Letter: Make our country safe for immigrants

It was awful to see the New York Times Nov. 19 story 'At Iowa High School, Election Results Kindle Tensions and Protests” of Muslim girls with tape over the mouths, clad in their hijabs, taking abuse from students who seem to hate Muslims. It is true what my husband says, 'hate is alive and well.” What does that say about us as a nation? How have these youngsters been taught at home? Anything about loving your neighbor?

Our nation is a nation of immigrants. All of our people, both formerly or later, came from someplace else, with the same goals. Mine came from Europe to start over in a land of opportunity. So did yours, I would imagine.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are two of the pillars of our Constitution.

I applaud the principal for taking quick action to support the girls and to help the taunters learn that their behavior is wrong. If anything, this is the time to 'bind up our wounds” and do everything we can to make our country a good, safe place for those who want to come to the USA for the wonderful opportunities it holds.

Bobbie Paxton

Iowa City