Illegal aliens cost more than they contribute

There is a reason why Prince William is cracking down on illegal aliens: cost. Prince William’s police chief just performed his duty by complying with the wishes of Prince William taxpayer-citizens. When we criticize something we should look at both sides, it’s very easy to say it’s inhumane, but it’s a lot harder to pay for the cost created by illegal aliens.

Who will pay for overcrowded school with free lunch for illegal aliens? Who will pay for emergency rooms for uninsured illegal aliens at the hospitals? Who will pay for the cost of illegal aliens at the county jail and juvenile detention center? Who pays for the food-assistance program to illegal aliens? The business owners or the Prince William taxpayer-citizens?

It’s unfair for Prince William taxpayer-citizens to have to carry the burden of illegal aliens in the United States while the illegal aliens can send thousands of dollars to their relatives back in their own countries.

Quang V. Nguyen

Department of Homeland Security

Privatization led to Great Tokyo Subway

Re: “Metro is mediocre compared with other subway systems” March 31, 2008

Mr. Carrigan is right about the Tokyo mass transit providing demonstrably better service than the Washington Metro. The Japanese government must do a great job of managing commuter rail, huh?

Actually, no. Part of the Tokyo subway is privately owned and operated, with different lines both competing and cooperating with one another. Privatization of many of the lines and stations was completed in 2004. Because there is now competition, the subway must provide superior service at a low cost, if only not to lose riders to competing lines or other forms of transportation.

Despite carrying more than 7.8 million passengers on a daily basis, the Tokyo Metro is extremely punctual and service is rarely disrupted, even after earthquakes. The cost per rider is equivalent to our Metro’s minimum fare, about $1.70 one way, with no rush hour pricing. Moreover, they offer unlimited monthly passes and service to more than 260 stations. Imagine how much Metro would charge for operating such a complex and efficient system. We need to have similar competitive corporate governance here. True, someone living near a given rail might still take it regardless, but those living halfway between lines (such as in Beltsville or Annandale) are free to switch. The past few decades have shown that when government leaves an industry, consumers benefit enormously. It should do the same for Metro.

Justin Matz

Gaithersburg

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Nat Kidder

Ashburn, Va.

Boycott China’s human rights record, at minimum

Re: Agree? Disagree? April 2, 2008

America should boycott the entire 2008 Beijng Summer Olympic Games. We must not enrich with our commerce any nation that disregards certain basic human rights America has always traditionally regarded as being good and decent. It is not only a question of Chinese communist treatment of Tibetans, but also of freedom for Chinese Christians, the Falun Gong movement, and religious freedom for all the peoples of China.

We must not deify sports athletes to such a degree that we no longer have any conscience remaining to demonstrate national indignation at a foreign government that flagrantly denies the basic moral worth of all human life. Let America stay home from the Beijng Olympic Games this summer.

Lawrence K. Marsh

Gaithersburg, Md.

‘Diversity,’ tolerance cannot be taught

Re: “Maryland’s diversity police trample basic freedoms” April 1, 2008

The Examiner was right to criticize Maryland legislators for passing a bill that would force private and public colleges to report on what they’ve done “to promote and enhance cultural diversity.” That doesn’t just violate academic freedom. It could also enrich scam artists and lead to lawsuits.

The typical response of a dumb college administrator to a “diversity” requirement is to hire a “diversity trainer.” But diversity training backfires, since most employees and students hate it.

For example, a judge allowed an employee to sue a federal agency for sexual harassment after it subjected him to diversity training that scapegoated males, in Hartman v. Pena (1995). Glenn Singleton, a diversity consultant retained by D.C.-area schools claims that “white talk” is “impersonal, intellectual, verbal” and “task-oriented,” while “color commentary” is “emotional.”

“Diversity trainers” often promote insulting racial stereotypes.

Hans Bader

Counsel, Competitive

Enterprise Institute

Arlington, Va.

Congress to blame for soaring pump costs

Truck drivers have a right to strike about whatever they want, so long as they do not violate the terms of their contracts. This should include high gas prices. However, I would urge everyone to note that Congress is almost entirely to blame for high gas prices. The federal government makes more off a gallon of gas, in taxes, than just about anyone else, oil companies included. Federal requirements for the use of ethanol hurt the environment, raise prices, and help only a select few corn farmers.

Allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire weakens the dollar, driving prices of commodities up. Too much government regulation and not enough freedom are the reasons for high gas prices. Blame Congress first.

Benjamin Garber,

Leesburg, Md.

Hillary Clinton is a political chameleon

Hillary will be whoever you want her to be. Saying “y’all” in Texas is one thing; comparing yourself to Rocky in Philadelphia is entirely another. Don’t come in here and say you and Rocky have a lot in common. You wouldn’t know a life like Rocky’s if it hit you over the freshly highlighted head. America can and will continue to see through this. We’re not dumb. We know a wolf in sheep’s clothing when we see one. Even if you don gray sweats you can’t fool us. And you certainly can’t fool Philly.

Mandy Stoltzfus

Narvon, Pa.