DIVERSITY: Employing the wrong tactics

With all due respect to Mr. Tony Stewart, his efforts in using illegal (“unauthorized”) immigrants as a stride toward diversity are preposterous! How can the trend of increasing illegal (“unauthorized”) immigration bode well for Idaho’s economic future when Idaho has spent up to $200 million annually on illegal (“unauthorized”) immigrants?

Mr. Stewart boasts that from 2009 to 2012 there was an increase of 15,000 illegal immigrants in Idaho. He states that “With this kind of population growth, you build more houses and you have more public accommodations, more jobs, you have everything.” I submit that “everything” includes more Idaho money being spent on illegal immigration.

I believe that Idaho would benefit with an increase in cultural differences. I also believe that over time it will create a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the people that have come here from many places.

It seems that Mr. Stewart is trying to force minority diversity to change our communities by using the wrong tactics. Instead, he should be promoting those immigrants who choose to enter our communities legally. Or, perhaps Mr. Stewart should use his compassion to help these people obtain legal status.

JOANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene