To the editor:

Who are the “illegals”? Our government is deeply concerned about the millions of “illegal immigrants” living in the United States. After many years it is now considering using more force, including the National Guard if necessary, to solve the influx of “illegals.” The “illegals” must be stopped from coming into our nation of “legals” and they must be deported or by a lengthy process become “legals” like the rest of us.

Never mind that most of us “legals” were once “illegals” ourselves, or that we used force to make the legal natives obey us or leave their homelands with no regard for their culture or security.

For example, the Cherokees had a high level of government, technology and culture. In 1838, however, 16,000 had to leave the South to go to Oklahoma in winter. Some 4,000 died along the way in what was later called “The Trail of Tears.”

Every time the Indians were forced to move, they were promised security in new lands by the “legal” government. In 1868, the government had made a treaty that the Black Hills should belong to the Indians “as long as the grass should grow and water flow.” We know how long the “legal” inhabitants were allowed to stay once gold was discovered.

Thanks to the three commissioners for opposing the 32nd Street corridor opposed by Haskell Indian leaders. Perhaps this time in history the “legal” native wishes will be considered rather than what is cheapest and most direct.

Harold Piehler,

Lawrence