There are many people here to make new lives for themselves, just as most of us or our forefathers came here to do. Don’t we all just want to lead lives we can look back on with fond memories?

The common excuse for much of the ignorant hatred toward newcomers is that there are not enough jobs around; that the Somali people are coming in and are going to snatch the jobs up.

I believe the real problem is that the complainers have not gotten motivated enough to go out the door to look for a job; that they have not gotten cleaned up enough to apply for a job; and that they feel the world owes them something.

Lewiston-Auburn is becoming a prosperous, diversified, cultured and thriving community. Why do some continuously attempt to disrupt the chances for improvement by violence?

Even with working a full-time job, the local colleges and adult education programs have classes morning, noon and night. And there is financial assistance available.

Why should we waste our time or put up with such ignorant, immature and ridiculous hatred? Not only is it a crime against a human being, but it is a waste of the community’s time and hard-earned money.

Last time I knew, this is 2006, and we all occupy this place called Earth together. Bullying and harassment are no longer welcome.

Whitney King-Buker, Auburn