Illegal aliens are criminals, not simply ‘immigrants’

Re: “Illegals unfairly blamed for recent crime wave,” From Readers, June 18

Mr. Gilbert Adams is guilty of irresponsible misrepresentation of the illegal “immigration” issue. On June 18, he complained to The Examiner for “unfairly blaming illegals” for crime. But the issue is not whether illegals are stealing/murdering/raping, although many are. The issue is whether they are criminals.

Anyone who violates the immigration statutes is a criminal. Illegal aliens (not immigrants, who are here legally by definition) are therefore criminals.

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 Joe Garber

Leesburg

Saudis have little reason to increase oil production

Re: “Agree? Disagree? Even before the Saudis actually began increasing oil production, prices will drop in anticipation,” June 23

Oil companies and countries that produce oil aren’t in the business of saving anyone money. Right now they are hauling in record profits while consumers the world over suffer the consequences. These increased profits are coming without investment in infrastructure, production facilities, transportation or delivery systems. It’s basically free cash, so why would they be motivated to increase supply and drive down prices?

There really isn’t a shortage of oil or gasoline. A shortage implies that no matter what you’re willing to pay, you can’t get it. 

So what’s left?  The same hedge fund managers who brought us the subprime mortgage meltdown are now busily building a petroleum bubble using the “Enron Loophole” that brought disaster to the California electricity market a few years back. These speculators are betting that folks will be willing to spend the lion’s share of their disposable income on gas. So far they have been right. Americans seem willing to work longer hours, skip preventative health care and simply stay home in order to keep the tank topped off. 

The only motivation I see in the Saudi offer to increase production is the vague fear that at these prices, alternative sources of energy will become a reality. This is a feeble attempt to keep their only resource at the top of the chart a little longer.

Larry R. Juhl

Springfield

Obama’s financing flip-flop reveals he’s run-of-the-mill

On the June 21 “McLaughlin Group,” the panel discussed Barack Obama’s decision to spurn his pledge to accept public funding for his campaign and to refrain from accepting private money. Panelist Clarence Page said that no one has said what is wrong with Obama’s decision.

I support Obama, but I am extremely disappointed with both his decision and Page’s flippant comment. In effect, Page was saying, “So what if Obama made a pledge and is now disregarding it.” Save us from the so-what-niks.

With Henry Clay, Obama must proclaim in no uncertain terms that “I would rather be right than be president?” It is precisely that approach that has won the hearts and minds of many Americans to Obama’s candidacy.

 Nathan Dodell

Rockville

Israel’s latest peace efforts should be applauded

I have been reading the latest news coming out of Israel with cautious optimism: the cease-fire with Hamas, an offer to begin talks with Lebanon and the ongoing talks with Syria and the Palestinians. These are all good signs that Israel is headed in the right direction in its quest for security and peace.

I have been struck by the absence of public expressions of support for these recent peace efforts, most notably from the pro-Israel community, such as AIPAC, that is normally such a vocal advocate for Israel and its policies.

As a Jewish American who believes that the security of Israel, its neighbors and the United States is enhanced by a peaceful

Middle East, I strongly support these initiatives and hope our next president will do far more than the Bush administration to promote the success of peaceful diplomacy.

I hope that other Jewish Americans who consider themselves friends of Israel will join me in this strong expression of support.

Greg Kaufmann

Washington