Why Not Deport Criminals?
The following is in reference to the article, “Between the Lines: Report a Crime, Risk Deportation” June 9-15, 2016. Why is it a bad thing to deport people who are here illegally who have committed not one, but two crimes? I’m not versed in this matter and am truly curious. Your article says that the person suspected of being here illegally would have to be arrested and be a “high priority” for ICE meaning they’ve committed a crime previously as well. Why should we keep them in the country, likely in jail, under these circumstances?
My feeling is that people should enter the country legally, of course, but if that is not possible for some reason, one of their first priorities upon entering the country should be to become legal immigrants. Though I admit that I do not know what that may entail.
Vicky Deneault
Orange
Mourning So Many
Once again I am shocked and appalled at the extrajudicial killings of African American men at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve us. It is horrifying that Alton Sterling and Philando Castile senselessly lost their lives at the hands of police in Baton Rouge and near Minneapolis. In very short order, these two men became the latest victims of an epidemic of brutality that is all too familiar to communities of color across the nation. They have now joined a tragic list of hundreds of Black men fatally shot by police officers in 2016 alone. These men leave behind families, children, and friends who struggle to understand why their lives were snuffed out in such a brutal fashion. Once again, those oppressed by an unjust system, are desperately trying to find justice and healing in a nation where they are far too often met with indifference and inaction by those responsible for protecting them.
Unfortunately, different factions in a polarized nation, have drawn on the typical responses and divisions. Many assert that we should not rush to judgment until the criminal justice process has played itself out. Others are posting the criminal background of Mr. Sterling, an implicit argument that somehow; Mr. Sterling deserved death as a result of his past mistakes. Still others are frustrated by a community that is rightfully compelled to remind a watching nation that black lives matter too. In addition to the murders of Sterling and Castile, five police officers in Dallas, Texas, were executed at the hands of a gunman consumed with frustration, hatred, and fear. This tragic act is profoundly upsetting and my heart mourns for all involved.
Today, we mourn for Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the five officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. We lament for them and their families. We, pray for them. We pray for peace, and for solace, and for comfort, and, yes, for justice. May it roll like a river and righteousness as a mighty stream. Let us also be reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
May we do our best to be a source of light and love in this time of pain, confusion and darkness.
Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II
Springfield
All In
From the Editor: Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was an outspoken Protestant pastor who railed against Nazi rule and spent seven years in a concentration camps. For those who haven’t heard yet, and for those who can be inspired, here is Niemöller’s eternally timely comment on struggle:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”
