U.S. is nation of differing views and backgrounds

To the editor:

This week's events have given us all a very vivid image of many facets of America. I am exceedingly proud of citizens who have donated their time, money, blood and clothing to help those in need. This display of generosity makes me proud to call myself an American.

At the same time, however, I must express my disgust with the behavior of many other Americans. In times of crisis, bigotry runs rampant, and this is certainly no exception. In the past few days I've heard and read more bigoted rants than I care to remember. I've witnessed arguments in which people have vowed to protect Americans from persons of Middle Eastern descent. People have suggested that we need to rid our nation of its Arabic citizens or restrict immigration to make it more difficult for persons of certain descent to become citizens.

It seems to me we've forgotten the basis on which our nation was founded. We fail to remember that our nation was originally a place of refuge for the persecuted, where anyone could find freedom and the chance to live a better life. We forget that if our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents had not once been immigrants, we would not know the comforts and freedoms of American life.

I urge readers to be respectful of their fellow human beings. People have different racial backgrounds, religious creeds or political viewpoints. They are no less human or American .

MELISSA OGLES

Cape Girardeau