Letter: Who gets to define American culture?

Cal Thomas voices concern that birthright citizenship could overwhelm American culture (“Birthright citizenship could overwhelm American culture,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 6).

Unstated is any clarification as to what American culture covers. Is this a buzz word for white Anglo-Saxon Protestant values?

The real value of American culture has been the ability to absorb outside influences from many other sources, even non-white cultures.

One of our American mottoes, “E Pluribus Unum,” reflects the dream that the United States is inclusive, not exclusive.

Discussion about birthright citizenship is important. However, it is too important to play the fear card that a change is needed to make sure we don’t have to share citizenship with anyone who doesn’t share Thomas’ personal and undefined concepts about American culture.

Edward B. Hanel Jr.

Kailua

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.