We need to be firm on deportation

(PNI) Your editorial in Wednesday's edition about "Flaws in immigration strategy" asks if we want to live in a country where civil liberties would be left in the dust if law enforcement is ratcheted up to a level few Americans would tolerate. The answer is an emphatic "Yes!" I want to live in a country where our immigration laws are enforced so that those who want to come to America will do so legally.

Just as punishment for a crime is a deterrent to committing a crime, deportation of anyone who has entered our country without the knowledge and permission of our immigration authorities should be the rule, regardless of how long they have stolen their place in America from another immigrant who is following the rules of the immigration process.

Those who circumvent the process by entering the U.S. illegally are relegated to live in the shadows and can never participate fully in pursuing the American dream the way that legal immigrants can. That is cruel to them.

--John Cassidy Jr., Scottsdale

Proud of Obama for taking a stand

I am so proud of President Obama. Even though it may hurt him politically, he did the right thing by announcing his personal support of gay marriage.

--Kathy Mutch, Tempe

Obama on gay marriage: 2004 vs. '12

In 2004, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama cited his religion in framing his views on same-sex marriage: "I'm a Christian. I do believe that tradition and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

Is it safe to say that Obama is no longer a Christian based on his 2004 statement?

--Tim Kane, Glendale

Republicans are scary to many of us

Charles Krauthammer cracks me up ("Obama's new campaign tactic: Fear," Opinions, Tuesday)! I don't remember Krauthammer writing about fear when Vice President Dick Cheney told a campaign-trail audience that the U.S. would be attacked again if President Bush wasn't given a second term.

Krauthammer says the president is pandering to one group after another and identifies Blacks, Hispanics, women and young people. In other words, the president is pandering to about 80 percent of voters. The audacity!

The problem is Krauthammer and his Republican Party do not see themselves as scary. Living in Arizona and watching close up the damage the new breed of Republicans can do to the lives of average Americans, I disagree.

Without a more progressive executive branch to help tamp down some of the craziness coming out of the House of Representatives, I am deathly afraid of what this country might become. So yes, Mr. Krauthammer, I am afraid; but not because the president tells me to be. I have a brain. I read and watch the news. The president is right to draw a stark line between the parties.

--Dan Peel, Scottsdale

ASU's academic integrity takes a hit

Regarding "ASU history professor at center of plagiarism debate" (Republic, Monday):

How disappointing to hear about the controversy at Arizona State University regarding the prestigious professor, Matthew Whitaker.

As a recent graduate, and having studied his book "Race Work" for an Arizona history course, I read about his passion for equality, civil rights and racial tolerance. Frankly, I expected more from Whitaker in this incident.

When accused of "borrowing" others' work in several instances, no responsibility is taken; instead, it is the freelance writer's fault. He was just caught up in the moment when giving a speech. And, of course, his accusers: They are, he says, "out to get me," most likely because he is successful and Black.

Really? Playing the race card is hypocritical to his own teaching of equity.

More troublesome is the message this sends to students. If you are caught plagiarizing, which he apparently was, don't take responsibility. Blame someone else, deny it, or if your back is against the wall, play the race card.

This sets a new precedent and definition of academic integrity at ASU.

--Marcy Ortiz, Peoria

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