We agree with Governor Carcieri that Rhode Island must slash spending to close yawning budget deficits and get the state back on its feet economically. But courtroom translators are not the place to start.

During a recent radio talk-show appearance, Governor Carcieri seemed to argue that such translators are a needless extravagance, and that immigrants should do more to take care of themselves when they come to America, and rely less on the generosity of taxpayers when they get here.

One of the central ideals America embraces is the presumption of innocence and the right of the accused to make his or her case in court. That is the reason lawyers are provided to those who are charged with crimes and cannot afford legal help. The government should not be clapping people in jail simply because they do not understand the often arcane and confusing legal system. Simple fairness dictates that those who cannot speak English be provided with a translator to help them understand what is going on in court.

The governor should give this matter further thought, and reinforce the idea of protecting the rights of all Americans. Rhode Island must live up to this country’s high ideals of equal justice, to the greatest extent possible.

The governor — who will need the public’s trust to slash government in the face of a budget crisis — clearly did himself no favors politically with his ill-considered remarks. On the other hand, the vituperation and name calling that greeted his comments seemed excessive.

The governor makes a reasonable point in arguing that the state and the country must do a much better job of slowing illegal immigration. And immigrants should take as much responsibility for themselves as possible if they wish to enjoy the fruits of America. Part of that entails learning English — a powerful tool for achieving independence and financial rewards.

The governor notes that his immigrant ancestors, like others in their generation, tended to rely much more on their own mettle to get by in America. While the government, reflecting the society’s compassion, should be involved in helping the less fortunate, it is a fact of life that taxpayers cannot afford to do everything.

But they can and should provide courtroom translators.