Editor, The News:

Today’s papers are all about race, hate and who is the “American” and who are the true Americans.

In the May 23, 1898, front page of the New Castle Herald was a statement, “No Italians allowed.”

Council passed a resolution to the effect that parties receiving the contract for paving East Washington Street must bind themselves not to employ any Italian labor. It’s in the old records.

I remember as a young boy how my grandfather, father, etc., always had the pick and shovel, but they bought us books to grow and this is what I found.

The English cottage serves today as the basic room design for most American homes. But the English cottage was designed as a smaller version of the Italian villa, built during the time of ancient Rome.

It had outside sidewalks, stairs and a foundation made of concrete.

Ancient Rome is the place where rectangular and round eating tables were invented. The fork and spoon were innovations from Italy by Catherine de Medici.

An Italian physician mastered the method of water filtration for today’s clean drinking water. Plumbing came from Rome — drains, dams, lead pipes, water tanks, water heaters, tubs and even the toilet.

Marconi invented the radio and antenna receiver. Cell phones are based on Marconi’s invention.

No hand-held electronic device would function if not for Alessandro Volta. He invented the battery that powers these items.

The thermometer was invented by Galileo Galilee. Our modern roads are based on the Roman Empire’s.

The trouble was that in 1898, New Castle was controlled by the English and Welsh, who never gave these old men a chance. Now the world turns and everyone is happy.

If you pass a courthouse, police station or any government building, they came directly from ancient Rome.

Peter Panella