I would like to respond to Lindsey Swingrover’s disappointment with The Spokesman-Review for using the term “illegals” in a recent headline with a gentle reminder that neither she nor The Spokesman-Review has any obligation to assuage the guilty conscience of anyone in this country illegally by carefully choosing the terms by which we refer to said individual (Letters, Feb. 9). Swingrover objects to the use of an adjective as a noun. I object to the fact that the adjective has now become a noun.

Let me draw a careful analogy, if I may. Were you a neighbor of mine in need of help, whether you’re a victim of domestic violence, hunger or the elements, and you ring my doorbell, you will be welcomed in the front door with open arms. You’ll be a guest, I’ll help. That’s America.

But if you sneak in the back door to steal from my family because it’s easier, faster or more convenient than ringing the doorbell, then you and I have a big problem, don’t we? Does it help to call yourself an “unobserved guest”?

We’re better served by getting people to ring the doorbell than hand-wringing about what we call those who don’t.

Greg J. Miranda

Spokane Valley