Thread: Say what you want but....

Opinions : Mon Jul 10, 6:57 AM ET

As U.S. population swells, so do problems

After viewing the population growth during the past 50 years and the projected growth of 100 million more by 2040, I have to ask: Are we better off? It seems to me that, in so many ways, we are not ("A nation of 300 million," Cover story, News, Wednesday).

Traffic gridlock, a lack of moderately priced housing in too many places, overcrowded schools, an increasingly violent gang problem from Central and South American countries, overstretched government services, environmental stress and a host of other problems exist that all come from too many people coming in too fast, whether legally or illegally.

Yes, we have plenty of empty space in this country. But the increase in population I have seen just in my lifetime has made for even longer commutes and ever more problems stemming from too many people occupying too few places.

Perhaps we should aim for a stable population with limited immigration for the next 50 years.

Sandra Weber
Chicago


Opportunity to prosper

The graphic with USA TODAY's story provoked myriad thoughts regarding the pending increase in population this coming October, when the U.S. population is projected to reach 300 million. The United States has proved itself to be a leader with its economy, health care and educational institutions.

As our nation continues to increase its population in comparison with other industrialized nations, and with the nation's large tracts of open land spaces, opportunities for prosperity rest with all who share the vision that continues to make the nation great.

Joe Bitner
Noblesville, Ind.


How many is enough?

While Americans have long expressed concern about our country's crowded future, many U.S. political leaders aren't paying attention.

Legislation proposed by the Senate and supported by President Bush would substantially increase immigration levels, likely resulting in a U.S. population even higher than projections of 400 million people by 2040.

When will political leaders finally prioritize our country's long-term quality of life over short-term political temptation to satisfy various constituencies by constantly increasing immigration? How many people is enough?

Christopher S. Edwards
New York City


A nation of uninformed

What I find more shocking than the 300 million figure is that only 12% of Americans know how many people are in this country. The other 88% includes roughly one-fifth of the population who think there are 1 billion or more of us!

We have become a nation of the uninformed, apathetic and ignorant - all apparently growing rapidly in numbers.

Rick Barnett
Alpharetta, Ga.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/200...A2BHNlYwM3NDI-

Illegal Immigration Bills Passed in Colo.

Jul 11, 1:14 AM (ET)

By STEVEN K. PAULSON and JON SARCHE

DENVER (AP) - State lawmakers approved a measure late Monday that would force a million people receiving state or federal aid to verify their citizenship, part of a package of bills dealing with illegal immigration that Democrats called the toughest in the nation.

The measure would deny most non-emergency state benefits to illegal immigrants 18 years old and older - forcing people to prove legal residency when applying for benefits or renewing their eligibility. The measure passed the state Senate 22-13 and the House 48-15. Both are controlled by Democrats.

"At the end of the day, everybody who serves in this building as senators or representatives knows we're making Colorado history," said the bill's sponsor, Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald. "We want to be able to look in the mirror and say we did legislation that is tough, enforceable and humane."

Republicans said the bill didn't go far enough, and left glaring loopholes, including allowing benefits for minors and denying voters the chance to have a direct say on the issue.

The bill would apply to Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, energy assistance programs and aging and adult services. Republican Gov. Bill Owens said an estimated 50,000 illegal immigrants could be thrown out of those programs.

"It simply puts teeth into existing federal regulations," Owens said.

Sen. Dan Grossman was one of the four Democrats to vote against the measure.

"I don't think the poor people of the state of Colorado or businesses of the state of Colorado should have to pay because we want to play politics with immigration," Grossman said.

If you pay taxes, I don't have a problem with you...If you don't and live in America, I do...doesn't matter heritage, where you were born...blah blah blah, if you are living here illegally, leave or make it legal, easiest thing in the world...I truly believe that it is a priviledge to live here, and you might have to work to get to be a citizen, but lets be honest, is the alternative actually better?

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20060714/D8IRKSDO0.html

HAZLETON, Pa. (AP) - Illegal immigrants seeking to make a home in this northeastern Pennsylvania city could face barriers to finding a home and job after the city council passed one of the nation's strictest ordinances to fight illegal immigration.

