Submitted by Eleni Daniels, Jun 15, 2007 15:04

When we view ethnic parades as "Old World" what message are we giving to the culturally diverse community of New York City? Parades, street fairs and festivals, of all nature and color, should be held in high regard. They represent the hard-working New Yorkers' pride in their culture, tradition, ethics, and their inalienable right to freedom of speech. Parades should not be belittled and viewed like a tax-payer's waste of cash. By doing that, we shun the core of America's foundation; the great melting pot that it is. The more we celebrate diversity and learn from our past, while respecting the land we live on, the better we will understand our future."

Eleni Daniels

New York, NY

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