U.S. needs to secure borders, Jones says
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on March 14, 2005 1:59 PM
The U.S. needs to secure its borders to reduce the threat of terrorism, Rep. Walter B. Jones said Saturday night.
Between 8,000 and 10,000 people entered the U.S. illegally every day, Jones said at the annual Law Enforcement Banquet held at the Wayne Center. There's no way of knowing how many Muslim extremists are among that number.
"These people have nothing but hatred for the American people," Jones said.
Congress is considering measures to tighten the borders, he said. The U.S. House is also working to make it impossible for illegal aliens to get drivers' licenses.
Jones said he will also be introducing legislation that will give all religious leaders the freedom to make political endorsements.
"How are we going to protect the morality of this country if religious leaders aren't free to speak out?," Jones said. "That's why we have people in Raleigh and Washington who aren't willing to protect the sanctity of marriage."
Jones decried what he sees as a turn against traditional morals.
"King & King," a children's book about two kings who fall in love, is available in libraries across the state, he said. And military chaplains have been told not to say "Jesus Christ" during memorial services.
"There's an assault on this country like I have never seen before," Jones said.
More than 180 people attended the banquet, which was sponsored by the 99 Shepherds to honor all levels of law enforcement.
Also at the banquet, the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor, was given to three individuals -- Admiral Howell, who's a retired game warden; the late Judge Arnold Jones; and Wake County Deputy Mark Tucker, who was killed in the line of duty last year.
Organizers gave the Goldsboro Police Department a "bite suit," which is used to train police dogs.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office received 5,000 coloring books and 11,000 pieces of printed material to use with the C.O.P.E. program taught in county schools.
Entertainment at the event was provided by the Charles B. Aycock High School Jazz Band.