Thread: Wilmington Star Editorials -- Please READ

Last updated: April 16. 2005 12:00AM http://www.wilmingtonstar.com

We need their brains

Of course it's being called a reward for breaking the law. But offering in-state tuition to the children of illegal immigrants would be no such thing.

It would be in North Carolina's interest.

This state has more than enough adults who lack the education to improve themselves, their families and their neighborhoods. It's plain stupid to slam college doors in the faces of qualified young people who want to work hard and succeed – and few native-born Americans work harder than immigrants and their children.

These kids can't help it if their parents crossed the border illegally. If they've been living in North Carolina and making good grades in North Carolina's high schools, we should charge them the same tuition as other North Carolina graduates.

A bill introduced by legislators of both parties would do that.

To qualify for in-state tuition, students would have to attend a North Carolina high school for at least four years. They also would have to apply for legal immigration status. It's estimated that between 500 and 1,300 a year might qualify.

More than two-dozen legislators are sponsoring the bill. It's supported by educators, business people and former Gov. Jim Hunt. Nine states have done it already, and more than a dozen are considering it.

And why not? As Durham Rep. Paul Luebke noted, blocking these kids' path to our community colleges and universities is "a terrible waste of talent"– talent that could benefit North Carolina, its economy and its communities.

(Directly beneth this Editorial was this one)

Last updated: April 16. 2005 12:00AM

Welcome, Honorables

It's great to have almost 50 legislators in town this weekend. They'll see things they might not notice when they drive here to spend a weekend downtown or unwind at the beach.

And having seen those things – among them, the port, the movie studio, the redeveloping riverfront, the university, the traffic – law makers will have a better understanding of what's at stake when issues arise that affect this region.

This isn't their fathers' Wilmington.

Even conscientious and hardworking legislators are bound to have a difficult time getting a firm grasp on our sprawling state's assets and challenges. Reading reports and listening to colleagues can help, but nothing comes close to getting out of Raleigh, traveling around and talking with people.

Not that it hurts to have a little fun while you're at it. The Chamber of Commerce has arranged for pretty weather, and the flowers are strutting their stuff.

Please enjoy yourselves, ladies and gents. And come back to see us.

Obviously the Wilmington Star-News needs a few Letters to the Editor regarding the editorial about in-state tuition for illegals. It's just like them to put the editorial welcoming the Legislature directly under their view of Illegal Immigrants and in-state tuition.

PLEASE send a letter if you feel the need! The Star-News needs a wake-up call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just another reason why it has been called the "Red" Star News for years.
I stopped taking this sorry rag of an excuse for news years ago.