A quick history lesson can explain some things

In his Thursday commentary, "Illogical immigration," Victor Davis Hanson asks, "Why, exactly, does Mexico believe that nearly a million of its own nationals annually have claims on American residency, when Chinese, Indian, European and African would-be immigrants are deemed not to? Is the reason proximity? Past history?"

The answer is both. As a southwestern history buff, I will attempt to answer the historical question.

Of all the would-be immigrants, Mexicans are the only ones who lost 50 percent of their homeland to the United States as a result of the U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848). This loss contributed toward their beliefs that they have a right to enter the United States, because they feel that half of their country — 525,000 square miles — was taken from them by expansionist politicians in Washington in direct violation of the ethics that govern world order.

The U.S. leadership under expansionist President James K. Polk believed in the concept of Manifest Destiny — that expansion and the taking of territories west to the Pacific Ocean was pre-ordained by divine providence.

They were firm believers in the axiom that a nation that can’t defend its territories will lose them. The taking of territories became a political objective, if not by purchase, then by war.

When the war started, President Polk predicted that the war would be a cakewalk because Mexico’s government was in a constant state of turmoil. The two-year war cost an estimated 13,000 American lives. Mexican casualties were estimated at 26,000. An opinion from Gen. Ulysses S. Grant years later denounced the war as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.

We are not responsible for the deeds of our ancestors. I don’t propose giving the conquered territories back to Mexico. The U.S.-Mexican War was a wrong in 1846 that became a right in 2010 due to the passage of time and the evolution of justice for all Americans, regardless of race, creed or color. Mexico lacked the infrastructure to develop the land.

No country is perfect, and with the acquisition of the Mexican territories, America has evolved into the greatest country in the world. Because Mexicans lost half of their homeland to the United States, it seems only fair that those who have already established themselves in this country should have an opportunity to become legal citizens.

Robert Salas

Las Vegas

Insensitive rhetoric

To the editor:

John L. Smith hit the proverbial nail on the head in his recent column, "Spoiled unemployed aren’t incentivized by Angle rhetoric." I wonder if Sharron Angle would "avoid seeking work" if she were receiving that same whopping $393 weekly check that 14.2 percent of Nevadans wish they didn’t have to receive?

Let’s see, would she be able to pay her mortgage or rent expenses? What about utilities; water and sewer bills; rubbish removal? And let’s not forget food, clothing, auto payments; gas for that auto; home insurance and the myriad other unforseen expenses that creep up on us suddenly, like medical bills and flat tires.

Wow. I just wonder if that rhetoric would change.

Donna Lattanzio

Las Vegas

Reid noise

To the editor:

Lois Tarkanian’s attacks on Sharron Angle ("Angle’s position on working families draws criticism," Thursday Review-Journal) are nothing more than distractions from the real issues. Sen. Harry Reid and his supporters don’t want voters to focus on his record, so they search for Sharron Angle sound bites, take them out of context and invent positions that Ms. Angle has never taken.

Here’s what the election is really about.

Harry Reid is no longer "independent like Nevada," as he bragged in the last election. He is now the dutiful servant of President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Do you like the prospect of ObamaCare, with its ballooning costs and government control over medical decisions? Do you think the federal government has the right to force citizens to buy health insurance? Do you look forward to higher income taxes for all taxpayers when the Bush tax cuts expire? Do you yearn for cap-and-trade legislation, designed to make energy costs skyrocket? Do you think "card check" for unions is a good idea? Do you want the current unemployment numbers to be permanent?

All of this and more is what we’ll get if Harry Reid is re-elected.

Sharron Angle would vote against this agenda, starting with repealing ObamaCare and replacing it with true cost-saving policies, such as tort reform and selling health insurance across state lines. She would fight for lower income taxes, lower energy costs and policies that would free small business owners from the crushing taxes and nightmare of new regulation that prevents them from hiring.

Harry Reid and his Democrat cohorts are trying to demonize Sharron Angle and "win ugly" because they know very well that Sen. Reid can’t run on his record. Voters should not be distracted by the noise.

Ellen Shaw

Henderson

Fine sheriff

To the editor:

In regard to Patricia Ducharme’s Sunday letter criticizing Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie:

Who is she to make such insults to a mighty fine sheriff? I am a retired police officer from California. I would have been proud to work under Sheriff Gillespie. This man is a leader who has an extremely important, demanding job which he does great at.

John Dzama

North Las Vegas