National referendum on Arizona law?

I found myself profoundly amused by contributor Walt Zlotow's recent letter in which he stated that the "underlying racism of the native citizenry has overcome their limited intelligence and common sense" in Arizonian citizens' effort to halt illegal immigration in to their state.

The last time I checked, they have a democracy there and the desires of the citizens were and clearly are in support to SB1070. I offer this to you and others; if this issue is so important, then why not offer a national referendum on the 2010 election. If we as a nation could spend the millions that we did on the census, then surely we can spend some of that amount or at least the $400 million that we gave in aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. Where does the number of illegals end - 20 billion, 30 billion, 50 billion? A nation with no border security will cease to be a nation, and that will be change that all of us surely will wonder how we ever believed in.

I thought that dissent, as so many Democrats said under Bush, "was the greatest form of patriotism?" The concept of America should be one of pride, and you cannot have pride if laws do not stand for all. This political pandering, which is the hidden elephant in the room, is truly what is un-American here.

I am surprised that more states have not attempted their own version of Arizona's bill. They should be commended for their brave nature. If the nation voted in the proposed referendum in favor of and open border, then I think we'd have to accept it. However, I think that the results would astound you and others, to how polarized they would be. America's integrity should matter far more than the vocal minority's politicized opinion.

Andy Isaacson

Villa Park