Letters from June 9, 2007

Feedback: Unworthy of print

I was disappointed by your recent publication of a letter attacking Commissioner Endresen, not only because you found the letter worthy of publication, but by reason of its placement in a space traditionally reserved for more insightful comment.

While spirited debate and thoughtful criticism are essential tenants of a free society, mean-spirited and uncivil diatribes bordering on slander neither advance a legitimate community interest or invite thoughtful and reasoned public discourse.

Newspapers are the first to criticize the quality of those who would become elected officials. Is it any wonder that the best and brightest sometimes eschew public service for fear of being unfairly pilloried in a community publication?

While I often disagree with Commissioner Endresen on any number of policy or philosophical issues, I admire and appreciate her public service. The job of County Commissioner is a thankless job that few of us appreciate. Our community deserves more from your paper, just as Commissioner Endresen deserves our gratitude and respect for the many years of public service she devoted to the citizens of Poulsbo and Kitsap County, with, I must add, great personal sacrifice.

In the hope we can bring an end to the acts of uncivility I often observe in publications such as yours, I must ask that which brought an end to McCarthyism: Have you no decency, sir?

RON TEMPLETON

Silverdale

Immigration bill:Bizarre and unenforceable

I am for legal immigration but totally against illegal immigration. The current immigration bill is bizarre and unenforceable.

Why would any reasonable voter accept a new bill when the 1986 amnesty bill was not enforced? Current political correctness, fear of stereotyping, legal actions by the ACLU along with sanctuary cities, and counties sticking their noses up at Federal law has made enforcement of any type of immigration status impossible.

Police are not allowed to question legal status even if those they stop are without viable documentation. When attempting to enforce immigration laws the border patrol or police are the ones most in jeopardy of ending up in court defending their dutiful actions. The illegal with his lawyer paid for with taxpayer dollars goes free. Illegal immigration enforcement is a liberal perpetrated joke.

Those here illegally should be treated as such. The process should be simple and quick. Immigration status should be checked and if here illegally they should be immediately deported.

Instead of a comprehensive bill, it would be prudent to have separate bills dealing with major issues, border security, registration solutions to illegal workers and families, business

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