Regarding the Feb. 19 Editor’s Note, it is refreshing to read something that actually makes sense regarding the subject of illegal immigration. The solution is to find a way to accommodate the people who want to come to this country and work, and at the same time to find a way for illegal immigrants who are already in this country to achieve citizenship. The alternative is a human rights disaster. Unfortunately, that kind of common sense only goes as far as when the next demagogue comes along to exploit the issue, and as long as it takes for the next group of badly informed people to follow his or her lead. I believe we should tell the next demagogue/ill-informed person, “Fine, you have the job of Federal Illegal Immigration Commissioner. You have to stop illegal immigration and to deport 11 to 12 million illegal immigrants. You get to keep the job as long as you do not violate the Constitution and as long as you can stay out of jail.” I do not believe it can be done.

Charles Blanchard
Eugene, Oregon