Illegal immigrants deserve no favors

In response to the two columns concerning the ongoing immigration debate (Jennifer Ordelt’s “Sí se puede” and Nikhil Verma’s “Illegal means illegal, period”), two things need to be pointed out. First, I found it amusing Ordelt never once used the term “illegal immigrants” in her entire article. Illegal immigrants were always referred to as “undocumented immigrants,” implying maybe they just forgot to sign or fill out some papers, or maybe even that their papers were lost. Nice try, but calling illegal immigrants fancy names doesn’t change the fact they broke the law and are technically fugitives in our country.

Kudos to Verma for pointing out what is probably the most hilarious double standard surrounding the immigration debate: Mexican immigration laws.

If a foreigner decides to immigrate to Mexico, they must speak the native language, they must be a professional or an investor and once they do become Mexican citizens, they cannot vote, they cannot hold political office, they are not entitled to welfare, food stamps or any other government assistance programs, and they are not allowed to buy waterfront property. They are not allowed to protest, hold demonstrations or form political organizations. They are forbidden from bad-mouthing or criticizing the president or his policies, and they cannot wave foreign flags. Imagine if America decided to adopt Mexico’s immigration policies. Yes, Virginia, that would be funny.

Dan Conway

Sophomore

Government and politics and

philosophy

Blue emergency phones should be a priority

Two weeks ago, while walking from my class in Van Munching to the library, I noticed two of the blue “EMERGENCY” telephones were closed with a sign saying, “out of order.”

“Hmm,” I thought, and went on my way – assuming they would be fixed within a day or two. Well, days have turned into weeks, and as of April 12, they are still out of order. The university tells us it is concerned with our safety. Police reports are sent out, students are asked to point out crazed rioters and most importantly to our safety, the University Police drop thousands of dollars on Segways. But when it comes to the fundamental, obvious steps toward safety, the university is completely aloof. Whoever is in charge of handling emergency phones should get on it.

I do believe there was an arrest made near Van Munching in the beginning of March. Good thing the phones don’t work. The next time you’re walking around South Campus late at night, you might not be able to call anyone for help should suspicious activity arise, but have no fear! A Segway will be near!

I also love how, in the recent Student Government Association elections, candidates were more concerned with making a big joke out of student politics rather than doing their jobs – perceiving the needs of the student body before or as they need to be addressed.

But after all, why have a solid security system on the campus when we can turn the Mall into a big crab fest, swimming pool or whatever the hell else the wittily named parties proposed. Grab your swim trunks and a mallet, folks; that’s what Maryland does!

Dara Khan

Sophomore

Finance

“A nuclear reaction” column false

In the opinion column, “A nuclear reaction,” Anika Fontaine asserted that the U.S. government will be testing a “700-ton nuclear bunker-busting bomb.” She then criticizes the administration for failing to consider the environmental ramifications involved in using a nuclear weapon and suggests the president doesn’t realize “weapons of mass destruction” actually cause mass destruction. Naive political commentary aside, it would have been nice if the few facts in Fontaine’s article were true.

The 700-ton bomb she refers to is a test called “Divine Strake,” and is a conventional explosive. The weapon uses a shaped charge to penetrate deep into underground bunkers. It is specifically designed to be a non-nuclear option for destroying targets currently immune to traditional nuclear attack. In fact, the administration’s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review revealed the military currently has no method (nuclear or otherwise) of destroying a deeply buried target. As can be seen by the current situation in Iran, this is a growing threat.

Kevin Genson

Graduate student

Mechanical engineering