Yes, we understand the word "illegal" as defined in the dictionary, but we don't buy into all the variations that Ford and others create for it. Whatever his definition is, the real issue is that illegal residents are unwelcome here now for a variety of reasons, most importantly because we are tired of paying taxes to fund the free ride that they have been taking at our expense -- most significantly in the areas of medical care and education.

For us, illegal means breaking the law. Most of these people do not want to be U.S. citizens, and why would they? We've made it easy for them to reap the benefits they get here and still remain Mexican citizens.

It's time tougher laws were enacted and, yes, they should go back regardless of how many generations have managed to elude us.

I don't feel bad that they get caught in road blocks and can't go out to get their free services because they are fearful of getting caught. Those who break the law shouldn't be allowed to feel good about doing it (See Ford's Aug. 17 column "Checkpoint, crackdowns and fears.")

Mark Fowle

Holly Springs

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