Bravo for the column from Reza Jalali (“Yearning for unity in my adopted country,” Sept. 26). So many of us feel the same way, confused and disappointed with events happening in our country. The rise of extremism following the election of Donald Trump in 2016, allowing groups like the Proud Boys and neo-Nazis to come out from under a rock, has saddened and frightened many of us. I spent a good part of my life in other countries and felt proud of my country. Now I’m among the disillusioned.

This is a wonderful country. We need to cherish what democracy truly is by rejecting the hate and vitriol that is being expressed by so many.

Nancy Kelley

Augusta