IMMIGRATION
No permanent status absent secure borders
At first glance, the current proposed immigration bill has great merit. The vast majority of our 11 million-plus “undocumented immigrants” would be granted legal status, with the pathway to citizenship held in abeyance, pending implementation of border enhancement measures.
The problem is that once legal status is granted, these individuals are here for good — no matter what the status of border security becomes.
Nothing should be done to imply permanent status until the proposed border enhancements are complete, and a six-month period has been used to judge the resultant status of border security. A congressional panel of four Democrats and four Republicans would be the judge, with five votes needed for approval. Otherwise, insufficient border security would be likely.
JAY WAGNER, STONE MOUNTAIN
LOTTERY
Legalized gambling preys on vulnerable
In a 2008 study, the Commission on Thrift determined that households making less than $13,000 spent about nine percent of their incomes on lottery tickets. Is that really a plus for society?
A few decades ago, what is now called the lottery was known as the numbers racket — and running one would get you a ticket to the slammer. Most people agree that lottery proceeds are used for good purposes, but is it really good enough to be worth the cost to our most vulnerable?
JIM CONWAY, ROSWELL
SECOND AMENDMENT
Background checks can make us all safer
With so much gun violence in our communities, you would think that everyone would agree with universal background checks, since they don’t take away anyone’s right to own a gun; they only help in “weeding” out some people who shouldn’t own one.
Unfortunately, some people feel that everyone should own guns, no questions asked. They also feel that one should be able to carry guns in churches, bars and schools. That would be a disaster waiting to happen.
It’s time to start using common sense regarding some of the laws that are being proposed. Guns are for killing. They should be handled responsibly, and with the utmost care.
Let’s do what is right for our state — and for our nation — to make them a bit safer.
MARIA ACEVEDO, MARIETTA
NEW STADIUM
Church should think hard before it moves
Friendship Baptist Church is contemplating relocating (“Church wants city’s help in relocating,” Metro, June 22).
I’m not a member, but have attended the church. I believe this church sees the “dollar bills” rather than thinking about the historical value their ancestors poured into having this church come into existence.
I attend, and am also a member, of a church in Lilburn that is 178 years old and built by former slaves. We at the church have maintained our dignity and introduced to our younger generation the value of attaining and maintaining the church history.
I think Friendship Baptist Church should think and re-think its dismantling.
IVORY SMITH, LAWRENCEVILLE
