Uncontrolled immigration, David Boase and Gold Star families

Who’s already here

The president was correct when he stated at the United Nations that a nation and its people must control immigration to its shores. (Sept. 26, 3A, “Trump scorns ‘global bureaucracy’ in UN speech”) History teaches us that when there is massive, uncontrolled immigration, local populations suffer. They first are displaced and soon become second-class citizens in their own country.

This may go on for generations, and only after a vast time, maybe — just maybe — will they be recognized as citizens of their ancestors’ home. This happened in Australia, New Zealand, the Hawaiian islands and North and South America. The lessons of history should not be ignored.

Wes Durham

Kansas City

Evenly applied?

Recently, the media have brought to light the predicament of the Rev. David Boase. (Sept. 21, 1A, “Illinois priest nearing citizenship now faces deportation for voting in 2006”) When considering his predicament, the question we must ask ourselves is whether we are willing to bend the law for some while applying it rigidly to others. And is that true justice?

Faithfully, Boase’s community describes him as “the kind of person you want to have in this country.” Also, Boase explains he was told by a state Department of Motor Vehicles office supervisor to register as a voter. So technically, he was just following directions and by doing so, unknowingly committed a crime.

Although Boase committed his crime in ignorance, his actions still must be punished, just as someone who commits involuntary manslaughter still faces consequences. This is no different. And in telling ourselves it is different, we are fighting to bring inequality into a system designed to administer just the opposite.

Thomas Jefferson said: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can be always pretended.” Is that what we want? Do we want to destroy true justice by substituting false kindness?

Gloria Wilson

Grandview

Silver lining

When I get depressed, I clean my house. Then at the end of the day, I have accomplished something about which I’m happy.

Thanks to Republicans, my special fall cleaning is almost complete.

Donna M. Clark

Overland Park

Very revealing

Sen. Dianne Feinstein showed her real colors at the hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh — not true blue patriotism for our country, but back alley politics.

Sara Colt

Mission Hills

Why this one?

Is our country so bereft of qualified and unsullied candidates for the Supreme Court that we are forced to subject ourselves to the embarrassing display demonstrated by our elected leaders as they, once again, try to push through the approval of an obviously tarnished candidate? We should be better than this.

Douglas Washburn

Lenexa

Taking notice

To all members of Congress:

I am your constituent from Smithville. I want you to know that I have seen enough of the GOP trying to shove another pretentious, entitled, elitist, white man down the throat of good, hardworking Americans. Judge Brett Kavanaugh is highly biased, and obviously not suited to represent the highest court and our Constitution.

This man is unfit and an embarrassment to conservatives. You are complicit in trying to rush his nomination through at all costs.

All my Republican friends are talking, and it’s not looking good for you.

Sherrie Gomez

Smithville

Roberts’ hard work

Kansas families should be thanking Sen. Pat Roberts, and here’s why.

Roberts has worked relentlessly to create a bipartisan Farm Bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill provides long-desired certainty for agribusiness in Kansas, as well as a commitment to making access to food more stable for families across America.

With agriculture labor being seasonal in Kansas, work in the western part of the state is unpredictable. This would make it difficult to meet House-proposed work requirements. Combining this with finding care for a child over age 6 while you work, meeting this work requirement becomes practically impossible.

Roberts knows this and wants a final Farm Bill that protects hungry families. He has lent his undying support and love of our neighbors and friends who need help through this bipartisan legislation.

Sen. Roberts, we students urge you to fight for a final Farm Bill that keeps harmful work requirements out and puts agribusiness certainty in.

Thank you for being a dedicated and loyal public servant.

Cameron Smith

Overland Park

Day of honor

On Sunday, Americans will observe National Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. The special observance dates from June 23, 1936, when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the last Sunday in September as a day to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

We make it a special point to honor America’s veterans throughout the year. We understand what it means to lose someone dear and the importance of finding ways to honor those who have passed and cope with their loss.

We encourage our fellow citizens to join us as we remember the sacrifices of the fallen and offer strength and moral support to their friends and loved ones.

Janet Hessenflow

Executive Director

Crossroads Hospice

& Palliative Care

Independence