Duluth.Talk

By George

September 26, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

I know I will hear plenty of crap for this, but I don’t care. In this country, we speak English. If someone who is living here, making a living here, and trying to make a life here cannot speak the language, there is something wrong with this picture. I know that if I am going to live in another country, I better get cracking on learning the language, for I know that they will not make any exceptions for me. We seem to be the only country that accommodates everyone as best as possible. We put up signs in Spanish, Korean, martian, anything that we cant think of to get the almighty dollar through the door. In doing this, we are ignoring our own culture more and more. We are accepting everyone else’s before our own. I just cannot stand for this. I refuse to accommodate other people. If you are hear, assimilate, blend in, learn the ways of your new home. I am not saying don’t forget your culture at home, just don’t make us accept it. Don’t yell racism because someone doesn’t speak your language. When I have to deal with people like this, I just stop and move on. If you cannot communicate with me, then we don’t need to keep dancing back and forth until you catch up, or screw up what I am asking of you. Come back to me when you can communicate with me, and we’ll try this again. Why should I yield?

By Patrick

September 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

If you want to know how bad it is in Gwinnett, go to almost any Wal-Mart. The one on US 29 at Pleasant Hill in Lilburn makes announcements over the PA system in both English and Spanish. If they are paging an employee that speaks only Spanish, they will page that person in Spanish only. It’s a shame too because if you’re looking for something in that store, good luck finding it because half the associates won’t understand you unless you know how to say “where is/are the (insert item or department)?” in Spanish.

By juan

September 26, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Apesadumbrado. No entiendo. ¿Puede usted traducir?

By Carla

September 26, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

George, don’t feel bad. I feel you on that. I’m not a resident of Gwinnett, but I spend a good bit of time there. If you are a citizen/resident of a country, then you should be able to speak that country’s native language.

By Jose Cruz

September 26, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

I do believe that everyone that comes to this country should learn the language… It would happen in any country.. and as a Latino I’m the first one to support this.. We must also not forget that as people of this country, we’ve become very cocky.. assuming that everyone should adapt to us and what we know.. every country in the world must learn English, because we’re too good to learn any other language.. Sure, people coming into the country should learn the language, but we must also understand that most of these people live in harsh realities, and come from even harsher ones.. Many of these people, can barely make ends meet on a daily basis, and if they have work.. that’s enough for them.. Many never expect to do more than what they’re doing, unless it’s owning a business and in such case they’d probably end up serving their own people. Smart businesses today have taken it upon themselves to teach ESL(English as a Second Language). A great example of this is churches. Why? The reality is.. we’re in a melting pot and communities are changing daily, especially in Georgia and other fast growing states.. 100 languages??

By lin

September 26, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Right on George. When I am paying for services at a place of business that is foreign operated, and they carry on conversations in a foreign language, I speak with the owners when I am finished to let them know that I will not be coming back because I could not understand any of the conversation going on around me, and it made me very uncomfortable, and I am irritated enough not to even leave a tip. I never go back. My neighborhood has a whole new shopping center with signs, not only in a foreign language, but also foreign script. How do the police and fire departments find these places in an emergency. I hope I never have to find out. People who don’t assimilate into the American culture publicly are an insult to the country that has welcomed them.

By MRC

September 26, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Right on, George! I agree with you 110%. I don’t even bother taking my dollars to businesses that can’t even speak English. This is America and English is the language of the land. Learn it or GO HOME! I really can care less if someone calls me racist because I know the truth as do my friends and family.

It is amazing what America will do for money. Like George said, no other country lets illegals, visitors, etc change the language of the land. You have to learn the country’s language or get out. Even in Japan, I stayed on base because I did not have the opportunity to learn the Japanese language fully. I only went out in town to visit the McDonald’s or a place where I could point to the picture. Otherwise, my dollars and yen were spent on base.

If we as Americans stand up to this type of behavior, maybe things will change. Just like the Bank of America incident mentioned on Clark Howard’s show. Millions of dollars have been withdrawn from BOA accounts and they are starting to feel the heat. Granted, they make billions of dollars, it still is getting their attention.

If we stop catering to these people, then they will understand that we mean business.

By Tray

September 26, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

I think the common view on this is that in this country, it should be English. If we did more about illegal immigration, maybe English would still be number 1. My life has been spent traveling between here and Texas, and I think the number of spanish speakers is actually worse here because Georgia does nothing about it. The United States is basically trying to cater to everyone outside the country as opposed to the people already here. Makes no difference, though. The major retail chains will eventually do everything in French and Spanish as well, and We will end up learning them all!

