OPINION:
Kamala Harris is reportedly running for president in 2020. She is also running the gamut of irresponsible and false statements.
Most recently Ms. Harris claimed that the Ku Klux Klan used fear and intimidation to achieve its social ends and that many people, presumably illegal aliens, perceive the deportation agency ICE the same way (“Kamala Harris draws comparison between ICE, Ku Klux Klan,” Web, Nov. 15).
Ms. Harris is an educated woman and knows better. In its heyday, the KKK was a criminal entity that intimidated, terrorized, maimed and murdered black and Jewish citizens and whites who supported those people. During that time the Democratic Party, of which Ms. Harris is a member, and the KKK were seen as one in the same. The perception was not misplaced — the Democrats did not get “woke” until the 1960 presidential campaign, when it came to recognize the political advantage of having black voter support.
ICE is not a lawless renegade mob, but rather the government agency charged with enforcing the immigration laws. Ms. Harris claims that it is up to ICE to dispel its negative perception. Yes, illegal aliens fear ICE because they are breaking the law and if caught will face the consequences: Deportation, which it is the duty of ICE to carry out. What is being characterized as intimidation is merely ICE doing its job.
To denigrate enforcement of the law, as well as attempt to obstruct it, is inconsistent with the goal of taking the presidential oath of office.
HESSIE L. HARRIS
Silver Spring
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