Friday's "My Turn" opinion column by Michael Paul put me in a writing mood. I have been reading the Editorial page of this newspaper for many years now and even contributed to it myself a time or two. There are some people who write quite often as I see their names frequently and have come to expect what they tend to write about. Sometimes, however, someone writes something that is refreshing and enlightening.

Hoping to contribute to the topic "Refugee Resettlement in Idaho" that was presented at a local church, the Evangelist Michael Paul wrote that he was shocked at how much hate, fear and discrimination he saw, directed against people of the Middle Eastern culture, at that meeting. Reading this, I felt compelled to add some thoughts of my own.

First, we all should feel very blessed that we live in America! Unless you are Native American you are here because YOU are the result of immigration, if not you, personally, or your parents, then your grandparents or their parents or grandparents, etc. Anyway, you get the picture.

America is a country formed by a "great experiment," that ALL people, regardless of their race, religion, culture, or gender, have "the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"! Just think about that, folks! To me that means that here in America, a Catholic can live next door to a Muslim and, even though there may be differences in their customs and beliefs, they respect each other and get along, without malice ... without hatred and without fear of harm. It means that in America, we realize that people can come from many different places and backgrounds, but we are united because we all value the right to be who we are!

Second, I often read editorials written by people using Bible interpretations or "their religious beliefs" to spread intolerance and to discriminate against people who are different from themselves. I don't understand how such people can call themselves American, whether born here or not. To me, we Americans are better than that.

And lastly, to Michael Paul I want to say, "Please know that most Americans do not agree with or condone what you experienced at the meeting you attended at that local church." But, because this is America, people are also free to say ignorant, hateful things without thinking, or without even knowing the people they are demonizing. I believe it is important that we all speak up about important issues that our communities face.

Forgive me my soapbox, but I believe that true Americans will always stand up for any people that we see are targets of discrimination or oppression because that is who we are and that is what we do!

Peggy J. Sorenson is a Hayden resident and recently retired oncology nurse.