By lin

September 26, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Jose, this whole country is made up of people who came here with little or nothing. Cities were made up of neighborhoods of different ethnic groups who did everything they needed to do to assimilate into the culture of America. They learned the language, they opened businesses, they became policemen and firemen and even politicians. On the way to being successful they learned the language and made sure their children learned the American History and way of life. One did not go into any part of the country and feel helpless because they couldn’t speak the language of the area. This is America, not Europe where some countries are smaller than some our states. If one decides to come here to stay,then regardless of their circumstances they need to learn the language and make sure that their children speak English. That’s the way it has been done for over 200 years, and it has worked very well.

By Tomas

September 26, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

juan - Estoy apesadumbrado que usted está afligido y eso que usted no entiende. No puedo traducir. Quizás podemos conversar en coreano o ruso.

By AM

September 26, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

This country is going down hill as fast as possible. It a shame that the goverment picks and chooses which laws to enforce. Actually it is treason. I am so ticked about the scum they let in this country (or lack enforcement/ or the will to deport them). They ruin our way of life, they ruin our schools,our neigborhoods, and most of them smell like barnyard animals. No telling how many diseases they bring with them. They clog our roads, drive/live with forged documents or none - hey I think I will forge a Masters Degree so I can have a better life. Now thats the logic I hear? I could go on but must go make a living so I can pay my taxes to support the illegal freeloading scum.

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

I disagree that we are the only country who tries to accommodate foreign language speakers. I have traveled to Europe several times (to Italy mostly) and people in non-English speaking countries go to great lengths to communicate with Americans IN ENGLISH. Most people who work in restaurants, museums, gas stations, etc… speak some English and will gladly converse with you in English if they can. We as Americans expect everyone to speak our language whether we are at home or abroad. We are very spoiled. I understand the frustrations presented by language barriers but we as Americans have a long history of refusing to learn second languages so I don’t see how we can fault others who are “just off the boat” for taking a while.

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

I have lived in and visited mumerous other countries. ? As an Army brat (from birth thru high school graduation), we had to learn the native languages to be able to live in their country ! If you moved to China, would expect every one to learn English for you ? I don’t think so. I am also fed up with seeing Gwinnett school buses picking up busloads of non legal residents’ kids. Why should we have to give them a free education & free medical care ? My husband was laid off his job after 15 years. After a year & a half, applying for over 300 jobs,he gave up finding one in his field (warehouse mgr). He doesn’t speak spanish & won’t work for $8.00 an hour. We don’t have 8 extra people living in our house to split the the bills.

By John

September 26, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Check any american coin. It says E PLUIBUS UNUM. (FROM MANY TO ONE) Think about it.

By singlemom

September 26, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

I have begun boycotting ANY business who puts a non-english speaking employee on the front line. I will no longer eat at fast food restaurants, etc. If the person behind the counter cannot understand what I am saying in English, then I will leave. Unbelieveable. Why do managers hire these people? There are times when I have to repeat myself several times, just to get a freaking cheeseburger at Wendy’s. NO MORE!!! And what about that nasty rumor that 29 Democratic Senators voted AGAINST english as the offical language of the US?? How stupid is that? This is America and we speak english!!!!!!!

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

We all came from somewhere. Unless you are an American Indian, your family came from some other country. These arguments saying that immigrants smell bad and bring disease are the same hateful attitudes that were shown to Irish, Italian and German immigrants a century or so ago. I agree that we have too many illegal immigrants and that we need to do sometime about it, but not for hateful bigoted reasons like some of you have exhibited here. Shame!

By S

September 26, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with George. I was in Paris a few years ago on a visit and had to speak French or at least make the attempt to get anything done. Sure many of the Parisians speak English, but the sentiment is when in Rome do as the Romans do. What I found was that if I made the attempt at communicating in their language, they would be more accommodating to the extent of even speaking in English. Most times they responded in French but took time to ensure I understood what they were saying. After a few days there I seemed to pick up on things and it wasn’t so bad. But, then that was because I made the effort to learn how to communicate, which doesn’t seem to be the case here…

By JOR

September 26, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Well! I remember when I came here 2 years ago. It was really hard to me, to understand the people and that they understand me. Yes, I have a lot of accent, lots of those words were incorrect, but I try I try really hard and I learned. With my limited english I get my job.

I just point this because a lot of people when I came here they believe I was an inmigrant (ohh an ilegal one) but they are so wrong. I am a US citizen I just came from another country. (PR)

When I see a foreign I help them beacuse my point of view is it was hard for me being a citizen it harder for them.

And YES when I am with my family I speak Spanish and will continue doing it on spanish. My kids will be bilingual.

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Singlemom, do you honestly believe that those employers choose those employees over ones who can speak English fluently? Really? They hire those people because that is all they can get. Flipping burgers and taking orders at Wendys is about as low as you can go on the pay/respect scale (along with mowing white folks lawns). Most feel like Nikki’s husband. Won’t work for $8.00 an hour. In the Bush economy high paying industry jobs have been replaced by low-paying service jobs and that is why Nikki’s husband is out of work and refuses to take a menial job. Think about it.

