Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘Charter Schools Lose Leaders as Spitzer Falters’
The mayor and I are strongly committed to supporting our 58 charter schools — and creating many new charter schools for New York City students and families [New York, “Charter Schools Lose Leaders as Spitzer Falters,” January 24, 2007]. That is why we have consistently supported lifting the current state-law cap on charters.
The simple truth is that our charter schools are in high demand because parents know they have real power to help students — including our highest needs students — make real academic progress We will continue working hard to ensure that the children of this city have these important options.
JOEL KLEIN
Chancellor
Department of Education
New York, N.Y.
‘Spitzer Poised to Ease Access to Licenses’
We at the Coalition for a Secure Driver’s License are of many minds on illegal immigration, but we are all of one mind when it comes to national security [New York, “Spitzer Poised to Ease Access to Licenses,” January 19, 2007].
How can a Spitzer spokesperson say, “the facts show that restricting immigrants access to licenses does nothing to improve security”?
First, if one speaks of “immigrants,” one must note that all immigrants legally present are entitled to apply for licenses in every state.
Second, if one is speaking of illegal persons, one should be honest and use a legitimate and appropriate appellation. You, too, have made that mistake. It is a blurring of the line that makes it easy for proponents of giving illegal persons all the rights of Americans at American taxpayer expense, to call opponents “racist” and “bigots.” This casual laxity in terms is used daily by the press and it is really dishonest.
Third, and most important, no facts could possibly show that limiting licenses to those legally present in America does not improve security.
Three thousand people were killed by terrorists who were present illegally and documented illegally. They could not have killed our friends and fellow citizens without driver’s licenses.
It can be legitimately argued that giving licenses only to those legally present will not guarantee our safety, however, it ups the odds considerably in our favor.
Our hope is that when the move-in dust settles, Governor Spitzer will give the matter his full study.
He will hopefully realize that not only do secure licenses reduce the risk of terrorism, but that they sharply reduce the incidence of identity theft, voter fraud, deadbeat dads, underage drinking, and a score of related issues. Personally, I have faith that he will.
JOAN MESSNER
Vice president
Coalition for a Secure Driver’s License
New York, N.Y.
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