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Re: Gov. Bush backs bill to license illegals, April 7.
Our schools are in trouble financially, senior citizens are being denied medical benefits, the restoration of the Everglades is under siege, and what does our governor do? He supports a bill to grant drivers' licenses to illegal aliens.
The governor supports his decision by saying safeguards will be put in place to ensure that terrorists are not granted licenses. But, in my opinion, he misses the point. These illegal aliens broke the laws of the United States the minute they set foot on American soil. And what is our governor's answer to this? To reward them with drivers' licenses, which is a document that will enable them to get other services reserved for American citizens.
Some in favor of granting illegals licenses argue that they will then be insured. I disagree. These people don't make enough money to be able to afford insurance; granting them licenses will only put more of them on our roads, leaving Americans holding the bag when they are involved in accidents.
And let's not forget poor Aurora Gomez, the illegal stopped last year for driving with a broken taillight and no license. She continued to have no respect for our laws even after being stopped. In the Times' original story on this incident, it was reported that Ms. Gomez was stopped in November of last year, and as of this February, the broken taillight still had not been fixed. Well, she really respects our laws, right?
The answer to the problem our governor cites is not to reward illegal acts, but rather to enforce the immigration laws that have been in effect since at least 1996. To do otherwise will just compound the problem.
Illegal immigration is costing American taxpayers a fortune, while our schools, senior citizens and environment are suffering. Anyone interested in more information on the subject should sign on to numbersusa.com.
Sharon Lam, Hudson
Re: Gov. Bush backs bill to license illegals.
While I fully realize Gov. Jeb Bush's motive, i.e. sucking up to the Hispanic community for votes, the idea of giving illegals drivers' licenses is ludicrous. I have a better idea. Arrest them and send them back to their country of origin. It's bad enough that they're taking up seats in already crowded classrooms and putting a strain on social services, not to mention taking away what jobs his brother hasn't sent overseas.
If they want to become U.S. citizens, (and learn to speak our language while they're at it) then let them do it the way millions of other immigrants have in the past. Let them earn the privilege instead of rewarding them for their illegal behavior.
Re: Gov. Bush backs bill to license illegals.
I have some questions. Illegal immigrants are federal criminals, right? Aiding and abetting federal criminals is a federal offense, right? Our country was founded to be governed by the rule of law, right? Our elected officials take an oath to uphold our Constitution and the rule of law, right? If these observations are true, then why aren't our law enforcement agents prosecuting those who aid and abet illegal immigrants, including those who employ illegals and any elected official who wants to grant illegals a driver's license?
Of course, maybe I don't understand whom the rule of law pertains to? Maybe it does not pertain to those who circumvent it for a monetary or political gain? If this is true, then I, too, should be able to hire an illegal couple as live-ins to serve as groundskeeper and maid. Compensation to include a "Bush approved" driver's license - right?
Re: Gov. Bush backs bill to license illegals.
How disingenuous of Gov. Jeb Bush to state, "We shouldn't allow them to come into the country to begin with, but once they're here, what do you do?"
Who is the "we" here? Who was the governor when many of the terrorists responsible for the attacks of 9/11 were first documented by the state of Florida, in violation of the 1999 law requiring "legal presence"? If I read the article correctly, the governor is blaming the strict enforcement of that law for causing hundred of thousands of illegal aliens to continue to break more laws by driving illegally.
Rep. Gus Barreiro, R-Miami Beach, is worried because these people who come to this country illegally are "in limbo." Who put them in limbo?
Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Hialeah, is concerned apparently because some businesses might lose out on cheap labor. Wait! Hiring someone who shouldn't be here, who shouldn't be driving a car, and who doesn't have insurance shouldn't be allowed to cut the front of the line to live in this state and country. Does anyone out there think this type of immigration policy is either fair or safe?
