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-   -   Making English the official language of the you.S. (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=99262)

  • Jun 20, 2007, 10:44 AM
    talaniman
    Quote:

    Blacks have been successful at segregating themselves from the rest of society DESPITE the fact that they speak the same language.
    Too bad they are the wrong color, and spoken like a true racist. Now that makes your whole argument one of a superior trying to control those you say are inferior because they can't do as you say so you want a feel good law that does nothing that feeds your own superiority. Its statements like these that take from the debate and gets down to trying your best to convince everyone of your superiority over others.

    Quote:

    La Razza and Aztalan are LEADERS of the immigration-rights movement in America.
    The fact is they are a minority among their own people, but get a lot of TV time. The average working Hispanic stiff, doesn't have time for this protest stuff, because they are working trying to have the American dream, as an american.
    what is your issue against codifying a law that makes English the national language?
    I don't know about Starman, but my opinion is that if we enforce the laws we already have this and other related problems would be a non issue. Wasting time on a feel good law does nothing to change things for the better, and obviously takes the attention off the real problem that your government wants as much cheap labor as possible so they can make more money. And if you want things to change VOTE.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 09:59 AM
    ETWolverine
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman
    Too bad they are the wrong color, and spoken like a true racist. Now that makes your whole argument one of a superior trying to control those you say are inferior because they can't do as you say so you want a feel good law that does nothing that feeds your own superiority. Its statements like these that take from the debate and gets down to trying your best to convince everyone of your superiority over others.

    Huh? Why is it racist to say that Blacks have created their own segregation? Any social scientist worth their salt says the same thing. There are even a few Black leaders who are starting to recognize it about their own community. Bill Cosby has been speaking in venues across the country saying exactly that. What, exactly, is racist about recognizing the fact that Blacks have segregated themselves from the rest of society to a large degree?

    It seems to me that unsubstantiated claims of racism are what detract from the debate.

    Quote:

    The fact is they are a minority among their own people, but get a lot of TV time. The average working Hispanic stiff, doesn't have time for this protest stuff, because they are working trying to have the American dream, as an american.
    That may be true. Or maybe not. But the fact is that they are STILL the leaders of the immigrants rights movement and are in the lead in pushing for multiple languages. The fact that these leaders may be the minority opinion doesn't matter much if there is nobody fom within the community to counter them. They have been able to take over the issue and claim to be the mainstream, and that's all that matters. They are the de-facto mainstream by force of the fact that nobody is countering them with another, more moderate "mainstream" opinion.

    Quote:

    I don't know about Starman, but my opinion is that if we enforce the laws we already have this and other related problems would be a non issue. Wasting time on a feel good law does nothing to change things for the better, and obviously takes the attention off the real problem that your government wants as much cheap labor as possible so they can make more money. And if you want things to change VOTE.
    I disagree with it being a useless feel good law. I believe that making English the national language will go a long way towards promoting integration of immigrants... like it was back in the post-WWII era and earlier. Back then, there were fewer immigrants on welfare, the ones who were got off it is quickly as possible, and all immigrants learned to get by in English, which allowed them to integrate more quickly and become financially and socially independent.

    We have historical information to back up my position... nearly 200 years of it. 200 years of immigrants from all countries coming to this country and learning the language, and becoming better off during their time here for it. What makes you think that English as the national language is either useless or just a feel good law? Without trying it, how do you know it's a waste of time.

    The only part of your post that I agree with is this sentence:
    Quote:

    my opinion is that if we enforce the laws we already have this and other related problems would be a non issue.
    I agree wholeheartedly. In your opinion, does that include enforcing the immigration laws and border security? Or am I being a racist for asking that question? You see, if we enforced the borders and started deporting illegal immigrants as the law requires, we wouldn't be dealing with the issue of immigrants DEMANDING their "rights" to deal with the government in foreign languages. But you probably see such enforcement as racist... despite calling for us to enforce the laws already on the books.

    I commend you, Talaniman. You quite skillfully tried to get around the fact that I presented you with some pretty strong evidence that the government is complying with the demands of Spanish speakers by providing services in Spanish. Instead of admitting that the government is indeed operating in multiple languages, which you openly question as a point of fact, you instead tried to change the subject by calling me a racist. It was quite skillfully done. But I recognized it for what it was, and now I'm pointing out to everyone else on the board.

    I've been called much worse things than "racist" in my time without getting flustered. It will take a bit more than that to get me off topic or distract me or put me on the defensive.

    Next time, instead of hurling unfounded cies of racism at me, you could simply say "I disagree with your point," and leave it at that. Or else give me the reasons you disagree so that we can discuss them. Or try to prove me wrong based on facts. But calling me a racist isn't going to win you the argument.

