What’s Next for the Migrants?
Dear Editor: In the June 24 edition of The Tablet I saw a response to my letter about the “Migrant Experience.”
In that letter I read about the Irish migrant experience which I totally understand since my grandparents came from Ireland and their experiences were related to me.
On another note, I volunteered to teach English as a second language to adults and I can not express how much I admired everyone in my class.
The point of my original letter was that if a person comes into the United States bypassing the immigration process their chances of advancing within our society are greatly diminished.
Every legitimate job application asks for a Social Security number. Without that, you are not considered.
Those who can not supply a Social Security number are at the mercy of unscrupulous people who certainly are looking for cheap labor and the person they are hiring has no protection or rights within the labor market. This is a form of slavery.
Many of our ancestors had it very difficult and should be blessed for their hard work under difficult conditions that allowed us to live in such a great country.
Unfortunately the current migrants who bypass the immigration process are left at the mercy of advantageous people, many of which do not care about the migrants well-being.
William James Carroll
Woodside
Fourth of July Fireworks
Dear Editor: I read the letter written by Frederick R. Bedell Jr and was most impressed, not only with his family history but by his letter.
As a career soldier and Vietnam Vet I believe I can speak as well to the “freedoms” Mr. Bedell wrote about.
This republic — created by our forefathers over 200 years ago — did indeed give us the right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion along with the others listed in the Bill of Rights. I fought for the maintenance of those rights and would like to see them continue for all. However, I see those rights eroding away every day. People are attacking them on every front, and it hurts me.
The people of this great nation need to stand up for these freedoms this July 4th and every day. It is my hope everyone will swell up with pride when the national anthem is played.
This week we have seen the U.S. Supreme Court, whose duty it is to interpret the U.S. Constitution, affirm the freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Let’s not forget those freedoms are for all of us. No person or belief is left out. The right to free speech and to worship as you please is for all.
But we cannot relax, as citizens, we must remain vigilant and always be a part of the democratic process. Like Mr. Bedell stated, we must vote, and vote in all elections. There is no small election.
Every single one is important from a school board member to the president.
We should be proud of the nation. Fly the American flag, and stand, cover your heart with your hand when the national anthem is played.
America is still the greatest nation in the world because of its citizens. Show that pride.
William R. Miller
Bay Ridge
For Those Who Cherish Freedom
Dear Editor: Kudos to Laurence W. Iancucki’s “Concern for Our Country” in the June 24 edition of The Tablet.
His letter was spot on in addressing the downward spiral of our country and should certainly be a wake-up call not only for Catholics but all Americans who cherish freedom as guaranteed in our Constitution.
The First Amendment guaranteeing “freedom of speech” has certainly been totally abandoned by this administration that labels those with different opinions terrorists or agents of disinformation.
This administration is also very comfortable with trans males competing in women’s sports and nowhere to be found condemning the latest scam of transgenderism where young children succumb to mutation of their bodies at a very young age without parental consent.
Our country is in deep decline and we must speak up now for our children, grandchildren and future generations to come.
As Ronald Reagan astutely observed when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
And this Fourth of July, “God Bless America” and don’t forget to display our beautiful flag!
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens
