Letters to the Editor

Below are letters I sent to local newspapers:

Sent to: The Washington Times, Wednesday June 6th, 2007

Traversing the parking lot at a local shopping center, I crossed paths with two, young Hispanic women exiting a grocery store. Giggling as they made their way to their car, they conversed in their native language. One pushed a stroller. I smiled inwardly and my heart swelled with gratitude at the privilege of being an American, the land where people from across the world come to find fresh hope and begin new lives.

Yet I could not help but wonder how these two ladies came to be living in our part of the world. Had they knocked at our nation’s front door and been invited in? Or had they snuck in through the back door, under cover of darkness?

Did they supply authentic documentation when applying for their driver’s licenses? Or were they pretending to be someone else? Did the social security number they provided to their employers belong to them? Or did they steal it?

Were these two young ladies and their families among those who clog our local hospital emergency room, using it as their doctor’s office, and then refusing to pay when presented with a bill? Do their children contribute to the flood of non-English speaking youngsters attending our local schools, requiring us to add additional staff? Did these young ladies, and the men in their lives, pay taxes?

Compassion on the downtrodden? Yes. Turning a blind eye when millions refuse to play by the rules? No.
.....

Sent to: The Manassas Journal Messenger, Tuesday June 5th, 2007

I recently sent the following letter:
To GOP Chairman, Republican Party, U.S.A.:

Mr. Chairman, I am 55 years old. I have voted Republican in every election since 1970. I have been loyal, always voting the party line. I am writing to tell you that after this week's pablum from Republican leaders, I will no longer be a Republican, but an Independent.

I am utterly disgusted with President Bush, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and John Kyl. Their stupid immigration plan, if passed, will not only destroy the Republican Party, it will ultimately destroy the country. I am used to being insulted by Democrats. I expect it from them.

But I do not expect my President and other Republican leaders to talk down to me. This past week they did. This battle over immigration has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with race, color, or creed. It has everything to do with National Sovereignty and the rule of law.

I am NOT a bigot, and I resent being called one!

If the administration won't enforce the laws we have now (are you listening Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Chertoff?), how can we trust you to enforce these new laws? This proposed immigration bill rewards lawbreakers, and thus renders our Constitution weak. Mr. Martinez, Mr. Duncan, and others in your leadership team had better get a clue and listen to your constituents. We put you into office. We can take you out. And don't think we won't try.

A government totally controlled by the Democrat Party would be nightmarish, for sure. It would wipe out some serious gains over the last twenty-five years. But at least I know what the Dems stand for. I can no longer trust the GOP.

I never thought I would say this, but if it means forever abandoning the Republican Party and working with a third party organization that better represents me, then you have forced my hand. And I am certain I am not alone.

I want to work with Americans who put their country, and the rule of law above their own personal gain.

You are no longer those people.

Shame on you all.

A Very Disappointed,
Mark W. Weaver