IN GENERAL, I think pursuing someone like President Obama’s uncle, Onyango Obama - who has been here in Massachusetts, albeit illegally, for almost 50 years - is a waste of time, money, and resources (“With DUI arrest, Obama’s uncle should be subject to deportation,’’ Editorial, Sept. 1). I also think immigration is a good thing for this country, and that the process of converting immigrants to citizens is deeply flawed. We need not just the best and smartest, but also the hardest-working migrants from all over the world to continue to invigorate our nation the strongest, most vibrant political entity ever known to man.
But we don’t need criminals. And I think the Globe editorial is absolutely correct in refusing to downplay the significance of the drunk-driving allegations against Obama. Drunk driving is deadly. It should have disqualified George W. Bush from the presidency. It claims lives and ruins families. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is a willful and unforgivable offense. That’s why I believe those who kill while driving drunk should be charged with murder, not manslaughter.
When you’re operating under the influence, you choose to assume the risks - and the consequences - of your actions. In Obama’s uncle’s case, that means he now faces deportation by federal authorities who’ve been alerted to his arrest. The increased possibility of ending someone’s life due to a person’s own recklessness is not a “small mistake.’’ If it turns out Obama didn’t make that mistake, he should stay. But if he did, he should go.
Joshua Zatcoff
Somerville 
