Immigration hurts workers
In a Nov. 26 OpEd, Harvard lawyer Cass Sunstein explains that President Obama’s executive action “does not give amnesty to anyone.” Really? Illegal immigrants and their employers have colluded for decades in tax evasion, document fraud and identity theft, not to mention illegal entry. If Americans commit these felonies, we face serious punishment. Obama’s executive action gives many a free pass: No prosecutions, no deportations, and more rewards like Social Security cards and job permits. And send out Harvard lawyers to write long-winded explanations of how it isn’t amnesty, so the rubes will calm down.
Neither Obama nor the press gave any thought to those American families whose labor markets will be flooded with 5 million workers, competing for the better-paid jobs in construction, manufacturing, etc. now that Obama has passed out the work permits.
Sunstein explains that only criminals, terrorists, and those who ignored recent removal orders will be deported. In short, only the bad guys leave.
This is Obama’s personal immigration crusade; it’s not federal law. And the American people never asked for it. Clearly, the immigration fight is not between liberals and conservatives. It’s a fight between powerful, well-educated elites, who feel entitled to hire any worker in the world at the lowest possible wage, and ordinary American workers.
Jonette Christian
Holden
More than lighthouses
I am a small business owner and I support the creation of a new national park and national recreation area in Maine’s North Woods, as proposed by Elliotsville Plantation, Inc.
I own Bike, Board, and Ski in downtown Presque Isle. We are a full-service outdoor gear shop with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Though located about two hours from the proposed park land, my business would undoubtedly benefit from the increased traffic the park would generate. Visitors from New Brunswick and parts of Quebec often travel through Presque Isle on their way to points south. I can envision them stopping at my shop on their way through town, picking up any forgotten outdoor gear in preparation for an adventure at the new national park and national recreation area. Other downtown businesses would also benefit.
As a resident of Northern Maine and an enthusiastic supporter of its many recreational opportunities, I also see this national park and national recreation area as an opportunity to brand Maine’s North Woods. Too often Maine is characterized only by lighthouses and lobsters, without any mention of the tremendous resource that is Maine’s North Woods. This park would be iconic of the entirety of Maine’s forestland and would serve to inspire people to visit Maine’s inland areas. Maine is home to tremendous rivers, mountains and forestland, much of which is currently overlooked. This park would put Maine’s North Woods on the map and would give it the recognition it deserves.
Tom Chasse
Presque Isle