Many cultures blended in U.S.

To the editor:

This is in response to something I read the other day in regard to someone saying that there is no problem with immigrants coming into our country as long as they learn our ways. Since when have they been our ways anyway? This country has been built on blended cultures from the beginning. Irish, German, English, Japanese, Filipino, Hispanic, African -- you name it, it's here. Our culture is always changing and always being added to.

You think our culture now has always been here? No, it was created by many cultures being thrown in together. Back in the 1700s our culture was a certain way. Then in the 1800s it began changing. By the 1900s, it was completely different due to the fact that it's always being added to.

Some say our heritage makes this country great. I say it's the ability for anyone to come here and practice their cultural beliefs without fear of persecution. Why did the first settlers come here? So they could practice their beliefs freely. One's beliefs belong to their culture. So I say please bring your culture to America and help us grow.

SETH M. WARD

Scott City