    Elliot
  • Jun 21, 2007, 11:07 AM
    talaniman
    Quote:

    That may be true. Or maybe not. But the fact is that they are STILL the leaders of the immigrants rights movement and are in the lead in pushing for multiple languages. The fact that these leaders may be the minority opinion doesn't matter much if there is nobody fom within the community to counter them. They have been able to take over the issue and claim to be the mainstream, and that's all that matters. They are the de-facto mainstream by force of the fact that nobody is countering them with another, more moderate "mainstream" opinion.
    So your actions and opinions are guided by the few, because the many are silently going about their business. Living and raising their family. Even though the press has elevated the few to prominence through TV, so your complaint is not about the few but your TV industry making it seem as the few speak for the many. That's like saying the few terrorist, speak for Islam. Maybe you should do more research beyond what appears on mainstream TV.
    Quote:

    I agree wholeheartedly. In your opinion, does that include enforcing the immigration laws and border security?
    Yes it does and that includes the law that makes it an offense punishable by fines and, or imprisonment, for anyone to employ workers without the proper documentation. Enforcement of this law alone would stop the incentive to come here for work.
    Quote:

    I commend you, Talaniman. You quite skillfully tried to get around the fact that I presented you with some pretty strong evidence that the government is complying with the demands of Spanish speakers by providing services in Spanish. Instead of admitting that the government is indeed operating in multiple languages, which you openly question as a point of fact, you instead tried to change the subject by calling me a racist. It was quite skillfully done. But I recognized it for what it was, and now I'm pointing out to everyone else on the board.
    Your idea of the government meeting demands, is unfounded and untrue, and I respectfully submit to you sir the government is doing all you say because it is in their interest to do so. Because you cannot see that is your own shortcoming and should endeavor to find out. I just wonder if you are as against the millions of overseas refugees who don't speak english, that the government allows into the country and subsidises them for years, until they can assimilate.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 11:55 AM
    talaniman
    Quote:

    Huh? Why is it racist to say that Blacks have created their own segregation? Any social scientist worth their salt says the same thing. There are even a few Black leaders who are starting to recognize it about their own community. Bill Cosby has been speaking in venues across the country saying exactly that. What, exactly, is racist about recognizing the fact that Blacks have segregated themselves from the rest of society to a large degree?

    It seems to me that unsubstantiated claims of racism are what detract from the debate.
    Again you have chosen to believe what the TV tells you, and not done your home work, or else you would know that there are NO black leaders for the many, who go about their lives, but you fall victim to believe what the few are saying, simply because it fits your idea of the truth. The truth is this debate is about economics and not race, and I'm sure those that know the whole picture will agree at the risk of being against those mysterious social scientist you regard so highly. Your own words and attitude is what makes you a racist in my opinion, and I call it as I see it. And your right the poison of hatred will stifle any meaningful debate if you can manage to keep yours out of it and stick to facts and opinions.

    Our main point of disagreement is the fact that making a law that changes nothing, is a waste of time and effort, that should be directed at the real problems. Now I'm still waiting for what would making English the official language of the USA, change or make better? My answer is NOTHING AT ALL.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 02:42 PM
    ETWolverine
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman
    So your actions and opinions are guided by the few, because the many are silently going about their business. Living and raising their family. Even though the press has elevated the few to prominence through TV, so your complaint is not about the few but your TV industry making it seem as the few speak for the many. That's like saying the few terrorist, speak for Islam. Maybe you should do more research beyond what appears on mainstream TV.

    Assuming that "the many" are against the La Razza and Aztalan crowd, and are not in favor of multiple languages being used within the government, why should I be against them? I would agree with them. I only have a reason to take action against those I disagree with. Which means, in this case, the "immigrants rights movement" led by La Razza and Aztalan.

    Do you make it a habbit of arguing with people with whom you agree? It would seem to be a fruitless endeavour. But if that's how you like spending your time, go right ahead. I'll stick to opposing those I actually disagree with.

    Quote:

    Yes it does and that includes the law that makes it an offense punishable by fines and, or imprisonment, for anyone to employ workers without the proper documentation. Enforcement of this law alone would stop the incentive to come here for work.
    Well we agree on that point, at least. It would certainly stop MOST of the incentive for coming here. As would increased border security and deportation. We seem to be in agreement on this point.


    Quote:

    Your idea of the government meeting demands, is unfounded and untrue, and I respectfully submit to you sir the government is doing all you say because it is in their interest to do so.
    Of course it's in their interests to do so. For two reasons... for the conservatives in government it is just easier to bow to pressure than stand up against it. And for liberals in government, Spanish speakers are a large voting bloc that they believe they can obtain in future elections by cowtowing to their demands. So yes, it is most certainly in their best interests to do so. That doesn't make it right.

