To the editor:

In response to high rates of unemployment and the passage of legislation revolving around illegal immigration, the United Farm Workers Union of America recently launched a campaign offering legal citizens a half-million jobs in the farming industry, many currently held by illegal immigrants. On the campaign’s website (http://www. takeourjobs.org), a simple “application” is filled out and submitted, connecting the applicant with local farm employers.

Sadly, not many are taking the offer for the hours are long, the weather conditions harsh. The pay is low, the benefits are few. Many would rather draw unemployment another month. This mentality insults those who developed farming in this country, from the Native Americans through those who today choose to farm the land, helping feed all of America. No doubt, farming is grueling work, but it puts food on our plates, and it provides jobs for our country.

While millions are in desperate need of work, organizations such as the United Farm Workers Union of America are here to tell Americans to take back their jobs. It is unfortunate that our society’s spoiled ways and false sense of pride lead some to believe that they are too good for some jobs. As the political debate over illegal immigration continues to fester in the United States, like it or not, we must remember that today they are helping provide food for our families, because so many Americans simply don’t want that responsibility.

Tyler Lindquist,

Lawrence