I hope that representatives of the major TV networks and various newspapers and newsmagazines were in Lewiston on Jan. 11. They were here in force last fall, willing to condemn citizens of Lewiston and surrounding areas and Maine in general when news of the mayor’s letter to the Somali residents reached them.

Were they here on the 11th? Will they be reporting on the enormous turnout at the Many and One Coalition meeting where thousands of people showed their support for all citizens in an orderly and impressive manner? Certainly there would have been headlines and lead stories everywhere had the event(s) turned violent.

Instead, the majority of citizens of the area rejected the hatemongers and banded together to show that we welcome diversity and are willing to work with people of different backgrounds and accept them into the fold. Will this make national news? We’ll see.

Congratulations, one and all, for taking the high road and proving that we, the people of Maine, are solid, responsible and caring individuals who reject bigotry in all its forms.

June P. Spear, Auburn