Letters

I am writing to express my disgust at Barry Smith’s recent Letter to the Editor regarding Lunar New Year [“A Disgrace,” Letters, February 6].

This is America, a country that is home to millions of immigrants who have enriched Mr. Smith’s life in ways I am sure he cannot even begin to comprehend.

Lunar New Year, not just Chinese New Year, is celebrated by multiple Asian cultures, and not a celebration of China or its country. Instead, Lunar New Year literally celebrates the New Year, much like many Americans do on New Year’s Day.

There are far more pressing issues facing our country, our schools and our families than a day off to allow people to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The only disgrace here is Mr. Smith’s blatant racism and Sinophobia — and while Siberian New Year might not be next, I certainly hope some decorum and respect for other cultures is on the horizon.

Signed — a proud Asian American.

M.D. Miller

East Hampton