What really worries me is that out of 14 state senators who voted on this so far, only Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, sees the important issue: "We'd be condoning illegal behavior." That's something Gov. Bush finds easier to do than upholding his oath of office.
Re: Gov. Bush backs bill to license illegals.
I think passage of this bill is a big mistake. I totally disagree with Gov. Jeb Bush. It sounds as though we are just giving up on trying to control the illegal immigrant situation. We'll just put our heads in the sand and the problem will go away. I thought we were trying to discourage any more illegals from coming into the state. This sounds like an open invitation.
We need to stop this now and take a step to control who comes across our borders.
On April 2 at the U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, our family sat in the main conference room among generals, foreign and American. We had been given the honor of witnessing the promotion ceremony of our beloved friend Elio Castellano. Congratulations to the new Col. Elio Castellano, U.S. Air Force Reserve, and his wonderful family.
As we listened to generals and other military personnel speak on the many accomplishments of Col. Castellano, we knew we were sitting among the most intelligent, knowledgeable, intense, dedicated and patriotic men and women of the military.
In light of all that has happened in the past few days in Iraq, it is our opinion that we are in good hands. As grateful American citizens, we thank Col. Castellano, his family and all involved in the military who make many sacrifices for us. We thank all at Central Command for the humbling experience and a most memorable patriotic moment.
Re: AirFest 2004.
Blue Angels may provide top fun for oohing and gasping spectators of air shows that are being staged at various times throughout the country. But why we continue to stage these extremely costly "entertainments" when we desperately need to reduce our deficit is beyond me.
These awe-inspiring maneuvers in the skies over our cities cause thousands of people to be entrapped for miles in their cars wasting today's costly gasoline. Our military minds should be solely working on how to stop all the body bags that are still returning home, as well as the thousands of our grievously injured fine soldiers returning home maimed forever. Time, money and effort must be expended to prevent this from continuing.
People who are truly concerned about our rising government costs should, at this time of deficit spending, consider stopping this unneeded public relations military spending. We definitely need to consider strengthening the United States right now!
Re: AirFest 2004.
It was interesting to read of the great success of the air show at MacDill Air Force Base this past weekend. Sadly, the event is an unfortunate celebration of America's greatest technological accomplishment - the ability to create the world's most advanced weapons.
The joy of flight imagined by the Wright brothers could not have included the thrill of aerial bombardment enjoyed by so many people around the world who get the opportunity to see American air power at work rather than at play.
What kind of world would it be if our air superiority were not paraded around like a Soviet May Day parade? Perhaps a more peaceful one?
Re: New drug discount cards on the way, March 26.
We are working hard to educate Americans about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card program - to explain options, provide price comparison information and protect against fraud.
Beginning in June, seniors and disabled individuals will be able to enroll in the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card program to get discounts of 10-25 percent off their prescriptions.
In Florida, these drug cards will give immediate relief to more than 800,000 residents who do not have drug coverage, before the drug benefit is implemented in 2006. Individuals with incomes below $12,569 and couples below $16,862 will qualify for $600 to put on their cards - almost 590,000 Florida residents will be eligible.
We have launched an aggressive education effort to inform people with Medicare about this new program. I would encourage anyone with questions to call our toll-free 24-hour helpline 1-800-633-4227 or visit www.Medicare.gov - the official information sources.
To help select a drug card, a Web tool that compares prices among cards will soon be accessible through www.Medicare.gov People can input their medications to find out about discounted prices and card sponsors in their community.
A booklet with step-by-step guidance for comparing cards, along with eligibility and enrollment information will be mailed to every beneficiary late this month. The Social Security Administration will mail a separate letter to those with low incomes who may be eligible for the $600.
Finally, if we receive information about fraudulent cards, we will work with the HHS Office of the Inspector General and law enforcement agencies to stop it. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-447-8477 or e-mail HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
For the first time, a Medicare prescription drug benefit will be available - and we're working hard to make sure seniors and the disabled are fully educated about their new options.
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