Letters to the Editor for 3/22/10

Immigrants threaten democracy

There is no need for anyone to see the Mexican border to be concerned about illegal immigration.

It is enough to see that the Mexican consulate feels the need to set up office from time to time in Southwest Virginia, that there is any crime committed by illegals who simply return after deportation, and that our police have to concern themselves with Mexican gangs recruiting in our schools.

There is a real threat to our democracy. Not primarily because illegal aliens are taking jobs Americans need, not much of a threat to a newspaper editor, but because the people in power choose not to enforce our laws.

They do not dare try to reform immigration because they fear people will not stand for changes they want, so they simply ignore the law

We seem to do very well at guarding the border between North and South Korea. Is it too much to ask that we guard our own border as well?

If we do not wake up and choose new leaders, we will see that the government is importing a new constituency — just ask the folks in California, Arizona or New Mexico.

I agree that most people who come here simply want a better life for their family.

I do not blame them. I imagine that they would also like a house as nice as mine for their family to live in. That does not mean I am required to allow them to share mine.

Mexico is a rich country. We are not suggesting that people be sent back to starve.

To accuse everyone who has concerns about immigration as victims of mental illness, hysterical and obsessed, is not at all helpful to public discourse.

Michele Mathews

Galax

There are ways to save on power

Well-hidden in the rates and tariffs for Appalachian Power as published on its Web site, residential users like me can find two ways immediately to save money on their monthly electric bill.

Residential time-of-day-service costs nothing to start up. The other method, load management for water heaters, may involve some cost.

I have already ordered my free time-of-day meter installation and service.

Why are these cost saving measures not broadly advertised and advocated by the electric company?

APCo should be contacting every residential customer and asking if they want the time-of-day meters installed. The explanation of this service should be made clear at the time each new customer applies for service, too.

How did I find these better rates? I had to make a public comment on the rate increase, and Del. Carrico’s office also forwarded my public comment directly to APCo, and then I got its response.

Time-of-day metering allows two different electric rates. The “day rate” from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. is the same rate charged now. The “night: or “off-peak” rate from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. is less than half of the day peak rate.

I think we can schedule our dishwasher, our clothes washer and dryer, and maybe even some baking to happen in off-peak time.

That motivator for less than half-price is huge!

(Do readers know the meter we have at our homes costs us more than $8 a month for the privilege of using it to meter electricity? The new time-of-day meter will cost us $1.80 a month more. That’s worth it to get cost savings on the electric rate.)

The second cost-saver rate applies to folks who have water heaters of 80 gallons or larger and who install and use load management devices, basically timers that cycle the heater on and off.

If you think this might be workable for you, ask the power company about it.

I think it’s time we all got the cheapest rates we can from the utility.

Martha Anderson

Galax

Schools should get more lottery funds

I don't understand why the state can't take more money from the lottery for the schools budgets.

If you need to change a law, then change it. Especially since we are supposedly behind other countries in education, as some say we are.

We don't have children in the school system but are concerned about what is going on.

Sure, we would like to win the lottery, but we don't necessary need $100 million or more to live.

Why can't people in charge see what needs to be done and do it. Step on some toes if need be.

Do what you’re supposed to do.

James Gibson

Independence