Open forum: Immigration issue overtakes critical discussion of health care

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007

Open forum: Immigration issue overtakes critical discussion of health care

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I was disappointed once again to read that the immigration debate made little progress at the Health Care Forum (‘‘Health care forum turns into immigration debate,” Sept. 16 article).

Susan Payne of Heritage USA and Brad Botwin of Help Save Maryland, however, take valuable time in politicizing the expulsion of illegal immigrants, rather than attempting to fulfill the real agenda crucially important to our community.

Can I remind them that the ‘‘aliens” they speak of are indeed people; people who are simply trying to do the best for themselves and their families. Our system allows illegal immigrants into this country; we cannot, therefore, ignore the importance of their health needs. They are, after all, able to find employment, which confirms the point that there is a demand for their labor.

If we continually present Mr. Botwin and Ms. Payne’s ‘‘illegal immigration” political agenda at community forums, we will spend time getting nowhere.

Claire Kellock, Darnestown