Saturday's Letters: It's amusing to hear Obama haters insist that we must respect President Trump

Illegal immigrants

a nation of laws

People come to this country illegally (I’m not referring to refugees).

They live and work here illegally.

They illegally obtain various ID/government documents (driver’s licenses, Social Security cards). And they illegally receive government benefits.

Inevitably, a few break the law.

Once they’re caught, they’re detained and returned to their home countries.

Unfortunate? Yes. Logical? Absolutely. So I don’t understand the wholesale uproar over such events.

No one with any common sense or sense of history could possibly deny that America is a nation of immigrants.

Immigrants bring to this nation excitement, renewal, expansion and beauty. I, along with millions of other Americans, welcome them with open arms provided they’re here legally.

For those who made it here any other way, the fact that they eluded detection in violating our borders and our laws does not entitle them to remain.

We may detest the suffering and hardships that accompany separation and repatriation of illegal immigrants, but an emotional response to the situation is neither rational nor in any way helpful in resolving it. In this case, logic and reason must prevail.

Emotion has no place.

Most of the illegal immigrants in the United States are here because they thumbed their noses at the laws of the country they hope to make their home. That’s hardly a position from which to assert the protection of those same laws.

Yet the claims of entitlement, the demonstrations, the legal challenges, the outrage, all continue.

Look at the situation logically and rationally, and tell me if you can explain it.

I certainly can’t.

Diane Tabbott, Jacksonville

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

SET SOME RULES

When I submitted a question to U.S. Rep. Bill Posey on his website, I was told that he wouldn’t respond because I wasn’t one of his constituents.

He was right.

I suggest that members of Congress, when they have a town hall meeting, the requirement for admission would be that you must show a photo ID with a current address that proves you are a constituent.

This would make it more difficult for out-of-district types to “crash the party.” It would also send a message that outrageous behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.

The people who do live in the district should be spared this type of behavior as much as possible.

Paul Cady, Yulee

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MOTOCROSS PARK

A Hidden Jewel

As the executive director of our city’s JAXSPORTS Council, my job takes me to various sporting events all across the nation.

I’ve seen some amazing facilities.

But as a Jacksonville resident for nearly all of my life, I was pleasantly surprised when I paid a visit to the WW Motocross Park located off Otis Road.

WW Motocross Park hosted the 2017 Loretta Lynn Southeast Qualifying race for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships over a four-day period with over 900 racers.

Spectators came from all over to watch these races: Georgia, Texas, New Mexico, California, Mississippi, South Carolina — even Brazil and Uruguay.

But many locals are unaware of this event — and they also are not familiar with this facility and its reputation as one of the best in the country.

The Scarborough family, led by Wayne Jr., has invested so much into this facility.

And it truly shows.

So I would strongly encourage families to visit WW Motocross Park.

Let’s collectively begin to take pride in and promote this facility and the experience that it offers here in Jacksonville. It is truly a hidden jewel in our community.

Alan Verlander, executive director, JAXSPORTS Council

RESPECTING PRESIDENT

What about Obama?

Regarding the letter headlined “President Trump deserves respect,” I just wonder where the writer was living while former President Barack Obama was in office.

Many people vowed that Obama was not their president.

I am a retired Navy veteran.

And I will always respect the office of the president of the United States.

But that does not mean that I have to respect the individual who is serving as president of the United States.

William Creed, St. Marys, Ga.

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

drivers lack consideration

I heard recently that the city of Jacksonville has a few initiatives in play that would improve pedestrian safety, such as crosswalks and more traffic lights.

This will do very little to improve the situation. Just go on any roadway and watch the cars and drivers.

Speed limits mean nothing. “Right turn on red after stopping” means simply gliding through. Traffic signs are ignored. Drivers don’t properly yield to pedestrians. Numerous motorists are talking on their phones or texting. There is very little consideration for anyone else.

It’s hard to improve on human behavior that just continues to fall further and further.

John Grassell, Orange Park