City documents would be printed in English, landlords would face $1,000 fines for each illegal immigrant found renting their properties and business who employ illegal immigrants wouldn't be granted licenses.

Originally Posted by catesp

I have a solution to the ILLEGAL immigration problem.. First, let me get this straight, I grew up and went through 12 years of great schooling in West Virginia. Yes, I did graduate high school and I graduated in twelve years. Had the best teachers in the world. I LOVE West Virginia..........That said, the solution to ILLEGAL immigration is for the government to activate the West Virginia National Guard, tell them that it is open season on ILLEGAL immigrants and there is no limit to how many they can catch.......I would even up the ante and pay each Guardsman $1,000 for each ILLEGAL immigrant they catch. Then it would be up to the government to deport them, or better yet let the Guardsman escort them across the border and tell them the next time they cross the border they will be shot and dumped back into Mexico.

As I said before my neighbors drive TWO big Nissan SUV's and are in and out all day long. (I am sure they fill each these vehicles at least twice a week). They bought this house for $389,000 and only one woman was working for the 8 months they have lived here. They go to to the Community Action Center where they get free food at least once a month. They buy their Corona and Heinken, they bought a big above ground swimming pool. I am sure they get medicaid, food stamps and all the other freebies that OUR government gives to them so freely. Now let me, as a retiree living, on a fixed income apply for these programs and see how fast I am turned down for all of the programs that seem to benefit the ILLEGALS in this country.

Ah....murder......as if the rest of the world doesn't already think we're insane enough....let's go kill people because we don't want them in the country.....that's ideal....

Originally Posted by LuvBigRip

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20060714/D8IRKSDO0.html

HAZLETON, Pa. (AP) - Illegal immigrants seeking to make a home in this northeastern Pennsylvania city could face barriers to finding a home and job after the city council passed one of the nation's strictest ordinances to fight illegal immigration.

City documents would be printed in English, landlords would face $1,000 fines for each illegal immigrant found renting their properties and business who employ illegal immigrants wouldn't be granted licenses.

wish I could move there

Originally Posted by catesp

I have a solution to the ILLEGAL immigration problem.. First, let me get this straight, I grew up and went through 12 years of great schooling in West Virginia. Yes, I did graduate high school and I graduated in twelve years. Had the best teachers in the world. I LOVE West Virginia..........That said, the solution to ILLEGAL immigration is for the government to activate the West Virginia National Guard, tell them that it is open season on ILLEGAL immigrants and there is no limit to how many they can catch.......I would even up the ante and pay each Guardsman $1,000 for each ILLEGAL immigrant they catch. Then it would be up to the government to deport them, or better yet let the Guardsman escort them across the border and tell them the next time they cross the border they will be shot and dumped back into Mexico.

As I said before my neighbors drive TWO big Nissan SUV's and are in and out all day long. (I am sure they fill each these vehicles at least twice a week). They bought this house for $389,000 and only one woman was working for the 8 months they have lived here. They go to to the Community Action Center where they get free food at least once a month. They buy their Corona and Heinken, they bought a big above ground swimming pool. I am sure they get medicaid, food stamps and all the other freebies that OUR government gives to them so freely. Now let me, as a retiree living, on a fixed income apply for these programs and see how fast I am turned down for all of the programs that seem to benefit the ILLEGALS in this country.

Wow. I am stunned. I am all for strict border control, fines for employers, and rapid deportation, but shooting people? Good Lord.

Originally Posted by catesp

I am sure they get medicaid, food stamps and all the other freebies that OUR government gives to them so freely.

How can you be surte they do get it? Isn't this assuming they get it?

better yet let the Guardsman escort them across the border and tell them the next time they cross the border they will be shot and dumped back into Mexico.

It has a certain twisted logic to it. We tell people if they commit a crime, they will go to jail - how many work the system and never serve time ? We tell people if they commit a horrendous enough crime, they will pay the ultimate price and face the Death Penalty. How many sit on Death Row for decades winning the sympathy of many while their brutally murdered victims lay forgotten ? May if they think we will follow thru ... oh - that is the problem isn't it ?