush. In my opinion, he is likely to go down in history as one of America’s worst presidents. However, in the spirit of the season, I truly hope that Hassett is right and that Bush’s policies will bear fruits. I hope that someday, with tears of joy in my eyes, I will be sending a charitable contribution to The George W. Bush Library. For hope springs eternal.

GERSON PAULL

Atlanta

Christmas article refreshed this reader

What a wonderful article to read Christmas Day (“In another Bethlehem, family held on to hope.” Page One, Dec. 25). Congratulations to the Whites on their perseverance and good luck to them in the future.

What is particularly refreshing is their positive attitude and the fact that they took responsibility for their situation. They didn’t blame the mortgage company, her company, the economy, President Bush or anyone else for their predicament. Too many folks want to point fingers elsewhere for their problems. Reading about the Whites’ struggles and their hard work and determination to keep their house is a great present for all to read.

MARSHALL HUNTER

Atlanta