Maryland should follow Virginia’s example
Re: “Lawmakers eye gang crackdown,” March 3
Lawmakers in Annapolis are scrambling to pass a series of bills to stem the growing tide of gang violence. This mad dash to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to identify, arrest and prosecute gang members begs the question: Where have our elected officials been on this issue?
Gang-related crime is not news to law-abiding citizens in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, but it seems to be to their political leaders and law enforcement authorities. No surprise that these two jurisdictions are also the playground for the majority of illegal-immigrant gangs.
MontCo Executive Ike Leggett and P.G. County Executive Jack Johnson have taken a remarkably dishonest approach to public safety by relying on support groups like CASA de Maryland to dictate the terms for handling and arresting illegal alien gang members. CASA has even lobbied Annapolis against legislation to screen all foreign nationals in our jails for fear of possible “Hispanic discrimination.”
Jurisdictions in Virginia, which have lower rates of gang violence and fewer CASA-like groups, have successfully partnered with federal immigration and law enforcement authorities. It’s time for Maryland to learn from our Virginia neighbors.
Brad Botwin
Director, Help Save Maryland
Rockville
Fairfax residents sit out another election
Who won or lost the recent election in Fairfax County for a House of Delegates seat is not the real issue. Lack of participation by the citizenry is what’s extremely disturbing.
After serving our country in uniform for more than 40 years, I was recalled from retired status to serve in Iraq, where I oversaw the voting for the Iraqi constitution and the parliament. Even detainees in custody voted — although they risked being killed and having their homes destroyed by people who did not agree with them. They felt that they had a voice in the future of Iraq and wanted their voices heard.
I doubt that anyone in Fairfax County is in danger of being killed for their political opinions. It appears that U.S. citizens are less interested in participatory democracy than citizens of nations who do not have the privilege of deciding how they are governed.
I do not regret serving my fellow citizens and guaranteeing their freedoms, but my fellow veterans and I would greatly appreciate it if more people would get out of their recliners and get involved.
Col. Austin B.C. Schmidt (Special Forces, retired)
Fairfax
