Eye immigration in Thanksgiving terms

I have been restraining myself from responding to the various letters about immigration lately, not wanting to give credence to comments breeding from racism, but when the propaganda and misrepresentations end up in my mailbox in the form of a letter from the organization chaired by David White and Doug Heaton, I find I can remain silent no longer.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I can't help but think about how our ancestors were treated very differently when first coming to America. From a first-hand account by Edward Winslow, that can be found at www.pilgrims.net, here is a description of the hospitality enjoyed by the Pilgrims and Native Americans:

"Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on the governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

I hope that during the holiday season as everyone in the area reflects on what they are thankful for -- including David White, Doug Heaton and others who claim membership in their organization, as well as all those who remain silent on the growing lies about our Hispanic neighbors, we all remember that our ancestors were welcomed in a much more hospitable and respectful manner to this great country of plenty.

Those loudest about the growing numbers of Hispanics in the Elgin area are most often those "far from want." I hope that the holiday season opens your hearts and minds to a more productive response to the need for comprehensive immigration reform coming from our elected officials in Washington, rather than blaming "fellow partakers of our plenty" and spreading hatred and racism in our community.

Laurel Bault

Elgin