Illegal immigrants deserve deportation, not relief

Illegal immigrants deserve deportation, not relief
EDITOR:
In Ramon Castellblanch's column arguing that "Illegal immigrants deserve relief," he writes that the estimated 190,000 undocumented illegal immigrants who live in the New Orleans area should receive hurricane relief without being arrested. Ramon appears not to get it, because he does not speak about what took place before the hurricane.
First of all, when immigrants cross our border illegally they easily put themselves in a homeless, hungry and insecure position. Don't just blame the hurricane. He also writes that it is inhumane if the Department of Homeland Security arrests and deports the immigrants. Isn't that their job? These people have broken our immigration laws. Immigrants are only allowed to become citizens through the proper procedures. This week our community welcomed 12 immigrants as new U.S. citizens.
Along with saying that the illegal aliens are not the issue, he states, "that we need them." Well, our uncontrolled immigration system is a very big issue and we might not need as many people from outside of our country as you think.
Here is a possible solution, plain and simple. The unemployed people in that area can replace the illegal immigrants. These types of jobs would become attractive if the Bush administration would help raise the minimum wage to a decent level to keep pace with inflation.
Politicians looking the other way and greedy businesses wanting cheap labor is a huge issue. This probably is the main reason why our country has millions of undocumented immigrants. Oh, and if our government can cover a $300 billion expense bill from Iraq, I think we can make free health care work.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed and set back the lives of many people to make this one of America's main concerns. But illegal immigration is a blatant attack of our rule of law, it breaks down the security of our country and puts a financial strain on our social programs funded by tax paying citizens.
GARY SCURTI
Austintown
It's time to reinforce responsible behavior
EDITOR:
Oct. 18-22 is National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, an annual recognition effort designed to highlight the importance of responsible behavior by college students when it comes to drinking. Contrary to misperceptions, the truth is the majority of college students are making responsible choices when it comes to alcohol, and the facts prove it.
According to an annual study conducted by the University of California-Los Angeles and the American Council on Education, the percentage of college freshmen who say they drink beer frequently or occasionally is down 38 percent since 1982. Additionally, nearly three-fourths of college students drink moderately, infrequently or not at all, according to the 2004 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey.
NCAAW offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate and reinforce this responsible behavior practiced by the majority of college students -- and, for those under the legal drinking age, that means abstinence. To grow this positive behavior, more and more universities are adopting a "social norms" approach that focuses on the positive responsible behavior -- or "norm" -- of the majority of students, rather than the negative behavior of the minority. Highlighting this social norm on campus is not only popular, but proven -- with reductions in high-risk drinking of up to 40 percent on some campuses.
Progress is being made, but without question there is still more to be done. By working with area retailers, educators and community groups, we can make sure these positive trends continue and we can encourage responsible behavior.
LISA GEORGIANA
Consumer Awareness & amp; Education
LaRusse Distributing
Holidaysburg, Pa.