Sometimes a Writer Brings Forth Fears

Americans are rightly concerned about the security and the integrity of the nation's borders because the system is broken. Some are concerned about the possibility of terrorists crossing our borders and coming into our cities.
Chris Cannon

Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


The Latino and Latina marches that took place in the United States in March of this year, 2006, inspired me to write the article that appeared in the April 9 issue of The Panama News.

I received a rather angry response. The truth, the reader’s reaction left me somewhat bewildered. In her frustration over the growing American concern over illegal immigration, I believe she misinterpreted the views I expressed on the growing presence of Hispanics in the States. As I reread the response today, the message still seems alien to me. It's as if the letter had nothing to do with my article.

Fear has to power to render even the most rational person uncomprehensible.

Below is the response:

I just read your OpEd piece on Hispanic Immigrants. You failed to mention a few important points: the Hispanics we are discussing here in the states have violated our laws in coming here. We do not want borders that are porous. If we did, we wouldn't have the laws. Instead, the Hispanic community has taken it upon themselves to pour into our country, with no regard for our laws or sometimes even our culture. Hoisting Mexican flags was one activity that soured more than a few Americans, I can assure you. I cannot imagine Mexico taking lightly to millions of Americans just marching into Mexico and hoisting U.S. flags.

Why is it so hard to imagine our reaction when that behavior happens here?

What you also failed to mention is that the planned marches did catch the eye of U.S. citizens. I have not met one person who is now more mobilized than previously to find a way to stop the parade of Mexicans into the U.S. ...a parade by people who seem to care less about our laws, who care less about being supported by the taxpayers here, who take hospital beds without regard to displacement of our citizens, who take support services without regard to the fact that someone else is paying their way.

Jobs? This isn't about jobs. It's also not about diversity. It's about respect. It's about honor. It's about people abiding by the laws. It's about Mexicans feeling entitled to treat us in a manner that they would not extend to us if we came to their country.

Should the Immigration law be passed? No. A stricter one is needed.

Cynthia Freyer
Pullman, Washington