I have a opinion to write in response to the Renton Reporter article, “RTC ESL students protest state cuts that reduce classes.” The article was well written, but the gist that individuals who were having state funds pay for their ESL classes protesting made me sick to my stomach. I am not resentful that they are of foreign descent or the fact that they want to learn English. I am irritated that they feel the U.S. government owes them something. I have been to college on three different occasions and had to pay by working a job or getting scholarships and grants and I am a natural-born citizen. How can you complain about the state cutting classes when you are not even paying for them? Anyone having ESL paid for by the state should be grateful, not protesting about it. I wish the state would pay for my education, but that crow don’t caw. There was one guy complaining that he has lived in the U.S. for 10 years and now he can’t get his ESL paid for by the state, so it is our fault he can’t learn English. My wife has lived in the U.S. for 12 years, came here not knowing any English, paid for and received a bachelors of science degree and asked the state for nothing.

I have no problem with ESL being paid for by the state, but don’t complain about budget cuts when you are getting something for nothing! This country was founded on hard work, not handouts, so be grateful for what you get because economic times are tough.

On a final note I saw a picture the other day of a group (whose ethnicity I will not say) flying a U.S. Flag below their home country’s flag. This made me wretch, since they are living in the U.S. and should show this country at least a little respect. America was and is founded upon immigration, but everyone must respect this country’s values or the dream will be lost.

I wrote this in hopes you might need it for your opinons column or letters to the editior. Thanks for your time,

Aaron Bishop, Renton