Cole makes assumptions about people whose yard signs she denigrates

Wow, Althea! I couldn’t be more impressed with the assumptions you have formed about me based on my yard sign. (Perhaps, instead of assuming that my yard sign only reflects “surface” virtues, you should read it as talking points for beginning a discussion. In fact, if you stopped to talk, you would learn that every issue on my carefully chosen sign reflects a subject matter that is of great importance to me. You would find that my views are both based on informed, fact-based information and that I would listen to and carefully weigh your fact-based point of view. (After all, I do read your column.)

I absolutely believe that no child of God is illegal. I also absolutely do not believe in open borders. While considering both matters together is more complicated, neither position contradicts the other. I don’t personally know a single person who wants “open” borders,” though that catch phrase is good election-year fodder. At least as much as you, I want to know who is entering our country and prevent entry of those who would endanger us. I want needed workers to be able to enter legally. And I want our immigration system improved for the benefit of our American economy and for the children of God fleeing violence, murder, poverty, and more.

I don’t assume you are shallow; please show me the same respect.

Patricia Meier

Cedar Rapids