Re “What’s driving the record levels of migration to the U.S?” (May 12):

It is Joe Biden and his administration that have invited the immigrants to our borders. He canceled the construction of the border wall on his first day in office. Donald Trump, during his presidency, had the border under control … not perfect, but there was not a big border problem. The Democrats fought Trump every step of the way in his efforts to control the border.

— Marsha Roseman, Van Nuys

U.S. and Ukraine

In Sunday’s Opinion section (May 7) were two op-eds regarding the highly debated Ukraine crisis. Scott Horton alleges that the U.S. and the West are to blame for the two Russian invasions of Ukraine. This is a preposterous accusation.

The only person responsible for these invasions is the megalomaniac Vladimir Putin. He maintains the fantasy of an irredentist restoration of the old Soviet Union despite the dissolution of the empire more than 30 years ago. By contrast, Adam Schiff supports the concept of free nations aiding the aspirations of the long-suffering Ukrainian people. As much as it pains me to admit it, Schiff is spot-on in his reasons for supporting Ukraine. Free societies ought to assist people who hunger and thirst to be free, just as our allies have helped us in the course of many conflicts. We don’t need boots on the ground in Ukraine, but providing military and humanitarian aid to defeat Putin makes sense. If Putin conquers Ukraine, what is to stop him from invading the Baltic states or parts of Eastern Europe? We can’t solely rely on NATO or the UN to deter armed aggression. Indeed, isolationism will only serve to embolden malign actors such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

— Christian Milord, Fullerton

The case aginst California slavery reparations

Present-day Californians’ taxes should not pay reparations to descendants of Black slaves living in California. Some 60% of the country is opposed to reparations. In California we have over 2 million people who identify as African American. $2.1 million is the economic calculated amount due each African American in reparations, per The New York Times. Our state budget is $300 billion. We don’t have  $2.4 trillion to pay reparations. The reparations proposal includes monetary payments, policy reforms and services to African Americans. Maybe the descendants of the slave owners should foot the bill for reparations. I don’t believe the current California taxpayers should be the ones to pay reparations.

— Thomas Muñoz, Ontario

Long Beach and Los Angeles and green ports

Re “Officials see a future with wind power facility” (May 10):

The Port of Long Beach’s attempt to brand itself as “the green port” is a classic example of public relations spin. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are repeatedly reported as being the two largest sources of air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin, including toxic, cancer-causing diesel exhaust.

Thousands of diesel trucks, and numerous dirty diesel railroad locomotives operate every day. The ocean going ships are the worst polluters of all. So spare us the spin and concentrate on cleaning up your mess and protecting the public health.

— Noel Park, Rancho Palos Verdes

Teacher wages

Re “Teachers earn $67K on average. Is push for raises too late?” (May 9):

It is the community that makes the school. No amount of pay will diminish disrespect, disruption, incomplete work or lack of consequences in our public schools. It wreaks havoc on teachers and students attempting to learn.

Laws have stripped the schools of their ability to maintain and enforce order, civility and work standards. Give parents the option to enroll their children in a school environment that does.

Charter, private or co-op schools will achieve equal or greater academic success than public if students have behavior and performance standards to meet that are enforced and supported by the parents who send them to that  school.

— Marilyn Marestaing, Mission Viejo

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