The latest episode of public outrage is the condemnation of the firing of FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and the loss of his retirement benefits, just two days short of his retirement eligibility. Members of the mainstream media have offered suggestions for continuing his government employment, in another agency and capacity, for just a short time to secure his pension benefits. As in most situations where emotion is allowed to overwhelm logic, the entire narrative is weepy theater. McCabe will receive his pension. Period. What he won’t do is start to receive it at age 50, but will have to wait until he is somewhere between 57 and 60. He will also be ineligible for additional bonus perks. The bottom line is that he will have to wait, like other American retirees-to-be, until he is actually a senior citizen. Put the hankies away.
DENNIS MCGOWAN, SNELLVILLE
Punitive immigration strategy would be counterproductive
Thank you for “Locals unite to support immigrants in Georgia” (Metro, March 17), which addresses, in part, the attempt to pass laws requiring police departments to work alongside immigration officials and for law enforcement and court officials to report those they believe are here illegally. I believe the 287(g) program and the passage of Senate Bill 452 would make communities less secure. Undocumented immigrants would fear working with police to ensure their community’s safety. At the same time, local law enforcement and sheriffs would have to employ their resources on work that is under federal jurisdiction. This would make them legally liable in the case of lawsuits for work that should be the responsibility of (federal) agencies. Last but not least, would local jurisdictions benefit if they were no longer involved in the decision-making process? I hope lawmakers will decide this punitive approach to immigration is, in the long run, counterproductive.
DIANA ANHALT, ATLANTA
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