Citizenship question
needed to get it right
According to the 2009 Census figures, there were over 36 million immigrants in the U.S. That included legal as well as illegal immigrants. However, the citizenship question included in the census was altogether removed in 2010.
So how many noncitizens, and illegals are there in the U.S? The conventional take largely backed by the restrictionist think tank Center for Immigration Studies says 10 million to 11 million. Others say twice that number. It makes a big difference if, for example, you’re thinking of extending health care to illegals or determining the number of seats at the government table for both state and federal government. Putting the citizenship question back on the census would help us answer that question.
The Founding Fathers thought the census, was so important they mandated it as part of the Constitution as our whole representative republic is based on it. The census ensures that each community gets the right number of representatives in government because representation is based on population. The census also helps with the equitable distribution of federal and state funding for things like educational programs, health care, law enforcement and highways. “Equitably” distributing billions of dollars of public money requires up-to-date population data.
Returning the citizenship question to the census could resolve a festering public policy dispute and protect the rights of legal American citizens. The Supreme Court standing against it gives them supreme power over the people, not the role intended for our system of justice.
The purpose of the U.S. Census is not to deport illegal immigrants. The purpose of the census is to establish the number of politicians representing the citizens in each state in the U.S. House of Representatives. In broad terms, the census helps protect the rights of American citizens.
Attempts to cover up the number of illegal immigrants living in our country is not the duty of any American especially those elected to preserve and protect the American way of life and the people.
Jim Hinebaugh
Maysville
The angle on the city’s
proposed annexation
As a business/property owner, we all have our story to locate outside city limits. A right that was decided by the individual or business. A right that may be taken away from those of us affected by a proposed annexation.
As a business/property owner I chose to expand and move my business, MPB Print & Sign Super Store, in 1998 outside city limits to Green Bag Road. The savings from the city’s taxes helped pay for us to expand, modernize and be competitive in a global market.
Although we were locating outside city limits, our growth came at a cost of $120,000 for MUB to connect the sewer lines. This also connected Green Bag Road’s lines all the way through, which led to more growth for the area. I considered this a positive savings and had the opportunity to grow and help the community at the same time.
Our growth has gone from 23 employees in 1999 to 53 at present. Part of the reason for that is being outside city limits. A choice made by myself to reduce costs so we can be as competitive as possible.
Those of us who will be affected if the annexation is passed, will be faced with tough questions such as: Where will the taxes come from? How will it affect the price of our product? Will we need to reduce employees or reduce donations to the community? How would this affect our company’s ability to expand?
In the business world we operate within a budget. We operate accordingly to remain responsible. The city has not operated responsibly. Now it wants us to pay for its lack of operating within a budget.
What would we get for the money? What is the return on the investment? Nothing the annexation offers will benefit my business’ bottom line.
I am not against our community or our city. We love Morgantown. We all just want to be treated fair. If the city wants this annexation let’s put it to a vote to everyone affected and if it passes or not, the people spoke. Isn’t that the American way?
H. Andrew Walls III
Morgantown
Look at broader picture
in annexation plans
My neighborhood is in the proposed annexation plan. That seems logical to me; my address is Morgantown, that’s where I tell people I live. My kids went to the “city” schools, North Elementary, Suncrest, Morgantown High. My husband worked in the city. Retired now, we are not even charged the user fee, which has helped to pave the city roads — an excellent improvement which all of us who use those roads appreciate.
Though it might cost slightly more to homeowners, the improvements to the city through the added tax revenue will help to make the city that is our home, a better place in so many ways — improvements to the roads and parks we use, upgrades to the downtown area, more resources for the entertainments and fairs we all enjoy.
Envision a future where hybrid buses replace the gas-spewing ones we have, where bike shares can be made available here. Where bike routes can be built and green spaces provided. Where new construction can incorporate clean energy solutions. These are only a few of the things that make cities desirable places to live. Why can’t Morgantown be one of those cities?
It takes money to do these things. And yes, everyone paying their fair share. Including, in my opinion, Mylan Pharmaceuticals. It’s unfortunate that in our society, those with the most can often dictate favorable terms for themselves.
But that shouldn’t be a reason for homeowners and businesses to balk at being officially incorporated into the city which, in terms of population density, they are really already a part of.We will all still live in the “neighborhoods” we feel a close bond with. But it’s my hope that people can look at the broader picture of where they live, work, play and call home. We should all want to contribute to making the city that we live in, a place to be proud of. A city that is moving into the future. A place where people want to come to and enjoy.
Gale Simplicio
Morgantown
She’s sticking to her
ideas and ‘ignorance’
It is interesting to realize and acknowledge, that all men, women and children are ignorant. We can argue and debate as to whether we are and to what level. If one takes the time to look up the definition, they will find it covers many avenues of intelligence or lack thereof.
Einstein is often used as a model of genius, but did he know a lot of or even a little bit of everything? I believe not. One can take a professor schooled in one area of academia out of his or her comfort zone and they become ignorant. A farmer schooled only from years of working the land is anything but ignorant in many respects.
The term, “Ignorance is bliss,” was used to say if you don’t know something, it won’t hurt you. But through the years, one can determine that is not true.
There are several definitions for a bigot or bigotry. So I chose the one that I believe fits my person. Bigot: A person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices. I have never in my life regarded or treated members of a group with hatred and intolerance. And I never will.
Christianity from the dictionary or teachings is as such: A true Christian is a person who has accepted God’s gift of salvation and put their faith in Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus Christ, and anyone who believes also understands the only perfect person who walked the earth was Jesus. There is no way we as humans can ever be perfect. Israel is God’s chosen people. They have suffered enough through the ignorance of many.
I will still stick to my bigoted ideas and question how we could place Muslims in Congress to incorporate and change our Constitution and laws of our country. And over time, they will.
I do realize that we have good and bad in all walks of life, and all cultures. But I, the bigot, believe the borders need to be closed or monitored heavily and will stick with that bit of ignorance.
Linda Newcome
Masontown
Illegal still key word in
the census question
I take umbrage at Delmar Hagedorn’s letter (DP-Thursday) about the census question.
How does asking the question if I am a citizen put my rights at risk? I have no problem answering that question.
If you’re in this country and are opposed to that question then you fall under one of two situations. You are here legally on a temporary basis or you have done something illegal to gain entry.
Illegal is the key word. If I break in to someone’s house, that is illegal. If someone breaks into this country, that is illegal.
Not once in his letter did he use the word illegal. Therein lies the problem. We are a country of laws, are we not? People want to come here because we are a country of laws, because where they have left is mostly lawless.
If the majority of people want to change the laws, then change it. Right now it is illegal to cross our border the way that millions have. Thank you President Trump for trying to keep us safe.
Larry Efaw
Morgantown
