EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a selection of responses shared by readers of MDJOnline.com in reaction to recent MDJ stories ...

MDJ Editorial: Arizona goes after illegal aliens ...

Jasmine Marietta wrote - There is a misconception that blacks are for illegal immigrants getting amnesty. I am here to tell you that is so far from the truth! The majority of blacks do not want amnesty for illegals from Mexico, Central America and South America. Why should they get first dibs on citizenship when there are people from Haiti, Africa and other places who would like to become U.S. citizens? Those who are here illegally should not be allowed to become citizens unless they pay back for the services they used and pay a hefty fine of $20,000 per person. If not, they should be on the fast track back to their country. Also, why don't they go back to their countries and march for better treatment and resources? And, what sickens me the most is when Hispanics have the audacity to compare their plight to the Civil Rights Movement. Blacks in America marched for their rights as U.S. citizens. How can one feel so pompous as to think you should force a country to take you? I am calling on all Americans, black, white, red and yellow to put aside our differences and come together to force Congress to pass effective and non-amnesty immigration reform!

Dustoff wrote - Arizona is just legally doing exactly what the federal government is supposed to be doing. Now we need more states to do the same. Obama will attack Arizona using all the power he can muster and he will do it in an illegal manner as he has done with other issues. He is probably scared he may get deported if he goes to Arizona. I am willing to accept any person who comes here legally, but I am damn sick and tired of my taxes paying to teach, feed and provide medical care to illegals who pay no taxes, ship their pay home, have no drivers license, insurance and have better rights than myself.

Oakwood High changing into a digital academy

Curious One wrote - What a pathetic situation the school board and superintendent have created! I have visited Oakwood and there is clearly a need and proven positive results from the program offered there. I know some kids from Walton who did not succeed and were successful at Oakwood. This is no alternative school for the wild, crazy and lawless - these are young adults who simply don't fit all the boxes and circles of a structured and very successful school like Walton. There has to be a better way and our school board needs to hear a solution from the taxpayers. The board is hopelessly lost and bewildered.

7thman Oakwood '91 wrote - This is absolutely ridiculous. Oakwood is a tremendous educational facility, with dedicated teachers who actually take an active interest in their students and genuinely want to see them succeed. They are teachers in the truest sense of the word, in that they teach the curriculum, not just recite pages from a textbook and assign busywork. The teachers I had when I attended (including state Rep. Roger Hines) were inspirational and the cream of the crop, and I know that has not changed. If Oakwood is truly lost because of this asinine measure, then I weep for present and future students who want and need this kind of environment to actually learn in, rather than the "traditional" school environment of pep rallies, disinterested "educators," the daily threat of physical violence, and reality TV levels of human drama. I am forever grateful for everything that Oakwood did for me, and I will be doing all that I can to repay her by fighting this as hard as possible.

Givethemwings wrote - I am one of the support staff at Oakwood High School. I have also worked at several other schools. I have never seen a more dedicated group of teachers. They truly care about their students. Many, many students who have graduated from OHS return to visit the teachers and other staff. I have seen students come to Oakwood carrying their problems and burdens of life. After arriving, they begin to feel like a part of a family. You only need to attend an Oakwood graduation to witness this special bond.

Connie PT wrote - I am a very proud Oakwood graduate. I have a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in counseling and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership. I am working on a doctorate. Most Oakwood graduates have gone on to very structured jobs. Digital education is missing the most important part of any educational environment, the human relationship. Even the naysayers know this is true. Teaching is the only profession where the relationship can be so life-changing. Do you hug your banker when the percentage rate on your savings account goes up? Do you hug your pharmacist when the medication you are given makes you feel better?