    But it is true that the government is definitely operating in multiple languages. The proof of that is inescapable.

    Quote:

    Because you cannot see that is your own shortcoming and should endeavor to find out. I just wonder if you are as against the millions of overseas refugees who don't speak english, that the government allows into the country and subsidises them for years, until they can assimilate.
    As I mentioned in my original post, I place political refugees in a completely different category from immigrants. Refugees should be pushed to the head of the line, and should be given reasonable support until they can get back on their feet. (Emphasis on REASONABLE.) But that does not mean accommodating their LANGUAGE. In fact, political refugees should be the first ones to want to learn English and become a part of American society. And having known a few political refugees in my time (Anatoly (Natan) Sharansky for one, and many other former Soviet political refugees as well--- I used to do charity and outreach work with political refugees from the former Soviet countries), that has generally been the case. They learn the language faster than any other group, despite have to learn a whole new alphabet and grammar. And NONE of them ever demanded Russian language government forms. So in response to your question, I would have issues with the government acomodating even political refugees in a foreign language. But I consider documented political refugees to be in a different category from all other forms of immigration.

    As for what English as the National language would help, the answer is it would help with integration into society. Period. Do you deny that it would have that effect? Do you deny that those who learn English have an easier time integrating and becoming productive members of society? THAT is what it would help.

    Elliot
  • Jun 21, 2007, 03:28 PM
    talaniman
    ETWolverine, Assuming that "the many" are against the La Razza and Aztalan crowd, and are not in favor of multiple languages being used within the government, why should I be against them? I would agree with them. I only have a reason to take action against those I disagree with. Which means, in this case, the "immigrants rights movement" led by La Razza and Aztalan.
    What actions can you take?
    Do you make it a habbit of arguing with people with whom you agree? It would seem to be a fruitless endeavour. But if that's how you like spending your time, go right ahead. I'll stick to opposing those I actually disagree with.
    Its a debate, an exchange of ideas, and opinions. And since we are both here in this "fruitless endeavor" we must both like spending our time this way.
    Well we agree on that point, at least. It would certainly stop MOST of the incentive for coming here. As would increased border security and deportation. We seem to be in agreement on this point.
    See, anything is possible:)
    Of course it's in their interests to do so. For two reasons... for the conservatives in government it is just easier to bow to pressure than stand up against it. And for liberals in government, Spanish speakers are a large voting bloc that they believe they can obtain in future elections by cowtowing to their demands. So yes, it is most certainly in their best interests to do so. That doesn't make it right.
    Political gobbledygook aside the government does recognise that non-english speakers must be helped, as far as being because of demands, sorry, I don't agree that is the case. As you say they have an interest in doing what they are doing.
    But it is true that the government is definitely operating in multiple languages. The proof of that is inescapable.
    This is where we drift apart, the business of government is done in english, and if you had c-spann you would know that, and what you keep referring to is the government doing its public services thing, which is entirely different, and has nothing to do with the governments business, but an attempt to facilitate inclusion. If you persist in being against this facilitation what am I supposed to conclude?
    As I mentioned in my original post, I place political refugees in a completely different category from immigrants. Refugees should be pushed to the head of the line, and should be given reasonable support until they can get back on their feet. (Emphasis on REASONABLE.) But that does not mean accommodating their LANGUAGE. In fact, political refugees should be the first ones to want to learn English and become a part of American society. And having known a few political refugees in my time (Anatoly (Natan) Sharansky for one, and many other former Soviet political refugees as well--- I used to do charity and outreach work with political refugees from the former Soviet countries), that has generally been the case. They learn the language faster than any other group, despite have to learn a whole new alphabet and grammar. And NONE of them ever demanded Russian language government forms. So in response to your question, I would have issues with the government acomodating even political refugees in a foreign language. But I consider documented political refugees to be in a different category from all other forms of immigration.
    We disagree. Its the same thing to me.
    As for what English as the National language would help, the answer is it would help with integration into society. Period. Do you deny that it would have that effect?
    Yes I think its a smoke screen for racism. It gives the government the right to deny needed services and care, to anyone who cannot be proficient with English, who happen at this time be Hispanic, coincidentally the fastest growing segment of our society.
    Do you deny that those who learn English have an easier time integrating and becoming productive members of society?
    YES!!!
    THAT is what it would help.
    NO!!!!!
    Talaniman
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:01 AM
    ETWolverine
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman
    What actions can you take?

    Exactly the ones I'm taking now... agitating for a law to make English the national language.

