Costco Connection - August 2006

Debate goes on
In response to the July Debate,
“Should illegal immigrants
be granted amnesty?”

Y ES. This issue primarily addresses our Mexican neighbors coming to the U.S. in search of a better life for themselves and their families. When did we as a nation forget that we are all immigrants to this great country, except for the Native Americans?

Most American nationals would do whatever it takes to survive and support our families. Many Mexicans come to the U.S. to put food on their tables, clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads. They come here taking jobs that most of us won’t do. We are all equal in God’s eyes and we should bring back the human element into this whole discussion.

Mike Buss, Prescott Valley, Arizona

NO. Illegal immigrants perform labor in this country that others do not want to do. They are paid little. Why not let them work hard like so many others immigrants to become naturalized? Otherwise, it’s a slap in the face to all the immigrants who have worked to become naturalized citizens. Let illegal immigrants earn citizenship and respect being an American. Otherwise, they will not respect their citizenship.

Thelma Porter-Trickett, Hollister, California

Y ES. I believe we need an alternative, humane path to citizenship for the illegal immigrants working in this country. But amnesty is the wrong word for the program Bush has proposed. Amnesty is defined as a pardon. In other words, people are excused without cost or obligation.

The Bush proposal requires that, to obtain citizenship, those who entered illegally must learn English, remain drug- and arrest-free, pay taxes, contribute to FICA and remain employed. How can we call the requirement to learn English a free ride? Have you ever tried to learn a foreign language? And how can someone who is holding a job and paying taxes be called a freeloader on the American economy?

Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD, Woburn, Massachusetts

NO. Illegal immigrants are here, breaking the law— hence the phrase “illegal.” The home countries of these people do not allow similar immigration policies. The argument that they are employed in [jobs in the] agricultural and service industries that

American citizens choose not to do is true only because we make it easier for immigrants to get these jobs than for citizens. If immigrants want to work in this country, they must agree to pay for their own education, health care and retirement, not expect free government services paid for by U.S. citizens.

Helen Cromar, Wenatchee, Washington
Odds and ends
Kirkland Signature brand

I would like to personally salute The Costco Connection on its June cover story touting Kirkland Signature™ brand products. I am a small-business owner with two retail stores that offer home furnishings, and I cannot begin to compete with the quality and price offered at Costco. I personally have grown to rely on Kirkland Signature products. They are truly superior in all ways.

There are two other wholesale membership clubs where I live. I have belonged to both of them over the years, and neither can hold a candle to Costco. Therefore, I salute you in all you do as a business operator.

Quinn Miano, Norfolk, Virginia

A taste of quality A friend recently directed me to a Web site ( www.earlytorise.com/archive/ html/ 041506-2.html) that said that some brands of extra virgin olive oil can be tainted, unhealthy and more. Since I use only Kirkland Signature olive oil from Tuscany, I decided to investigate on my own. I read the label on the seal and in just a few minutes I was told who grew the olives, who crushed them and who bottled the oil in my very own bottle, along with a map. That was all the assurance I needed to know that I am buying a high-quality product at Costco. Steve Cabito, Santa Rosa, California

Home companion

I own a bed-and-breakfast in Mount Shasta, California ( www.shastamountinn.com), and I have furnished it with many things from Costco, such as sheets, towels, a sun umbrella, etc. [See July cover story.] I drive 50 miles to the nearest Costco to buy my food and snacks (the blueberry bread has been a big hit). When people comment on something in the bed-and-breakfast, I am proud to say I bought it at Costco. The quality is great and, increasingly, you offer organic food, which is important to many of my guests.

By the way, the people at Costco are the best.

David Knowles, via e-mail
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You can read more Debate responses and letters from members in the Online Edition. Go to costco.com and click on “Costco magazine.”

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Readers are encouraged to submit letters to our editors on any topic or issue covered in The Connection. Please include your full name and phone number or address. Send all letters to: Dialogue, The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088; fax to (425) 313-6718; or e-mail to dialogue@costco.com. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for publication.