Supporters of Prop. 200 are worried

 

The vast majority of us that are pro-Proposition 200 have no association with any of your referenced racist, separatist, segregationist, and white-supremacist organizations and individuals; plus, we can think for ourselves. We are not racists. We are worried. First, protect (secure) our borders and control immigration. Second, protect our economy. Third, protect us from socialists. John P. Slusser

 

Tucson

 

Prop. 200 isn't racist at all

 

In his Aug. 14 column "Please, don't call it racism: It's separatism. Yeah, right," Ernesto Portillo Jr. implies that Proposition 200 is a racist, or a "separatist" endeavor, apparently on the basis that Virginia D. Abernethy, who proclaims to be a separatist, heads the national advisory board for the incentive. It's hard to understand Portillo's reasoning, since Proposition 200 does not exclude any race, ethnic, or religious group from its provisions. In fact, the proposition applies to all. So where is the racism? Where is the separatism? Although I support the proposition I am neither a bigot, racist or separatist, and I am certain that neither are the majority of the people who are in favor of it. Thus, is Portillo actually pointing the finger at himself? Egils H. Krolls

 

Tucson

 

Only citizens should be allowed to vote

 

What is wrong with wanting eligible voters to be citizens? Illegal entrants come across our border every day and now they should have the right to elect the people who will govern us? I am all for legal immigration; that's what makes our country great. It used to be that people coming here had to be healthy and have a sponsor that would take care of them so they wouldn't become a burden on our country. Shelly Stathas

 

Tucson

 

Protect U.S. citizens of all races first

 

Your Aug. 16 editorial "Roots in race" could not have been more racist if you had gotten Louis Farrakhan himself to write it. Proposition 200 is not about Virginia D. Abernethy and it is not about Trent Lott. It is about gaining some control over our borders. Period. To the authors of Prop. 200 it has become convincingly evident that the federal government either cannot or will not control our borders and because of that U.S. citizens' tax money is being used to care for, and educate, illegal immigrants in our country. That money should be used to care for and educate our own citizens "of any color." Prop. 200 does not mention race anywhere in it and that clearly excludes it from being a racist measure. Tom Martin

 

Retired, Tucson

 

Economics drives Prop. 200

 

I realize the Arizona Daily Star is pro-illegal entrants, but to continue the assertion that Proposition 200 is racially driven is absurd (Aug. 16 editorial "Roots in race"). The fact is that most of the illegal entrants are from Mexico; however, it is not the color of their skin that is important. What is important is that they are cheapening our wages while they are bankrupting our social services. And yes, it is true that our own government is refusing to enforce sanctions against greedy employers - an excellent reason for replacing the current crop of politicians with people who will represent the interests of Americans rather than big corporations and special interest groups. A good start would be to replace Jim Kolbe with Randy Graf. Frances Nixon

 

Retired, Tucson