Two sides of Emporia
Debbie Christenson
Originally published 01:51 p.m., November 20, 2007
Updated 01:51 p.m., November 20, 2007
I am writing in response to Bobbi Mlynar’s front-page article, “Immigration Forum Attracts Critical Crowd.” I agree with much of what was reported, but I think some important facts were omitted.
The crowd was indeed large, and some of the people there were rude and interrupted the speaker several times. What I didn’t read in the article, however, was that many of us were there with open minds, interested in hearing what Rob Catlett had to say. I’m sure I’m not the only person in Emporia who feels that the diversity of cultures here adds a richness to community life lacking in smaller towns, or who welcomes those less fortunate than myself who come here as refugees or immigrants. As one man in the crowd said, everyone here is a descendant of an immigrant.
It would be a shame if readers of The Gazette conclude that Emporia is hostile to newcomers based on opinions of one vocal group.