The residents of Lewiston have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of African culture from Somali immigrants. Instead of acting like ultra-conservatives and pointing out the differences between cultures, we need to consider expanding our intellectual horizons. Ignorance of other people’s beliefs hardly empowers our own any stronger.

Granted, there may be a number of immigrants who are involved in illegal activities, but that is the same in any group of people. We cannot judge an entire culture based on the erratic behavior of a small number of radicals.

I would encourage people to patronize enterprises owned and operated by those promoting African culture. I would go further to suggest that people try to take up secondary jobs, just so they can have extra money to do this. If we the people help others help themselves, without government intervention, then everyone can put aside their anger.

We live in a democracy that is supported by capitalism. To encourage American freedom means helping out struggling enterprises run by immigrants. To turn our back on African immigrants trying to independently survive without government aid is nothing short of supporting veiled fascism.

In conclusion, there are good people and bad people in every cultural background. We need to extend ourselves monetarily, helping out those who are trying to bring their culture into the spotlight for good reasons.

Lewiston area residents have a unique opportunity to learn more about a different culture firsthand from African entrepreneurs trying to sustain a profit here.

Douglas Papa, Lewiston