Praise and protest over immigration march

Re “Marchers Fill L.A.’s Streets,” May 2

Did no one else notice? Unlike the civil rights marches of the past, the protesters were not met with armed National Guardsmen, water cannons and dogs; instead, they were allowed to peacefully have their say. In many countries, such a movement would have been forcefully suppressed. No matter which side of the issue of illegal immigration you are on, the May 1 protest should be viewed with pride. We’ve made a lot of progress in 50 years.

JAMES LYLE

Hermosa Beach

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I am puzzled. They migrate to the United States to look for work and good schools for their children. Then they boycott jobs and schools.

DOLORES BANERD

Culver City

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Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of immigrants march peacefully and with pride all across this country. But more people should pay attention to the message they are really sending.

Our nation’s gain is Mexico’s loss. What kind of government creates conditions where so many decent and hardworking people have to brave inhumane conditions, family separation and years of working illegally in another country to provide for themselves and their families? These marches demonstrate the Mexican government’s shame. What have they done to -- literally -- alienate so many fine citizens?

DAVID LINK

Sacramento

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When will we realize that we have spoiled ourselves with cheap prices for clothes, food, gardening services, housecleaning and more? We have to wake up to the fact that we will start paying for these rallies with higher prices for these goods. If we truly believe in equal rights, we should start paying for it, or we can just wait for the next group of immigrants to do the work cheaply.

CHRISTINA DENKINGER

Tarzana

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Monday’s peaceful and joyous marches across the country -- but especially here in Southern California -- made me proud to be an American. Where else would so many immigrants claim their rights so legitimately as in a country founded on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?

GLENNA MATTHEWS

Laguna Beach

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Re “Primero de Mayo,” editorial, May 2

The Times has spoken: The words “illegal” and “alien” are dehumanizing. We must not use them. Our free press has decreed that the truth must be hidden by euphemisms; nevertheless, the truth is that, over the years, millions of foreigners have smuggled their way into this country, and now they’re demanding their rights. What rights? Nobody has explained this -- not the, er, undocumented, not the organizers of the marches and certainly not our free press. I wonder why.

JILL RENTON

Santa Monica

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False message: “We want to be one of you.” If they wanted to be one of us, why are they sending billions back to their homelands? If they want to be one of us, why don’t they learn English? If they want to be one of us, why don’t they follow the laws of this nation?

CARLOS VALDEZ

Van Nuys