Al Queda Operatives -- Feb. 27, 2002

As many as 100 Al Queda terrorists remain in the United States, nearly six months after the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Democrat Bob Graham of Florida, and the ranking member, Richard Shelby of Alabama believe these Al Queda operatives pose "an immediate threat" to the security of the United States. Both men agreed that another terrorist attack on the United States is probable.

My question is, why haven't the deportations begun? Why are we not ridding ourselves of illegal aliens, especially from the Middle East countries that wish us harm? Has political correctness gone so far that we are afraid to make anyone conform to our laws? The frisking of 80-year-old white women at airports is not going to make us safe and secure. The immediate deportation of illegal aliens, along with aggressive intelligence and surveillance methods will help a lot.

Better to offend a few than to risk thousands of more dead in a terrorist attack. I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.