After reading the numerous comments about illegal immigrants and the "lazy welfare" recipients, I have thought of a better way. Everyone who is here legally and applies for public (taxpayer) assistance should have a physical performed by a doctor to determine if they are able to perform work. If truly disabled, they will be placed in the disabled assistance program. If able to work, they will be put in a government workers' program to perform various jobs that "no one wants to do." A job will create better citizens who will learn the habits of the working taxpayer instead of the welfare class. Any job should be better than paying people to sit around and do nothing! Remember, it is us, the working class, not the government (the government has no money) that is giving away this assistance. Let us at least get something in return for our investment.

FORREST TURNER

Elizabeth City