Quotes of the Day

Your cover story claims that "Europe's all at Sea" over immigration [March 1]. Well, as I understand it, things aren't particularly (Rio) Grande in the U.S. either.
Huw Roberts, CREIGIAU, WALES

The current wave of migration from the global South into the industrialized states is due to the failure of the IMF and the G-8's policies. The current global trading system is under exclusive control of the rich states, which doubtlessly want to keep it that way. Without the prospect of escaping poverty in their home countries any time soon, more and more people will decide to migrate north. The solution to the problem is not more rigid border policing, but a change of policy in the U.S. and Europe toward an equal global trading system that benefits all instead of the few.
Christian von Campe, ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND

The political and economic situations in most African countries are repugnant, which is why Africans risk their lives to go to Europe even when they know it is not a bed of roses. The solution is for the Western governments to be resolute in blocking the emergence of dictators like Robert Mugabe. These leaders threw Africa into turmoil and the repercussion is the unprecedented flow of Africans into Europe.
Sam Usadolo, KING WILLIAM'S TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The only way to stop this illegal mass invasion is to return them to their home countries as soon as possible unless they are from a war region and qualify as refugees. The immigrants have to learn that they are wasting their money and risking their lives. This strict rule of returning illegal immigrants is the accepted procedure in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Günter Korek, BARSBÜTTEL, GERMANY

Washington, Broken
Your article "Why Washington's Tied Up in Knots," properly identified Republicans as civic saboteurs [March 1]. But it did not adequately characterize the wan centrism of Democrats. With our nation in urgent need of major reforms, we are faced with a political choice between the status quo or doubling down on ruin.
Mark Warner, MINNEAPOLIS

Another critical reason Washington is frozen: too many lawyers. We need doctors, engineers, teachers, small-business owners and farmers involved. Many lawyers simply do not know much about anything but the law. They have "soft hands" with no calluses.
Gene Dura, WEST LAFAYETTE, IND., U.S.

Rather than better primaries and more Crossfires and Perots, how about clean elections and public investment in a healthy press that is less corporate-controlled?
Bill Fyfe, DENVER

A Newt Approach?
I was surprised that you included an article by Newt Gingrich [March 1]. Isn't Gingrich giving advice on bipartisan cooperation like asking the fox for advice on how to guard the henhouse? He is the king of noncooperation and partisanship. There are people on both sides of the aisle who can offer advice about bipartisanship and have at least a modicum of credibility
Sandy Stanley, MUSCATINE, IOWA, U.S.

Just a note on a small mistake made in the printing of the generous encouragement Gingrich offered our President and Congress. "Commentary" ran at the top. It should have been "Political Advertisement," should it not?
Constance McCutcheon, MUNICH, GERMANY

A government of the people, by the people and for the people is what America needs, not just for the wealthy few, but all the people. Skip the "big government" hogwash and start working on governing. It's time to cut out filibustering and lobbying, two sides of U.S. politics that are undemocratic.
Joanna Svensson, MORA SWEDEN

• Washington, Broken; A Newt Approach?