IMMIGRATION
Reform should pass; it’s the right thing to do
Mary Sanchez’s recent column (“GOP undercuts its future with immigration stance,” Opinion, July 16) illustrates the dilemma that some Republicans of good faith find themselves in. Ms. Sanchez indicates Republicans should adopt the current immigration bill because of “demographics, public opinion polls, the party’s own consultants and common sense.” Nowhere does she mention voting for it because it’s the right thing to do.
While some Republicans on the far right want to send back all illegal immigrants, I suspect the vast majority are willing to legalize those currently here if they can be sure of a cessation of additional illegals. Unfortunately, based on past history, many Americans have little confidence in promises of border security and, as a result, prefer the border to be certifiably closed before agreeing to allow amnesty. As Ronald Reagan famously said, “Trust, but verify.”
ERIC SANDBERG, ATLANTA
Those here illegally seek to skirt process
The Democrats won’t approve any immigration bill that does not allow a path to citizenship for the millions of illegals already here.
Good news: The path already exists. It’s called the legal immigration procedure.
The problem is, illegals don’t want to follow this procedure the way legal immigrants do, which is why we call them “illegals.” Republicans opposing the latest immigration bill aren’t against immigration; they’re just against illegal immigration.
JOE WILLIAMS, DOUGLASVILLE
ZIMMERMAN TRIAL
Nation of laws should respect jury’s verdict
It is tragic that a teenager was killed. It is also tragic that a man must live forever with the knowledge that he killed another.
Do we live in a nation of laws, or do we live in a nation of mob rule? Does a jury weigh their decision on actual proven facts, or on feelings exacerbated up by a money-hungering media or those who make their living by riling up the public or political scene?
Humans of any shade who protest the verdict are doing so on emotional grounds. They cannot, and do not, know all the facts presented to the jury; nor do they know Florida law. I know I don’t.
Since we are a nation of laws — and thank God for our forefathers’ foresight — we must respect the jury’s verdict. We should scorn those who want to rile up citizens as a result of the verdict, and we should all pray for the families of both parties.
M. ARMSTRONG, JOHNS CREEK
Justice inquiry bows to demands of a mob
George Zimmerman was found not guilty by a jury of his peers — but apparently, that is not enough.
The “court” of public opinion (or mob rule) has decided to retry the young man. This young man was investigated prior to the trial, but the Department of Justice will proceed with an investigation anyway to satisfy the “court” of public opinion.
This is, of course, to be done at taxpayer expense. Does anyone care about us taxpayers — or justice?
BOB BOLIA, JONESBORO
