Nice letters about Doctor John Tanton

I also know you well enough to state that the ugly charges leveled against you are utter nonsense. There are few people of such fundamental decency, conviction, and diligence working for the common weal as you, and none I know who is doing so without reaching for personal prestige or political power.

From my years of working with Dr. Tanton I can unhesitatingly state that he is neither a white supremacist nor a dogmatic nativist. He is a patriot, which is hardly an outrage. As a Holocaust survivor who is keenly attuned to the nuances of racism and antisemitism, I attest that I have never heard any hate speech from him.

This will introduce John H. Tanton, M.D., as an extraordinarily intelligent and dedicated citizen, who has devoted much of his life to the study of immigration policy and the promotion of immigration reform.

I have also heard many good reports concerning your efforts on behalf of family planning and other social problems in the area. So I congratulate you on your decision to live on behalf of planet earth, and for the sake of a new humanity.

In time, I hope you come to feel, as well as think, that the way you were attacked in and by the press is just another proof of the low level to which public debate over major policy questions has sunk. I have no doubt that you will be vindicated... I admire your willingness to take problems seriously. To my way of thinking, that is one measure of a civilized man. If others hold you up to ridicule for taking problems seriously, that in no way diminishes you.

Our country is lucky to have you speak up in a forceful way to alert us to the basic dangers to our country that are becoming more crucial with each passing year.

I just wanted to write to let you know how angry I am at the vicious way racial politics is played by our enemies - pure racists themselves of course.

Congratulations on the wonderful news that you have been selected to receive a Chevron Award in the Citizen Volunteer Category. I can think of no one more deserving of this prestigious honor than yourself recognizing the many hours you have so generously contributed to advancing conservation and environmental interests in America.

For the Tantons, I have "great" respect for your dedicated involvement and concerns for planning Emmet County's future. Your wisdom, energy, and guidance have been there since I came to Emmet County and I looked to you both as outstanding role models.

I can assure you that I too have seen firsthand the ability the press has to make or break a person, event or cause.

Unfortunately, the American press seizes upon any opportunity to translate vicious attacks by irresponsible people on great Americans as "news".

... every time I have met with you, I have always been struck by both your activism in your community and your ability to recount stories about it.

Your work, along with Mary Lou, places you in the rarefied company of exceptional human beings... who stand up, speak out and change the course of human history for the betterment of humanity and all life on this planet.