It is truly admirable that the individual who feels victimized by racism can "turn the other cheek" and love his detractors (letters, Feb. 1). I wonder, however, if he hasn't confused the feelings that some locals have for immigrants. The writer does not, for example, discern between legal and illegal immigrants. Does he believe that all immigrants are to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of whether they committed a crime by entering our country illegally?
I am sure that what one perceives as racism may be nothing more than distaste or disgust that many locals feel toward the many illegal immigrants who have come to our area. Many locals do not welcome them, and perhaps rightly so considering the seemingly disproportionate number of crimes committed by illegals. One need only view this incidence of crimes in this, our local paper.
Please don't play the "race card" unless it is appropriate. I speak from personal experience. My wife is an immigrant. While she is not Mexican, many have confused her with being Hispanic. We were married in her country and it took one year before she was allowed to enter our country legally. I would suggest that people who want to emigrate to our beautiful country should wait their turn and do it legally, thereby earning the respect of their new countrymen.
Racism for sure is very ugly and based on ignorance and intolerance, but it should not be confused with dislike or disgust for criminals.
Ronald Moore
Hailey
