Gore letter: Christmas wish

Let’s pause for a few moments — take time to review some of our American history. Remember the stories of the past when ignorance and fear of the unknown, of people who seemed foreign and different, made us act in ways that were unkind, unfair and prejudiced. Read the histories of our treatment and persecution of Native Americans, African Americans, German-born immigrants living in America during World War I, Japanese Americans during World War II, and Jewish refugees seeking asylum from a cruel and inhumane dictator. Now with fear and ignorant rhetoric rising against the Muslim people — look back and remember.

I wish we could learn from our history and strive to live in tolerance and knowledge and help fulfill the American dream for people seeking freedom from oppression.

This is my wish for Christmas.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Gore letter: Christmas wish."