Letter writer is sickened indeed

Regarding the letter, “Illegal alien championing is sickening to reader” of Feb. 17.

Mr. Burchard claims to be “fed up with your (news organization’s) persistent and provocative championing of the infestation of illegals in the country and in the county.”

He goes on to say that he had renewed his subscription to the paper after letting it lapse, because, “it is wise to know what the enemy is up to.”

Mr. Burchard’s images of “infestations” and “enemies” suggest that, as he says in his opinion’s title, he is indeed sickened. Is it even remotely human to characterize “”mexicans” as “infesting?” Does he imagine a whole people, or just the doggone illegal ones, as having characteristics that we commonly associate with cockroaches or other vermin? He does clearly state that he imagines the news organization as an enemy (who supports the “infestation?”).

It is disturbing to know of a person with such a poisoned mind writing to our editor and being published. Perhaps my story can counteract some of the negativity of Mr. Burchard.

Briefly, my car broke down this week. I was on the side of the road (Davis Ford), late afternoon, without my cell phone.

Standing by my car, hood up, with my thumb out, I saw many people go by who probably would not be found lacking by Mr. Burchard; they drove nice cars and were apparently caucasion.

These people didn’t even glance my way (I am also a caucasion, mid -fifties male, not too menacing). Instead, an older minivan stopped. A Hispanic man and woman in their mid-30s were in the front seat. They didn’t speak English, but their son,about 10, in the back seat translated for them. They offered to take me to get what I needed to get back on the road. They drove me the distance to do that. They waited for me to get what I needed and then drove me back to my car.

When I offered money for their time and expense, I was refused. De nada. I even tried to give the money to the young boy, but he refused to take it also. Instead, they waited by my car while I got it running again and only then waved goodbye.

I wonder if Mr. Burchard would have been so gracious. Somehow I don’t think so.

JIM GREEN
Falmouth