Hope and pride 

To the Editor;

As I watched the Democratic National Convention I was reminded of what being an American means to me.

I was taught that we are a “melting pot” and the beneficiary of people of many differences. E pluribus unum — out of many, one — has always seemed a fascinating concept. As I watched a rich variety of speakers, I noted that a very few looked like me, a 73-year-old, Catholic woman of French and Irish descent. So I listened. Such wonderful diversity is a reminder that there is much to learn.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris both show respect for all people, along with empathy, intellect, and hard work. We have many problems in our country right now but the hope I feel comes from knowing that both of these leaders know how to listen, to recognize a problem, to gather information from our vast resources and to consider varying viewpoints.

Once again I feel hope and pride in saying that I’m a citizen of the United States of America.

Suzanne Chabot

Ripley