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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