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Letters: Country's security is at stake

Country's security is at stake It is welcome news that Michael Flynn, a dangerous and unbalanced man, has resigned from the position he should not have been placed in, national security adviser ("Flynn quits as adviser," Tuesday). His departure reflects the chaos and turmoil that is taking place in an administration that is unlikely to ever secure firm footing.

Country's security is at stake

It is welcome news that Michael Flynn, a dangerous and unbalanced man, has resigned from the position he should not have been placed in, national security adviser ("Flynn quits as adviser," Tuesday). His departure reflects the chaos and turmoil that is taking place in an administration that is unlikely to ever secure firm footing.

It would be reassuring to believe the country is now on a path to a better national security team, but that is not the case. Alt-right founder Stephen Bannon remains in a position of vast influence despite his lack of qualifications to be President Trump's chief strategist. Like the president, Bannon is a unique figure, known to see the nation on a collision course with Iran and all of Islam. If anyone can goad the president into taking us into another calamitous war, Bannon is the man.

Let us hope that Flynn is replaced with a more suitable choice. Retired Gen. David Petraeus, a former director of the CIA, would be an excellent leader despite his flaws and previous violation of law.

|Oren M. Spiegler, Upper St. Clair, Pa.

Arrests fulfill Trump's pledge

I'm super psyched that President Trump is enforcing our nation's immigration laws by starting off with the arrest of 680 illegal immigrants, mostly those wanted for serious crimes ("Kenney: 'God is on your side' amid raids," Tuesday). Though every illegal immigrant is a criminal the moment he or she steps foot in this country, those who come here and commit crimes are particularly troubling and need to be dealt with without mercy.

The massive drain that such illegal immigrants put on our national resources is enough to make your blood boil. Aside from the costs of the crimes, the taxpayers are usually on the hook for legal services and court and incarceration costs. And when the immigrant leaves a family behind, factor in welfare, rent supplements, food stamps, and possible school costs.

The United States was once the world's five-star hotel, but the scourge of illegal immigration has transformed us into a flophouse. Thank God we now have a president who understands the seriousness of the problem and isn't beholden to big business and corrupt politicians enforcing the status quo, but is staunchly committed to his campaign pledge to "Make America Great Again!"

|Eugene R. Dunn, Medford, N.Y., erdunn@optonline.net

Pulpit and politics don't mix

It's just amazing to me how hostile the head of the Philadelphia Archdiocese is to everything the media does, when he says, "It's just amazing to me how hostile the press is to everything the president does" ("Chaput: Media lacking faith," Tuesday). As one of the dwindling number of Catholics to attend church weekly, I'm unhappy when church leaders lecture laymen on political behavior. I'm also puzzled by the archbishop's spirited defense of a man whose dishonesty, childishness, and vindictiveness are anything but Christlike. I don't recall a similar plea on behalf of President Barack Obama.

|John Rybnik, Drexel Hill, jryb1938@comcast.net

Toomey should heed voters

Sen. Pat Toomey continues to bob and weave regarding his responsibilities to his constituents ("Toomey talks, but some action would be better," Monday). Our frustration with not being able to voice our concerns is one issue; the good news is that it's now easier to talk to a staffer or leave a message or an email.

But the real story is Toomey's dismissive attitude toward those he represents. Like many other Republican legislators, he claims that the groundswell of calls and messages aren't from his constituents or that we're being orchestrated.

We aren't being orchestrated - we're engaged, and we vehemently oppose his positions and votes. Someone who barely won reelection has no mandate, and we want him to honor his pledge to not be a rubber stamp for President Trump. Instead, he casts party-line votes for nominees such as Betsy DeVos and Jeff Sessions.

Columnist John Baer is right: Toomey has never held a town hall meeting in (or near) Philadelphia. He should face his voters, hear our concerns, and truly represent us. Unlike our president, we pay taxes - the taxes that pay Toomey's salary. He is a public servant; he works for us. He should do his job.

|Rosalind Holtzman, Elkins Park

Focus on getting best education

Citizens and taxpayers should be pleased that parents of any ethnicity are motivated to find the very best public school for their children ("School-space fears," Monday). Is it not a public good that parents want to improve their neighborhood and schools and are dedicated to doing so? Motivated parents help encourage their children and teachers to do their best.

My wife and I, of European descent, encouraged our daughter to attend a predominantly black girls' high school and became involved in that school. Our daughter had the great fortune to encounter a teacher who happened to be African American and who inspired her to do her best, with our strong support.

Quit being so concerned about skin color and look a little deeper.

|Jim Boxmeyer, Philadelphia, boxmeyer1@verizon.net