EXTRA LETTERS: Police checkpoints

<p class="bold allcaps">Impounding cars</p> <p>EDITOR: I had to do a double-take when I read Sunday's front page article about checkpoints (“Clash over checkpoints”). Is there something I'm missing here?</p><p>First, these people are here illegally. They snuck into this country uninvited. Second, they are driving without a license.</p><p>An undue hardship? What happened to common sense in this country? This is not about racism, they could be Poles, Frenchmen or whatever. They'd still be here illegally. Impound their cars, assess a fine for driving without a license, then turn them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Let them get in line with other honest would-be immigrants if they want to live here.</p><p>One more thing, the so-called activists holding up signs warning of the checkpoints should be arrested for interfering with the police.</p><p>JOHN DAIGLE</p><p>Redwood Valley</p><h3>Tow-truck profits</h3> <p>EDITOR: That was an interesting article about how the police are going to enrich tow-truck operators. By giving them lucrative tow and impound fees, they put big chunks of money in the pockets of American citizens and take it away from illegal immigrants. Sounds like Robin Hood in reverse: take from the working poor and give it to the rich.</p><p>Those are your tax dollars at work, — using the police to generate business for tow-truck companies and impound lot operators.</p><p>HANS BEERBAUM</p><p>Petaluma</p><h3>Laws and safety</h3> <p>EDITOR: I work in an industry that brings me in contact with many Mexican immigrants, legal and illegal. They work hard, often two or more jobs, to make ends meet. They have to feed, clothe and house their families just like I do.</p><p>I've noticed that many ride their bicycles to work and others hitch a ride with family or co-workers. I'm certain this is due to the increased public safety effort by local law enforcement. I believe that's as it should be. Those that have no license or insurance don't have papers. They have no papers because they did not immigrate legally. They should not drive. Statistics show they are four to five times more likely to cause an accident than properly licensed drivers. They have no insurance to cover the medical and property damage that they cause.</p><p>I work hard, too. Two jobs at times. I have a license and insurance. I pay more for both of them because of those who skirt the law. I've been a victim of their inability to drive safely. I paid for that, too.</p><p>I believe they should follow the law here, like I do, or go back where they came from. Period.</p><p>BILL McKEE</p><p>Santa Rosa</p><h3>Saying it all</h3> <p>EDITOR: Doesn't saying “loss of cars creates undue hardship for illegal immigrants driving without a license” say it all?</p><p>SHEILA HIRSCH</p><p>Santa Rosa</p><h3>Seize the cars</h3> <p>EDITOR: Who is smoking what here? The last time I checked, it cost $500 to get a driver's license for a 16-year-old (classroom instruction plus road instruction). Then, there is the additional insurance. So there is about $2,000 per year.</p><p>How is it that a person who sneaks into our country, doesn't have a driver's license, doesn't have insurance, can't vote, has warnings in Spanish of impending roadblocks, has any right whatsoever to demand his or her car back?</p><p>The car should not be impounded. It should be sent to the junk yard, stripped and crushed. Driving without a license, without insurance, without citizenship and then complaining about the car being impounded for 30 days? Come on, what has happened to America? Do this in Mexico, and see how far you get. Do this in any other country in the world, and see how far you get. </p><p>Thank God, I am only visiting this state.</p><p>JAY BAILEY</p><p>Simsbury, Conn.</p><h3>Dangerous enough</h3> <p>EDITOR: What part of illegal immigrants driving illegally without a license and illegally without insurance do “local activists” not understand? It's dangerous enough out there with licensed drivers on the road talking on a hand-held phone while driving.</p><p>JENNIFER PRICE</p><p>Santa Rosa</p>