By lovelyliz

September 26, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Why are we the only group of people in the industrialized world who take pride in not being able to speak more than one language?

In the rest of the world, mono-linguists are looked down on as being uneducated. Speaking more than one language does not mean our country is going to fall apart.

By Feline

September 26, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Actually, I’m searching for a tutor in Gwinnett County who will teach me how to speak conversational Bosnian. I’m American, but have a Bosnian friend who speaks pretty good English, and I would love to speak pretty good Bosnian. If anyone knows of a tutor in Gwinnett who can teach this American how to speak Bosnian, please email me. Serious replies only, please.

Gracias, Thank you, Hvala, Merci

By AM

September 26, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Lisa you really are a moron!

By Oz

September 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

I see 2 points, a legitimate one and bigoted one:

Yes, English is the official language and is not going to disappear so stop panicking!

Most second generation Americans only speak English, and like many of you freaking out, who are probably 3rd and 4th generation Americans, English becomes the only language by the 3rd generation. If I walk into a Korean business and they don’t speak English I walk away and take my business else out. Now, if they offer a service at a very good price then I don’t mind which language they speak:

You don’t have to get your pedicure done with Asians, Americans who speak English do it too - you may have to pay more.

You don’t have to hire a Mexican (most people think all day laborers are Mexicans) to mow your lawn - hire an American and pay more.

You don’t have to buy your groceries at Gwinnett INTERNATIONAL Farmers Market - Publix also sell groceries if you don’t mind paying higher prices.

In sum, it’s your choice where you spend your money. Sometimes, you can’t have the best of both worlds. If you don’t like the language they speak, don’t buy their services and support your fellow Americans’ businesses. Stop being a hypocrite!!

Also, you don’t know how long a person has been living in this country and it takes years to learn a second language. Some of these people will eventually learn English, they just need more time.

Some of you don’t like foreigners whether they speak English or not. And a lot of you benefit from the same immigrants you despise. It’s a fact that most Americans and legal citizens will not pick vidalia onions or pick cotton even if you pay them a decent wage- Even those Americans who are HS dropouts.

By Carla

September 26, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

lovelyliz, I don’t think it’s that we as Americans don’t take pride in speaking more than one language, it’s that our native tongue is becoming obsolete. I have no problem with learning other languages but when those arriving from other countries are not trying to learn the native language, why do we have to learn theirs? Yeah I’d love to go to Paris and have everyone there speak English, but I know that’s not going to happen. I’m going to have to blow the dust off of the books and get to studying. They should do the same.

By Michelle

September 26, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

What makes me angry is when people come to this country, never bother to completely learn the language and then act like there’s something wrong with the rest of us because we can’t understand THEM. I shouldn’t have to understand a secondary language to order a latte, why do store owners put people on the front lines if they can’t speak English? I’ve walked out of stores more than once because the clerk didn’t understand enough English to take my order.

By lovelyliz

September 26, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Carla why should everyone in Paris speak English?

But I’ll let you know that most of the people I came across in Paris, London, Rome, Munich, Seoul could speak some English or at the least find someone who could interpret for us.

Sure those most of those countries have an official language, but most of their children come out of grammar school being able to speak at least two languages.

What makes us so special that we fight against the same thing?

By Oz

September 26, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Hey Lovelyliz, since when the English language is becoming obsolete - Please let me know which language will dominate, Spanish, Mandarin?

Please, tell me which College is not teaching in English anymore or which city stopped offering services in English. I think I heard the Federal Government won’t hire Americans who only speak English.

STOP the ignorant comments and the scare tactics. We all know that without a college degree our social mobility is very limited.

When was the last time you commended someone who was trying to speak English instead of complaining. Everytime I encounter someone who is struggling with English but learning and trying to speak it I encourage them.

Also, STOP blaming your financial situation on immigrants - Spanish or Korean did not move your factory job to China. Your government did and if you were born here and you didn’t get a college education that leads to a job with more security don’t blame the Mexicans or the immigrants - BLAME yourself and yourself alone. You already knew English so what is your excuse.

I learned English, got a college degree, became a US citizen, got a good paying job with the Federal Govt, and every american has the same opportunities I had. I guess it’s easy to blame somebody else or something else….Ah those damned foreigners!!!

By concerned

September 26, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

I love reading these types blogs because all it does is bring out the hatred and racism that has been stiffled since it is not “ok” to hate. First of all, English is not the official language. The forefathers decided not to have an official language so this country would not be like England, where they were running from.

This country was founded on people trying to make a better living for themselves, running away from debt, and the ability to practice any religion they wanted to. Which is why it was called the Freedom Country. Yet, in actuality the people who have the freedom and the money has decided that they do not want others to obtain to the heights that they are at.

