Letter to the Editor

"People come here penniless but not cultureless. They bring us gifts. We can synthesize the best of our traditions with the best of theirs. We can teach and learn from each other to produce a better America…"– Psychologist & author Mary Pipher

     Ignorance is not bliss… Good people come in every race, color, shape and size. I am really disappointed to read such a racist letter to the editor in the opinion section of the Hampton Chronicle. Many people in our community welcome the Latino population and want them to feel at home in Hampton and the surrounding communities. I am proud of the diverse community we live in! I hope and pray that my children NEVER believe they are better than another person for any reason, but especially not because of the color of their skin.

     As an educator, I have to wonder if people in the community really understand what the Hispanic population is bringing to our school systems. Schools get paid $6,291.00 per student. Each student (no matter what their background) brings money into our districts, our small schools are able to continue to function because of the large Hispanic population. I am really appalled that people still stereotype due to race. It is 2014! I have taught English to adult English language learners, and they are some of the kindest, most hard-working, appreciative people I have ever met. I am proud to call them my friends.

     In 1903 when my great-great grandfather, Franz Waltzing, past through Ellis Island from Germany, he came to America for freedom, a better life for himself, more opportunities, and a better life for his family. I can’t imagine any immigrant from that day in 1903 to now is wanting anything different for themselves or their families. To say that one race is better than another is a disgrace to what America is. I’m wondering, how many people out there have only “American” heritage? 

     I feel sorry for the people in the community who agree with and believe in the opinion piece that was written. I was raised to not judge a person on race, religion, sexual preference, the car they drive, the house they live in, or the clothes they wear…it is the type of person you are on the inside that matters. The way you treat others is MOST IMPORTANT.

     “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”–Emma Lazarus’ poem, inscribed on the Statue of Liberty

     Kelli Showalter

     2152 Spruce Ave.

     Sheffield