Let laws rule

So the lawyers and bureaucrats have determined that illegal immigrants are eligible to attend our state community colleges. Most of us thought the General Assembly enacted state laws; at least that's what they used to teach in government and civics classes.

Nowadays, it seems that established and time-tested ideas like the rule of law, respect for the law and personal responsibility have given way to softer notions like "there is no harm" and "we should just move on."

Your Nov. 29 "College doors ..." editorial is a prime example of this new thinking. By permitting illegal immigrants to attend our community colleges, the State of North Carolina puts its stamp of approval on, and thereby encourages, illegal activity -- is that a small or insignificant thing? Should we be surprised about diminished respect for the law?

And how do you think illegal immigrant students will pay out-of-state tuition? Most likely through "need-based" government grants or loans.

We should expect people, and government, to obey the law; when we accept less, we, and our social order, are diminished and endangered.

Phil Berger
State Senate
Raleigh

(The writer, a Republican from Eden, is the Senate minority leader.)
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/let ... 04334.html