    Quote:

    Its a debate, an exchange of ideas, and opinions. And since we are both here in this "fruitless endeavor" we must both like spending our time this way.
    Let's review: you had asked me why I wasn't disagreeing with what you say is the majoity of Hispanics in this country. I responded by answering that I wasn't arguing against people who's opinions I am in agreement with, so there is no reason for me to disagree with them. Doing so would be a fruitless endeavour. However, I disagree with you, so arguing with you isn't the same sort of fruitless endeavour.

    Quote:

    Political gobbledygook aside the government does recognise that non-english speakers must be helped, as far as being because of demands, sorry, I don't agree that is the case. As you say they have an interest in doing what they are doing.
    You can disagree all you want. Do you have anything to back it up?

    Quote:

    This is where we drift apart, the business of government is done in english, and if you had c-spann you would know that, and what you keep referring to is the government doing its public services thing, which is entirely different, and has nothing to do with the governments business, but an attempt to facilitate inclusion. If you persist in being against this facilitation what am I supposed to conclude?
    Which part of a "pulic service thing" is the IRS putting its forms in Spanish, the Unemployment Insurance allowing people to file for benefits online in Spanish, etc. This is government business. It is taking place in Spanish. The fact that C-Span shows Congress operating in English is meaningless. Congress is probably the smallest part of government. The government is made up of thousands of different agencies, with tens of thousands of employees. Most of those agencies (especially the ones with public contact) operate in multiple languages. Congress has only 535 members and constitutes a very small percentage of total government operations. I can continue to list government agencies operating in multiple languages, if you would like.l

    Quote:

    We disagree. Its the same thing to me.
    Feel free to disagree. But the law actually says otherwise. Political refugees are actually outside the regular rules of immigration by law. So you can disagree all you want, but from a legal interpretation there is nothing to back up your position.

    Quote:

    Yes I think its a smoke screen for racism. It gives the government the right to deny needed services and care, to anyone who cannot be proficient with English, who happen at this time be Hispanic, coincidentally the fastest growing segment of our society.
    Why is this a racial issue? What race are "Spanish speakers"? For that matter, since I feel the same way about the government operating in ANY language other than English, how can it be racism? I feel the same way about Hebrew and Yiddish, both of which I speak with varying degrees of fluency.


    Quote:

    Do you deny that those who learn English have an easier time integrating and becoming productive members of society?
    YES!!!
    THAT is what it would help.
    NO!!!!!
    Talaniman
    Then you are just denying the obvious. People who cannot speak English cannot do as well in the USA as those who can. This is simple logic. If you can't speak the predominant language, it limits the number and types of jobs you can attain, and thus the economic prosperity you can achieve. To deny this basic fact of logic and history is to hide your head in the sand.

    Put quite simply, among successful Hispanic businessmen in the USA, the millionaires among the Hispanic community, how many of them cannot speak English and conduct business only in Spanish? And how many non-English speaking millionaires are there in the USA? I would argue that the statistical answer to both these questions is so close to zero as to be insignificant.

    If you cannot see the connection between language and financial success, then you just aren't looking. And in that case, there's really nothing to talk about.

    Elliot
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:11 AM
    Starman
    ETWolverine]

    Segregation is irrelevant to the subject. What is relevant is that though they supposedly are linguistically superior that linguistic superiority, which you continue to put forth as essential to success in the USA doesn't seem to mean squat! Also, if indeed they have wound up segregated, that supports my argument about English proficiency not being the main force of assimilation.


    Quote:

    And what point are you trying to make here? That because Blacks suffer a greater degree of poverty than Hispanics, the government shouldn't make English the national language? Exactly how does that work, logically speaking?

    English is, and has been the recognized national language for the entire history of this country. Or are you unaware of that?


    Quote:

    ... I take the numbers at face value
    I take nothing at face value since taking things at face value within a society predisposed to misrepresent minorities would be poor scholarship and might even come across as bias camouflaged with a thin veneer of supposed trust.

    Quote:

    What I have argued in every case is that your conclusions are in error, not the statistics themselves.
    Simply ignoring the obvious conclusions which the statistics clearly justify is tantamount to an argument against them.


    Quote:

    ... They have done better at learning English, obtaining an advanced education and becoming successful in the workplace. They have integrated into society better.
    Better at learning English than the native English speakers?
    All of the successful foreigners I see in my neighborhood barely speak English at all. These include Koreans, Chinese and Asiatic Indians. They own all the businesses in African American community in which they operate. Gasoline station, Restaurant, Magazine Store and three well-stocked grocery stores.


