Immigration raids, Blydenburgh Dam
Federal agents detain a person in Minneapolis. Credit: Getty Images/Stephen Maturen
Rights shrink when power expands
President Donald Trump has sold his followers on the idea that immigrants living in our country illegally are dangerous criminals to be dealt with in a harsh way. Yet about 70% of immigrant detainees lack a criminal record [“Wanted: An immigration reset,” Editorial, Feb. 1].
Trump supporters will become collateral damage. Trump is eroding our constitutional rights. The Founding Fathers designed our system to protect us from tyranny by including checks and balances to prevent one branch of government from getting too much power.
The Bill of Rights prohibits government from infringing our rights. This protects everyone from abuse by tyrants who, for example, co-opt the justice system for their own purposes. We can’t be imprisoned without due process. Our homes are safe unless a judge — a different branch of government — signs a warrant.
When all the immigrants who entered our country illegally are gone, what will be the damage to the Constitution? Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
Will courts be weaker? Will police search our home without a warrant? Remember, Trump asked about shooting protesters in the leg. A weaker Constitution won’t be limited to blue states. Once government has more power, it never surrenders it willingly.
— Gerry Ring, Old Bethpage
Experts warn new dam risks harm
I am disappointed by the Council on Environmental Quality decision on a new dam [“Dam rebuild can begin without review,” Our Towns, Jan. 29]. Six of the seven Suffolk County council members present voted that rebuilding it at Blydenburgh County Park and flooding the 118 acres will have little or no environmental effect. This came after 21 conservation groups said just the opposite and recommended a full environmental impact statement.
Let’s hope the Suffolk County Legislature listens to the environmental groups and common sense prevails.
— Ed Bickard, Nesconset
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