Regarding Brian Beckley’s May 12 column “Freedom for all, all who are here,” it seems Beckley is of the “open borders” mentality which argues everyone ought to have the right to migrate to wherever they desire. Even if that’s not the case, he certainly advocates a “do nothing” policy where illegal aliens are concerned. From his comments, it’s obvious he believes no state ought to pass a law that will enable the legal citizens and legal residents to feel a semblance of safety and security against the gangs, the murders, rapes, robberies, pillage and private property destruction the illegals have wrought, particularly in our border states.

Since the federal government has failed to protect our borders and to enforce current immigration laws, the people of Arizona must have decided the situation was so desperate for them they had no choice but to act.

I’d like to ask Mr. Beckley what he believes the state of Arizona, and all states, can do to deal with the problems caused by the millions of illegal aliens in this country.

Don’t the people who are legal citizens and residents have a right to enjoy freedom as Mr. Beckley believes even those here illegally have a right to enjoy? Or are they simply “racists” if they take steps to protect themselves against the criminal activities some of those who enter this country illegally perpetrate against them?

Can Courier-Herald readers expect Mr. Beckley to respond to my question in future columns?

Elaine Biggerstaff

Bonney Lake