    Quote:

    La Razza and Aztalan are LEADERS of the immigration-rights movement in America. They were the organizers of last year's protests for immigrant rights. They aren't "extremists," they are the mainstream of the immigrant-rights movement. That's the problem. By contrast the KKK doesn't lead the anti-immigration movement.

    BTW

    The KKK is against Jewish presence and Jewish immigration into the USA. So they definitely aren't immigration neutral.

    In any case, if indeed these extremist separatist groups are the leaders of the immigrant rights they sure aren't getting any airtime on Univision. In fact, they aren't even mentioned on Univision for that matter. Which arouses the suspicion that this is info you probably garnered from the Lou Dobbs anti-immigration crusade in which he distorts, mangles, twists, and disfigures 95% of the info that comes his way in order to get his way.


    Quote:

    Sure. And not all Jews support the State of Israel. The Neturei Karta movement in particular is very anti-Zionist and anti-Israel. But that doesn't mean that support of Israel isn't the mainstream view of the Jewish community. So you may be right that not every Hispanic is demanding Spanish-language in the USA, it is something that a large (and very loud) segment of the Hispanic community wants and advocates for. It isn't an "extreme" viewpoint within the Hispanic community.

    The Spanish language has been present in what you call the USA even before the English-speaking pilgrims landed here and before the Jamestown colony was founded. Why? Because the parts of the USA you are protesting that Spanish is being spoken in were formerly a Spanish colony and later became Mexico proper. So it comes across as rather weird that you find it strange that Spanish is spoken in those areas.


    Quote:

    if you are correct that it is a minority view of the Hispanic community, then why not make English the national language? What's the problem?
    The timing and the effects it will have on those accused of or perceived as provoking this self-defensive legislation--that's the problem.


    Quote:

    I can only go by what I observe. I haven't seen anyone in the Hispanic community get up and say "We don't want Spanish language in government business." I only see the ones who agitate for it.
    Quote:

    Where are the voices of moderation and the voices of those who disagree with that stance.
    There ca be no voices for moderation when there are no voices sufficiently significant to be opposed.--sorry. Perhaps the whole agitation and demand scenario is simply a figment of your imagination. At least its intensity since I am totally unaware of it as are all other Hispanics that I mention it to.


    Quote:

    First of all, I'm an Orthodox Jew, so I take anything that appears in the New Testament or other Christian writings with a grain of salt. I know, you took that into consideration in your post, but I had to make it part of the record...
    Thanks for mentioning your religious background although I don't see it's relevance.
    The quotation is made in support of an ethical principle taught in Ethics 101, and is an essential part of the training for lawyers, philosophers, psychiatrists, etcetera who deal in the field of the behavioral sciences. In any case Cain knew what God was referring to. So his answer is not irrelevant God' s question at all. It is simply an evasion, one that shows deficient sense of concern for others, but not one intended to negate what he knew that God knew he had done. Neither was God asking because he didn't know what God Cain had done. The question was a rhetorical one. In short, the example fits very well with your present attitude which seems to convey the same lack of concern that Cain's statement about his brother and about all other humans by extension.



    Quote:

    I disagree. There are different ways of solving a problem or helping others. Is it my problem to help every poor man that I see on the street by giving him money? If so, how long will it be before I have to join him with his tin cup? But I can do the civicly responsible thing, which is to support charities that help poor people. Giving the poor guy my money isn't my problem. Giving to charities that help poor people is my problem.

    That's a strawman argument since I am not suggesting that you help every person on Earth since obviously your meager resources won't allow it. Neither am I suggesting that you bypass charities. What a waste of time! Please stay on subject.

    BTW

    Regardless of your denial of any moral responsibility toward others, your being a human being automatically places such responsibility squarely on your shoulders. That you fidget and chafe under what you consider a burden is unfortunately irrelevant.


    Quote:

    similarly, is it my problem to accommodate every immigrant who comes into this country with Spanish language documentation? I don't think so. I think my civic responsibility lies with helping them learn English and allowing them to integrate into society so that they can learn to help themselves.
    Why not leave that up to people who are far better qualified than yourself to determine?
    People such as social scientists, for example, who are employed by the administration Americans chose to represent them? As for you claim that these people aren't helping themselves or are unwilling to--that comes across as bigotry. It might not be--mind you--but it comes across as extremely narrow minded nevertheless.

    Quote:


    You can give a poor man a fish or you can teach him to fish. That I choose the latter doesn't make me a bad person or civicly iresponsible.
    NO, what might make you a bad person is your constant misrepresentations your lack of compassion for those less fortunate than yourself and your vehement dedication to making their life more difficult via totally unnecessary legislation. Now that might make you a bad person in the eyes of those more aware of their moral duties than you seem to be.


