I AM a U.S. citizen living in North Carolina, and veteran of the U.S. Navy. I disagree with most of the content of the article “Helping the US embrace diversity” by Don “Orfeo” Rechtman. The U.S.A. does quite a bit to embrace diversity. We are a nation of many many religions, ethnic groups, and cultures. We are constantly striving to be a better melting pot, and a more inclusive nation. There are people from all over the world that live here, practice their religion here, and are very successful here.

Below I have listed my disagreements to specific statements in the article:

1) Most Americans do NOT look at China as a backward nation. Many of us see China as an emerging nation very technically competent and hard-working people. Many of us buy many products from China and wish to one day visit China.

2) The American Dream IS very possible here. The American Dream is to be able to live in a country free of religious persecution, where a person is free to pursue their dreams for living, employment and prosperity — all without government interference.

3) Our economy due to the COVID pandemic has been hurt but is not on the verge of collapse.

4) The writer has painted the U.S.A. as radically nationalistic and not willing to embrace new ideas. This simply is not true. We take pride in “Made in U.S.A.” just like Chinese people take pride in the “Made in China 2025” program. Again, Trump supporters tend to be more nationalistic than most average centrist citizen who is not a Trump supporter.

Tom Lorenz via email