Letters

My response to the editorial “Crossing the Line” [March 20], regarding the efforts to deport Mahmoud Khalil, the spokesperson for demonstrators at Columbia University is this:

Yes, though Mr. Khalil has a green card and is entitled to many rights, he is nonetheless a guest of the people of United States and their government. If his behavior became intertwined with illegal criminal obstruction of campus life, became associated with antisemitic expression, and he supported the terrorist group Hamas, which, as the spokesperson for these demonstrators, he definitely did, unfettered freedom to do so came to an end.

Spokesmen like the editorial board of The Express News Group, as well as from the right, are struggling with this interpretation, but it collides with the tolerance of law-abiding students and citizens to enjoy their lives unencumbered by violence and intimidation.

The left has a long history of violence pushing the boundaries of free expression well past their ability to make a salient point. Columbia and its negligent attitude toward speech have really made their point in reverse.

With respect to the editorial’s second related comments on the deportation of Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador: The 18th century “Alien Enemies Act” was a law created during a war but not exclusively limited to a wartime application. My understanding is that it gives the president the use by proclamation of “expedited removal” from anywhere in the country for those who have participated in an “incursion or invasion.” This action is solely at the discretion the president. No judge has jurisdiction over it. Those being deported under this law have no due process right.

Unfortunately, for some unlucky deportees who will do some hard time in jail, this is the result of the Joe Biden immigration policies that have necessitated the draconian response that Americans are now obligated to deal with. Our generosity was deliberately abused, and now those that stood by ignoring the danger that illegal immigration posed want to preserve every shred of jurisprudence in its behalf.

This is equally true with our national debt, which has threatened our ability to fund our defense and all the entitlements Democrats create without a clue how to pay for them.

As Republicans expose waste and fraud by merely shedding the light of day on its abuse, Democrats, instead of getting on board, lie about cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Blaming Elon Musk and terrorizing Tesla dealerships and car owners is how the left acts out its tantrums.

Yes, it is a very messy business. Being responsible stewards, like good parents, isn’t always popular.

Ed Surgan

Westhampton