    Quote:

    But it has become my problem because my tax dollars are supporting it. I feel that my tax dollars could be better spent elsewhere. That makes it my problem. And I want to change it.
    That's because your tax dollars are in the possession of those who you voted to decide what to do with your tax dollars. Actually, there are so many, many, other ways in which your tax dollars are being misused too much greater degree that you actually have a bewildering array of choices to complain about. Yet, among all these misuses of your precious tax dollars you have chosen to focus specifically on this. Why?

    Quote:

    If, as you say, most Hispanics see English as the national language, and if you agree with that point of view, then why not codify it in law?
    If codification would make life more difficult for immigrants why would you insist on codification?


    Quote:

    And by the way, I am not agitating for English as the national language in response to Hispanics being here. I am doing it in response to the fact that the government is currently NOT operating in English only...
    Could have fooled me! Calling it agitation won't change it one iota into agitation just as your reference to collateral damage when innocent people are killed by wayward bombs or you waxing melodic about friendly fire when a soldier is killed by his own troops make it anything other than what it is. Immigrants are requesting, asking, petitioning, lobbying, for government not to pass a law which will make their assimilation into American society more difficult. That is all. Anything else is your addition, interpretation, based perhaps on your watching too much Lou Dobbs.

    Quote:

    And you have quite skillfully avoided the question I asked before...

    I have been very clear concerning this issue.
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:38 AM
    ETWolverine
    Starman,

    When did I defend the KKK? I stated that they are not a goup in any leadership position in the USA. How is that defending them?

    I'll get to the rest of your post later, as time permits.

    Elliot
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:38 AM
    Starman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ETWolverine


    Then you are just denying the obvious. People who cannot speak English cannot do as well in the USA as those who can....Elliot


    I see people arriving here all the time from Asiatic countries. They have poor or almost non-existent English skills. Yet they set up businesses, and do far better than those in the neighborhood who speak English fluently. So I think that you need to qualify that statement to bering it more in line with reality.
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:51 AM
    Starman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ETWolverine
    Starman,

    When did I defend the KKK? I stated that they are not a goup in any leadership position in the USA. How is that defending them?

    I'll get to the rest of your post later, as time permits.

    Elliot

    I apologize. The word "defend" isn't the proper word to use in that context. I'll go back and modify the statement.
  • Jun 22, 2007, 08:06 AM
    Starman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ETWolverine
    Starman,

    When did I defend the KKK? I stated that they are not a goup in any leadership position in the USA. How is that defending them?

    I'll get to the rest of your post later, as time permits.

    Elliot



    My objection to your comparison is that you make it seem as if the whole Hispanic community is behind these extremist groups. That isn't so. In contrast, the KKK anti immigration stance against those groups it considers non-American is in my opinion supported much more by the American public than the Hispanic community supports these separatist extremist views you mention. That's what I really meant to say. My apologies for have previously gone off subject.
  • Jun 24, 2008, 09:11 AM
    Patrick57
    The only way to keep English as our only accepted language in the U.S. is we have to get rid :mad: of the Congressmen and Senators who oppose this idea. Our nation was founded by English speaking citizens and it needs to stay that way. :D

    We need to vote out :) politicians who oppose English as the only accepted language for the U.S. We can make our voices heard at the voting polls, next election. :)
  • Jun 28, 2008, 12:22 PM
    Galveston1
    Too many of our officials are hung up on the PC idea of "diversity" even to the point of celebrating it. The most certain way to break up a country from within is for there to be many different languages in common use, with each community retaining its ethnic culture. Right now, if you only speak English, there are many jobs you cannot get, and areas where you can't read the street signs. Politicians love to talk about unity, but allow a situation to continue that only leads to fragmentation.
  • Jun 28, 2008, 03:41 PM
    purplewings
    Theodore Roosevelt articulated the unspoken American linguistic-melting-pot theory when he boomed, "We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house."

    There is a lot of expense involved in having more than one national language. Schools will need special teachers and textbooks. All hospitals and corporations will need to have printed material in each language.

    Not to mention DMV and Elections. It could become a real mess.

    Should English Be the Law? - 97.04

    Belgium and Canada have never managed to forge a stable national identity; Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia never did either. Unique otherness immunizes countries against linguistic destabilization. Even Switzerland and especially India have problems; in any country with as many different languages as India has, language will never not be a problem.

    Russians living in Estonia for generations have been told it is now a condition of citizenship to be able to speak Estonian.

    The twentieth century is ending as it began -- with trouble in the Balkans and with nationalist tensions flaring up in other parts of the globe. (Toward the end of his life Bismarck predicted that "some damn fool thing in the Balkans" would ignite the next war.) Language isn't always part of the problem. But it usually is.

