Letter: Comparisons to forefathers unfair

Friday, May 5, 2006 | 7:39 a.m.

The Sun's May 2 editorial, "The human side of 'illegals,' " ends with the statement: "They are desperate people looking for a better life, just like the forefathers of all Americans." It is past time to stop this touchy-feely nonsense of comparing illegal immigrants from Mexico and Latin America with our forefathers.

Our forefathers either came into this country legally, or in some cases before a country existed. They came here just like millions of current-day immigrants who followed the rule of law to immigrate to the United States.

Our forefathers did not sneak through a hole in the fence, breaking our nation's laws. Our forefathers came here with little, if any, hope, and in most cases even a desire, to return to the "old country." They came to become citizens in a land of freedom, justice, order and opportunity.

Our forefathers did not demonstrate in the streets for their rights because they understood that until they became citizens of the United States, they were not entitled to the rights of a U.S. citizen.

Our forefathers did not expect anyone in the United States to translate government documents into their native language, or find free education and free medical care available in the native tongue. They learned English as fast as they could since in the United States everyone spoke English.

As this insane issue of illegal aliens is given the guise of a legitimate debate, it would be helpful to both sides if you would eliminate comparisons to the forefathers of real U.S. citizens.

James R. Brown, North Las Vegas