REFUGEES: Look at contributions

I am submitting my “taxpayer’s input,” responding to Heike Jahnert’s letter in the Jan. 10 letters to the editor section regarding refugees.

First, from the spelling/sound of your name, I am guessing that either you and/or your parents immigrated fairly recently to this wonderful country, possibly from Norway, Sweden or Finland. With the exception of Native Americans, many of whom still suffer poverty and discrimination and from whom every square inch we call America was forcibly taken, most of us descended from immigrants and/or refugees who make up this crazy quilt we call home. All were seeking freedom and a better way of life than what was available to them in their native country.

Most first-generation immigrants/refugees suffered discrimination due to language barriers and lack of adequate income but were willing to work at any job they could get in order to survive and support their families. Their children benefited greatly by becoming bi-lingual and generally better educated, each generation more than the last. Thousands fight and die defending our America. The above also applies to Canada.

For a great example and model for success, visit the Chobani website. They are located in Twin Falls where the Hispanic population has been doing most of the hard farm labor for generations. I am sure that area and Gov. Little are grateful for this Turkish gentleman who founded the yogurt company, utilizing unused buildings, and hiring employees of defunct businesses, contributing greatly to Idaho’s tax base. He has become a billionaire in a very short time and generously shares his wealth.

We need more like him and fewer who pre-judge poor, desperate people at our borders seeking what you, Heike Jahnert, apparently have found here. Are you a contributor to or a consumer of America’s wealth?

MARGIE BROWNING

“Native” Idahoan

Post Falls