Ask Elsa

Tell me why

Q: I could not have been more disgusted with The Post and Courier when I picked up the paper Sunday. I was outraged to read the front page story regarding illegal aliens and the difficulties they have in obtaining health insurance and health care. What a sad state when the paper feels it necessary to give the time of day to illegal aliens who are overrunning our city. Were there not enough legal Charleston citizens facing the same problems who were worth The Post and Courier's time? Steven.

A: In June, the Illegal Immigration Reform Act became law in South Carolina. It was enacted in response to concerns about the consequences of illegal immigration. One thing the law does is restrict medical care for illegal immigrants.

Sunday's story explained the complications that this law has brought for hospitals, clinics and illegal immigrants. Those complications have a direct impact on tax-paying citizens.

By reporting on it, The Post and Courier is not advocating for the new law or advocating for illegal immigrants. It is rather letting readers know the financial, legal, medical and social ramifications of the bill.

Enough

Q: Please do your readers a huge favor and stop printing articles, complete with photos, of Al Parish. I understand what he did was reprehensible, but we have seen enough of him. Danielle.

A: One important role of the newspaper is to report on significant local issues. As unhappy as the story is, Al Parish's fraud against hundreds of investors is significant, from the start through Friday's trip to the Charleston County Detention Center. Parish also had a high profile as an economist, and his journey from respect to disgrace also holds interest.

Elsa McDowell, public editor, welcomes questions or comments about the paper's news coverage. Call 937-5626 or e-mail her at askelsa@postandcourier.com.