Strong Backlash to Silver’s Tuition Plan

If it’s only a question of money, I’ll be glad to pay - with taxpayer’s money. - Sheldon Silver

The public backlash in response to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's recent proposal to help young immigrants with their college tuition has been fierce and uncompromising. 

"Shelly Silver and New York City Democrats want to use YOUR tax dollars to help illegal immigrants with college tuition!" complains State Sen. Mark Grisanti on his Facebook re-election page. "Senator Mark Grisanti Says No! Stand with Senator Grisanti and sign our petition to keep your tax dollars safe!" He was quoted as saying the people he’s talked to in his district are having trouble paying to send their own children to school.

 Reaction in the Buffalo News’ letters column from outraged real citizens was similarly swift and strident. Reader input was heralded by headlines like "It is Outrageous to give College Aid to Illegals," "Why Reward People for Breaking the Law?" and "Taxpayers here legally could use a break, too!”

 "American citizens are paying the way for people to benefit from not respecting the law. Legal American citizens are forced to pay heavy tuition costs, while those who don't respect the law are rewarded," states Greg Costa of Wallkill, NY. "Hard-working middle-class Americans are taxed at disproportionate levels to pay for political garbage like this."

 According to John 12:1-8: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany... So they gave a dinner for him there. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold... and (the money) given to the poor?” Jesus said, “Leave her alone... For the poor you always have with you...”