President Trump’s latest attack against people who look different than he does is his saddening reference to immigrants from Haiti and ‘(expletive) countries’ in Africa. His request for more immigrants from Norway instead rolls back human rights two hundred years. His apologists’ response that such statements don’t hurt him because “That’s just who he is,” and his base doesn’t care are more frightening. Even his press secretary answers by saying “Some people are for other countries. The president is for Americans.”

Thankfully, that sentiment is foreign to Spokane. A young black man from Sudan was honored at a Rotary Club meeting on Thursday. After surviving war and refugee camps, his family came to Spokane, where he enrolled at North Central High, speaking little English. He is graduating this year and being recognized as a scholar and athlete who has overcome obstacles many “Americans” cannot imagine. We frequently see these immigrant students from poor war-torn countries being honored and becoming the foundation of a very great America.

America needs more refugees to be great, and more open minds and hearts to make that possible.

Steven Schneider

Spokane