Misplaced Compassion

In a letter, Milford Patch reader Paul Carlin explains how illegal immigration offers a perfect example of how priorities are misplaced in Massachusetts. Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt of a letter submitted by Milford Patch reader Paul Carlin, who grew up in Milford and now lives and works in a neighboring town.

We have many problems in Massachusetts. Many are connected at the roots. The people in power in our Commonwealth have and apply compassion for the wrong people. From lawmakers to the court system to union officials the system works to protect some.

Those who have the protection take advantage; while those who require and deserve protection remain vulnerable and ultimately become victims.

Illegal immigration illustrates this perfectly. Citizens lose jobs, business owners are undercut for contracts, and restaurant patrons are exposed to health risks because our officials won’t protect us by obeying and enforcing the law. Schools are crowded, budgets are tight and students are held back while teachers spend an unfair amount of time with those who don’t want to learn.

The judicial system also paints a grim picture. Judges are far too lenient on multiple offenders, violent offenders and even young offenders committing adult crimes. They worry about the rights of offenders who are returning to society rather than society. Lawmakers pretend to concern themselves with obesity rates of young people while many parents are afraid to let the kids play at the park, or even walk home after school.

Public sector unions protect teachers based on tenure, not results. Quasi-public authorities pay pensions and sick pay of outrageous proportions. Public contracts are practically written by the companies that have already been promised the jobs with a wink and a nod, and are never questioned by those who serve to protect the public.

The reason all of this continues is because there is no accountability and no consequence. This is by design and it is disgusting. Many people working in the public sector are out for themselves and don’t care what that means for the rest of us.

This is the result of generations of single-party political dominance. It is the result of voting for the letter after a candidate’s name, instead of voting for a candidate and their beliefs. It is the result of voting for the candidate that your boss or union rep tells you to vote for. Or worse yet, it is the result of not caring enough to vote at all.

I was very disappointed in the last round of elections in Massachusetts. Not because of who won and who lost but because it was clear to me that the establishment got exactly whom they wanted at almost every turn.

I want elected and appointed officials to have compassion for those who follow the rules. Compassion for those who help not hurt. I want protection for the victims, not the perpetrators. And I want the protection before people become victims. I want social programs to assist those that truly need and deserve assistance. The need or warrant alone should not be enough.

I will be voting again next year. I will be voting based on the records, experiences and beliefs of the people running for each office. I do not have much hope. My disappointment and disenchantment remain. But I will not let that turn to contempt or negligence.

This is my home and I want it back.