Several days ago, I wrote a letter to the editor criticizing the media for their lack of investigative reporting on fraud within the Medicare program. Some of that fraud is from the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota and also in Maine (along with other states).

I was vilified and criticized — and one person even sent an email viciously attacking me and brought up my father as well (incorrectly). Today, I read that Sen. Bernie Sanders acknowledged this fraud from the Somali community. In his words: “The answer is fraud is disgusting — and especially to steal money from hungry kids.”

I am a second-generation Italian and I would hope if when my grandparents came to this country, to Portland, Maine, they would not have stolen money from the taxpayers of the country where they sought a new life and new opportunity. If they had, I hope I would also have the integrity and honesty to criticize them as well.

Anthony Palanza
Standish