Editor, OBSERVER:

I wholeheartedly agree with two comments in the Dec. 12 letter headlined: “We need to maintain values of America.” First, teachers should bring everyone to the highest standards possible, and second, Congress should not be beholden to any foreign government or take a dime from any of their interest groups. But other comments require a response.

Perhaps the writer was unaware that most Somalis in the U.S. are citizens. Nationally, over 260,000 Somalis reside in the U.S., with significant populations in Ohio, California, and Minnesota. In Minnesota alone, about 95% of the Somali community is U.S.-born or naturalized. Some are doctors, some work in construction, some are small business owners, and so on.

Traveling to Africa to experience Somali food isn’t practical, and there are great options closer to home. If spicy and sweet flavors sound good, Cleveland has a vibrant Somali community. Or check out the international marketplace in Buffalo for East African food.

An interesting sidebar: bananas were introduced to Somalia in the 1920s with the arrival of Italian banana farmers, and they are now as common in Somali cuisine as pasta is in other cultures.

The letter’s discussion of patriotism and culture highlights what truly sets America apart: our shared commitment to values like equality, fundamental rights, the pursuit of happiness, and consent of the governed, all respected and brought to life through our diversity.

Whether celebrating different holidays or various traditions like St Patrick’s Day, immigrants help strengthen our nation. Some people like to hunt, some don’t eat bacon, and that’s all part of our mix.

Michaela Golya,

Fredonia