Illegal immigrants essential to economy
The existing immigrant workforce in Georgia represents a core of expertise that businesses depend on to run efficiently. Many of these workers have been with their companies for many years. Their removal is a loss that few businesses can afford in this challenging environment.
Undocumented workers should be made to pay a fine and then be allowed to obtain a permit to stay where they are needed. American jobs depend on the success of industries such as distribution, food processing, construction, restaurants and agriculture.
These industries rely on immigrant workers, and they will be wounded if they are forced to reorganize and lose their experienced employees.
When one business suffers, the effects ripple through the community. When the primary industries of our entire state are injured, the Georgia economy will take yet another step down.
John Barbour, Hawkinsville
Chambliss, Isakson have done a disservice
After millions of jobs lost through “free trade” agreements and years of greater than 9 percent unemployment, both U.S. senators from Georgia just signed up for more of the same — approving trade deals with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.
Undoubtedly, their votes were encouraged with large campaign donations from wealthy business interests in favor of producing overseas, then importing to sell here.
What they don’t get is that there can be little consumption because many of the higher-paying jobs that kept the middle class in work have left the country in the wake of past “free trade” agreements. When are our politicians going to realize that “free trade” only benefits large corporations — and leaves the rest of us with no decent jobs, little cash, etc.?
I urge all of you to vote Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson out of office. We need senators who will represent the interests of Georgia’s middle class.
Eric Aslakson, Atlanta
Writer’s observations right on the money
Charles Krauthammer’s column (“Blaming the rich is ridiculous, dangerous,” Opinion, Oct. 14) was so true, I had to have more oatmeal and coffee to celebrate its veracity.
He cites Obama’s re-election strategy as blame, attack and accuse the rich — find a villain!
We have noticed. Krauthammer notes that sacking the rich would make only a small dent in the national deficit. Closing banks would stop business.
As the author suggests, this is a failed administration placing blame and inciting rage against class enemies.
It is a re-election push from President Obama jammed to the forefront, without a care to the disruptive dangers for our country. Krauthammer deserves another Pulitzer Prize for his keen observations. The truth is so refreshing.
Catherine Boone Shealy, Atlanta
