Several years ago, I attended the Community Conversation on immigration at the Tri-City Herald. The woman next to me said, "We've had immigration for over 300 years. Why is it a problem now?" and "English is the only language." This is one of the most stunning examples of narrow-minded ignorance and provincialism I have heard in Eastern Washington -- until a Kennewick City Council candidate advocated his Final Solution: "Shoot them at the border."

After the discussion on immigration, I audited professor Robert Bauman's class, "Immigration, Migration and Ethnicity" at Washington State University Tri-Cites.

We learned that bigotry, rejection and demonizing this or that race or nationality is and has always been part of our national character. Americans have high ideals, but our laws, behavior and history prove we often fall far short.

Professor Bauman kindly graded all my efforts, even though auditing students are not required to do assignments, and professors are not obligated to grade them.

I am forever thankful for the opportunity that any senior citizen may, with the professor's permission, audit two classes for only $5. For five years, eight professors, all excellent, allowed me to audit courses in history, sociology, humanities and more.

There is no need to stew in ignorance in this wonderful community with such a cornucopia of academic riches.

LAUREL PIIPPO, Richland