    Our officials don't want to take a chance on losing votes by taking a firm stand for one language even knowing the problems of these other countries with several languages.

    I guess we'll cross that street when we come to it. It's now the American way to operate.
  • Jun 28, 2008, 03:46 PM
    NeedKarma
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by purplewings
    Belgium and Canada have never managed to forge a stable national identity

    Not sure where you get that idea. As a Canadian I am proud of such. I love being perfectly bilingual and I truly enjoy the respect I get when travelling once they find out I'm Canadian.
  • Jun 30, 2008, 05:12 PM
    SkyGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tomder55
    The opposition in Congress to making English the official language of the United States is a near perfect example of the failure of the current leadership in Washington to adopt a deeply held value of the American people. Eighty-five percent of Americans want the federal government to join with 30 states in making English the official language of the United States, and yet our elites consider the adoption of this value as a distraction or worse.

    Consider the Democrat presidential debate Sunday . When asked for a show of hands, Mike Gravel was the only candidate to express support for English. Barack Obama said that the question "is designed precisely to divide us" and that "when we get distracted by those kinds of questions, I think we do a disservice to the American people." If 85% of Americans support English as the official language of government, the only division is between Senator Obama and the American people.

    Evita Clinton responded that she supported English as the "national" language but not the "official" language of the United States, since making English the official language would prevent the printing of foreign language ballots for U.S. elections.

    She is RIGHT! Any other way would smack of racism and would affect countless groups of people who were either born here or became legal immigrants of different nationalities. One has to remember, America is made up of ALL colors, races, ethnicities, etc. And Since the American Indian was the first one in this country, and obviously did not speak English as their first language, it would seem most apropos to adopt "American Indian" as the official language of the U.S. if you don't want to end up being seen as a WASP-promoting racist. In this regard, and get a load of this, I Do Agree with what Barack is saying in the quote just above.

    It seems that only the elites can possibly see 85% support for a deeply held American value as divisive and think it is acceptable to express support for English as long as it does not actually have any meaning.

    But I also believe that this effort is being made to counter the progressive gains of Hispanics in this country. After all, they are now called the most important minority and growing by leaps and bounds. It's strange that when reports came out about Hispanics being the fastest growing minority in this country, suddenly there was this insane push to build border fences and keep them out. Why? Afraid they'll multiply and produce more children in this country that will, in effect, be legal American citizens but of Mexican ancestry?! And now this push to make English the "official" language, if it doesn't beat all. So, I do agree with both Barack's stance and Hillary's. They are right on target on this one. And let's not forget that when we talk RACE, the Mexican or Hispanic person's RACE is actually WHITE, unless they are of another race! How many of you knew this? How many didn't? It is, and you can check any Hispanic person's birth certificate under "race" for the PROOF. They do not belong to any other racial category but White. I don't know how this "ethnicity" thing got started but it's the RACE that people take pride in, including Hispanics as well they should. But now, let's go and see what Hispanics think and say about this matter that primarily targets and would affect them.

    http://www.lulac.org/advocacy/issues.../plusonly.html

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  • Jun 30, 2008, 08:02 PM
    purplewings
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SkyGem
    But I also believe that this effort is being made to counter the progressive gains of Hispanics in this country. After all, they are now called the most important minority and growing by leaps and bounds. It's strange that when reports came out about Hispanics being the fastest growing minority in this country, suddenly there was this insane push to build border fences and keep them out. Why? Afraid they'll multiply and produce more children in this country that will, in effect, be legal American citizens but of Mexican ancestry?! And now this push to make English the "official" language, if it doesn't beat all. So, I do agree with both Barack's stance and Hillary's. They are right on target on this one. And let's not forget that when we talk RACE, the Mexican or Hispanic person's RACE is actually WHITE, unless they are of another race! How many of you knew this? How many didn't? It is, and you can check any Hispanic person's birth certificate under "race" for the PROOF. They do not belong to any other racial category but White. I don't know how this "ethnicity" thing got started but it's the RACE that people take pride in, including Hispanics as well they should. But now, let's go and see what Hispanics think and say about this matter that primarily targets and would affect them.

    http://www.lulac.org/advocacy/issues.../plusonly.html

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    That's interesting for you to even question. Of course it's about the illegals push to amnesty. When someone chooses to come here to live, why would it be up to our society, our taxpayers to acclimate to their language and culture instead of them doing the acclimating?

    The expense of our becoming multilingual is huge and at a time when our economy is the worst I've ever seen it. Why do the taxpayers once again have to pick up the cost of changing all of our public institutions, forms, road signs, hospitals, and every conceivable public event, etc. to please people who have come here uninvited?

