Letter To The Editor:

Sorry because I take offense of some sweeping statements made by Claude Wallace. [In an April Letter to the Editor] He sounds like a good man and deserves respect.

However, we must remember a good number of young Japanese left the confines after being rounded up as our then enemies and fought with valor against their homeland. Too, a great number of Mexican Americans rose to the challenge of a "war to end wars" and distinguished themselves.

Having worked with the Red Cross and the Health Dept. I have met a wide variety of nationalities, all immigrants.

I made a video of a classroom improvised for Mexican children of workers who came to harvest cherries. They were there to learn English. They were a delight to meet and talk to. Very polite and well mannered. The Illegal immigrants seem to want to work long enough (before they get caught) to go home with hopefully enough for a few months of better food. Some have real problems and are desperate for money. Our health care is bare bones but we try.

What our elected people are doing is to stir the Mexican government into action to take control of the problem. President Bush was there recently trying.

On our side we want rotation of visas. Six months earnings will keep a family quite a while. It's a quick fix and for dire circumstances it could mean life or death.

The USA dumped waste in the rivers running into Mexico, spoiling truck gardens and wells. We sent industry there to 'help' and most were lethal to work in.

Having stolen this country ourselves we must bend to change - but I feel as you do. My family were pioneers too. It's sad to lose that thread of pride and watch the many mixed nationalities coming to our turf. My grandmother knew we won over the Indian but she was smart - if you whip them make friends and learn. She learned all about herbs and potions to heal from the Potowatomy tribe. Any that came to her door she fed them.

One Mexican family I know had nine children. Every son fought in Vietnam and Korea. The oldest died last year. He had every medal this country offers. He lost both legs. He was a true stand-up marine. His brothers were Navy and others on submarines.

Hunger and poverty will drive a person to great lengths to ease. We need to remove the walls and go into Mexico ourselves to make change. Our good men here on the Force and in Reserves find it hard to fire on helpless people.

We are so fortunate to have social security. President Roosevelt was a great man he, knew the future needs and there should never be hunger for those who must retire.

The world looks to this great country. We and they are all of this planet.

On my worst day I feel blessed.

Dora Gorton
Cleveland.

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