DEAR EDITOR:

When I was growing up, they were uncommon; today, they are socially acceptable and mainstream. But, before you decide to get a tattoo, make sure it is an acceptable art design, acceptable to the current administration.

What?

By now, you have seen the mass deportation of what have been determined the “worst of the worst,” illegal gang members hiding here in the U.S. Now you won’t get an argument from me as to supporting such deportation, that is, getting the “worst of the worst” out of our country. But the question now is: “Are these truly illegal, worst of the worst gang members?”

One would want to believe that such identification was proper, in-depth, and valid. Did we get the right person?

When questioned as to how such an identification, determination was made, applied to one of the deported, the responders stated that it was based on a “tattoo.” No criminal record, no past arrest … well, just a “tattoo.”

Again, I understand that tattoos can be a means of identifying one’s affiliation with a gang; it is used often during an arrest or detainment, so no need to explain to me the means of identifying one’s support or affiliation, but in this case, it was a “questionable” tattoo … a crown over the top of a soccer ball. DHS stated that they believe a “crown” tattoo is proof of a gang membership.

At this point, I am sure that you, the reader, are thinking, “Won’t happen to me,” I have no tattoo, or my tattoos don’t suggest any such terrorist support.” Well, maybe not yet.

With the actions being taken by the current administration, without any review, hearing or study, what’s next, a haircut, clothing, piercing, or a comment made overheard by whoever?

I’m not an alarmist, never was, but I will admit it is getting a little, “Come on man!”

God bless and help America.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH

Canfield