I read with disdain the article regarding Somali parents complaining about their children’s education in Lewiston. (June 4). How dare they make demands on this community and complain about how badly they are being treated.

My opinion of their problem is this: if they are not happy with being here, they should leave. I, for one, did not request any Somali families to move here. That being said, if they wish to reside in America, they should live as Americans. Somalis are free to speak their language, practice and teach their children their culture at home. 

But when in the schools, Somalis should partake themselves of the many offerings this community has, speak the common language and learn its ways. I would say, with the utmost of certainty, that if I were to live in Somalia, nothing special would be done for me. To quote a familiar phrase —”When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” 

Paul Parquette, Lewiston

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