Letter writer is proud to be Italian

I commend Mr. Campanella and Mr. Petricca for their letters of objection regarding the proposed "Day Go Dogs" restaurant name for a new Arlington Heights downtown restaurant.

I chose to contact Mr. Vaia directly via email hoping that this would be more meaningful and enlightening in letting him know how offensive and inappropriate this name is to Italian-Americans. We've come a long way from such references, as have others of ethnic backgrounds, races and religions which we know would not be acceptable or tolerated.

Mr. Vaia responded at first with his background and plans, which were appreciated, but his statement explaining comfort in using the derogatory "pun" was ... "I understand, however, that some Italians may not be as secure about being Italian as I am, so they feel compelled to express an irrational outrage."

We are very proud of and secure with our Italian heritage which is exactly why the proposed restaurant name is so offensive. This is not about the man or the business; it's about an offensive name choice. Finally, the name is a slur that takes Italian-Americans back in time - not forward - and reopens the door to degradation of all ethnic, race and religious backgrounds. The request to rename the restaurant is based solely on what is right, respectful and appropriate.

Nancy Briga

Arlington Heights