    America opens it's doors to people who come here legally after waiting their turn - and they acclimate themselves to our society since it's where they chose to come. It has been that way since the beginning and has allowed newcomer immigrants to take pride in this country. In my opinion, it is not anti-American to expect others to learn our language or for us to want to keep the language this country began under. The last poll I saw showed 80% of the citizens feel this way. (not that it matters to our government once the election has ended)
  • Jul 1, 2008, 05:36 PM
    SkyGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by purplewings
    That's interesting for you to even question. Of course it's about the illegals push to amnesty. When someone chooses to come here to live, why would it be up to our society, our taxpayers to acclimate to their language and culture instead of them doing the acclimating?

    Perhaps because America is known as a humanitarian country that is sensitive (or once was) to all of the different colors of the rainbow that comprise people who come here as well as their culture, and if it wants English to be the "official language" then we should add ENGLAND behind U.S.A. because it's really their language to begin with, or can't we develop one for our own? The reason for that could be that there are so many people from different countries that to single one country out and grab just that language for our official language would be tantamount to being most insensitive and the epitome of favoritism and unfairness plus. Instead, let's make "American Indian" the official language which would then solve the problem, not be seen as being racist, and honor the First Americans!

    The expense of our becoming multilingual is huge and at a time when our economy is the worst I've ever seen it. Why do the taxpayers once again have to pick up the cost of changing all of our public institutions, forms, road signs, hospitals, and every conceivable public event, etc. to please people who have come here uninvited?

    Simply because to do otherwise would alienate our visitors and they would perceive the richest country in the world, America, to be the "Stuck-Up Country", very control-oriented, that wants to adopt the British language as their own just to snub them rather than welcome multi-languages to reflect all of the peoples who have settled here. It's not the "money thing" at all, it's the nose-in-the-air attitude many have against others in this country, let's just call a spade a spade and admit it. Besides, Barack Obama, the presumptive democratic presidential nominee does not have a problem with it, so why should anyone else?! It has been said that what he says goes and just wait if he gets in the White House! That should put an end to all of this crud nonsense of English Only. Again, I say he is right in this regard.

    America opens it's doors to people who come here legally after waiting their turn - and they acclimate themselves to our society since it's where they chose to come. It has been that way since the beginning and has allowed newcomer immigrants to take pride in this country. IMHO, it is not anti-American to expect others to learn our language or for us to want to keep the language this country began under. The last poll I saw showed 80% of the citizens feel this way. (not that it matters to our government once the election has ended)

    To begin with, there are many who do not believe in such polls (as if they were truly accurate to begin with), and Congress would be paying much closer attention to their constituents who responded to those polls and what they were saying if there was any merit in that that would not be perceived as being racist. But, let's start by not making it so hard for people who are already here to gain a decent path to full citizenship! Let's not take 30 years to consider whether we will legally accept them or not. That's patently ridiculous and pathetic. Also, why is it that we always have to alienate only our neighbors to the South? In my opinion and that of many others, we should erect large fences on the CANADIAN border instead of the Mexican as that is where many more terrorists enter the U.S. and it also has its good share of illegals! Why aren't we doing that? Why are we always picking on Mexico? I don't see that as right or fair. Even in the country of Canada, there are provinces and states that speak French exclusively as well as other languages. There is no "Only English" or "Only Canadian" language. Why? Because they truly value the background of the different people who live there, their French speakers, for one group, as well as those of many other countries. It is shameful that some people living in the U.S. would want to be different in that respect and hide their racism under the umbrella of "English Only" so we don't have to "pay" for translators, instruction books, etc. I'm sure such "dire" expense would make this rich country go broke the next moment, at the batting of an eye. I find it extremely difficult to understand how on the one hand, Americans are tearing down fences and barriers by supporting a Black man for the nation's highest office, while on the other hand, they are erecting fences intended to reject and divide our neighbors to the South in Mexico with the English Only proposal. It just doesn't make any sense. But I'll tell you something, that's exactly what gives this country a snub-nose character when Europe and other countries read about what we are proposing to do. English Only is totally unnecessary and divisive. We all have to live with one another and learn to get along. Let's try to IMPROVE our relations with the world instead of erecting fences and reasons to be perceived as shutting others out who may be different, in some ways, than we.

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  • Jul 1, 2008, 11:02 PM
    michealb
    The reason we don't build a fence on the border of Canada is because 12 million of then aren't trespassing into our country.

    It's like if you have two neighbors one has 2 kids that run into your yard. The other neighbor has 60 kids that run into your yard stay there and export your cash back to their house. If you could only build one fence at a time which neighbor would you fence out first? Even if you like kids there comes to be a point when you have to say keep your kids off my freakin lawn.

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