Lastly I do not believe in if in Rome do like the Romans. The Romans had multiple orgys, with same sex or opposite sex it did not matter, they were mainly drunk, and eventually they FELL. I do not want to see our country FALL to another and our precious lifestyle be changed.

By Oz

September 26, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Hey lovelyliz, the comment was meant for Carla NOT YOU.

By lovelyliz

September 26, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

English is not dying out, but if more of our children don’t grow up learning to speak languages like French (international law), Mandarin (spoken by more people than any other), Arabic/Farsi/Urdu (for obvious reasons) we will fall increasingly behind.

Since when did dumbing ourselves down become a source of pride?

By lovelyliz

September 26, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Oz_no problem.

By George

September 26, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Hey concerned, although we may not have an official language, we have the language of the land. It’s English, wether you want to accept it or not. We also have American culture. Yes, we are a young country, yes most of our family came from somewhere else, but how long are you going to drag that out. After three generations, trust me, you are American. You can drop the I am XYZ-american. You are American, period. Your background maybe Cuban, french Asian, klingon, but you are born here, that’s right, American. And I for one appreciate my families background, but I live, fight and die for America. This is the country that I love, this is the country that provides a life for my family, this is the country that my family picked to give us a better life. And just so you know, my family came here, legal, earned their degrees while working full time legal jobs, and they learned the unofficial language of the land. Hey didn’t bleed the welfare system, although they could have, they sent me to private school so that i might have a better chance, although they could have exploited the public school system, and they made sure to live accordingly to laws of the country in which they now call home. So, all the racism crap can go on a shelf, it’s about American culture, and there is nothing wrong with having pride in your country.

By Cyn

September 26, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

The person who commented about the Wal-Mart on U.S 29 & Pleasanthill is absolutely correct. I don’t care to go to that store any more and that is one of the reasons the other is rude customers with children who trash the store and their parents do nothing. They also pretend alot because if you work in the United States you understand the language, some pretend that they don’t. they understand enough to get the benefits of living in this country.

By Carla

September 26, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

lovelyliz, don’t take things so literally. I wasn’t saying everyone in Paris should speak English. I was saying in the grand scheme of things wouldn’t it be great if everywhere we went the people spoke the language you speak. Stop trying to make something out of nothing.

And to you Oz, Spanish. If you’ve kept up with the latest census numbers then you’re aware that Spanish speaking citizens/residents are the second highest population of minorities in this country. So yeah it’s MY belief that if we continue the way we are, Spanish will take over English as the most spoken language in this country.

By Idiot Charlie

September 26, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

The thing that irks me the most is that American business use English signs with Spanish subtitles. Have you ever seen a Spanish business with English subtitles. And for the thousands of Koreans, Japanese, Somali, Nigerians, Italians, etc. they should feel insulted everytime they walk into a store with Spanish subtitles.

By crystal

September 26, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

The basic reason why it is so “hard” to learn English in this country is there is absolutely no incentive to learn the language. Mostly for Spanish speakers, you can buy a car, license it, get a drivers license, utilities, bank cards, tv, internet, newspaper, basically EVERYTHING they need. When the first huge wave of immigrants came from Europe, they spoke so many differnet languages, the NEED was there to speak English faster because that was everyones common link. They still spoke their native language at home, but to do business or work outside of their community, they HAD to learn to speak it, THERE WAS NO OPTION. I say make public or government signs, paperwork, and employees English only. Stop spending my tax money for your lack of the language. If you can’t read or understand it, bring an interpertor with you like my great-grandfather had to do. If a business wants to staff bi-linguals that is a different issue all together, it’s business, not personal. Stop making it so easy not to learn the language and maybe they will.

By S

September 26, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

First of all let me say that I am not a racist or prejudiced against any culture. My father is fluent in Spanish and my mother was fluent in French.

English may not be the official language of this country on paper, but we know dogone well that if you want to do business with the America, particularly on a global level, you’d better know some form of English. So indirectly it is a national language regardless of ones belief, as well as an international language.

The when in Rome do as the Romans do analogy was just that-an analogy. How it degenerated into sex and orgies is beyond me. The point is that when you are a foreigner living in another country, there are certain expectations the indigenous citizens of that country have of you. That is they expect you to speak and act in a manner that is culturally acceptable to them. Being able to speak their language whether it’s limited or not is just one expectation and that should at least be the expectation here. I’m not asking one be fluent and their English skills can be poor. What I’m saying is make the effort because when we step into their country, they are not going to be as accommodating to us. And I speak this from experience…

By scotty

September 26, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

I feel bad for my friend’s son. He is at an elementary school with a high immigrant population. At his table he is the only child who speaks english. While the teacher uses english for lessons, the other children speak spanish to each other at lunch and on the playgroud. He is left out and lonely. The should make english mandatory in school.

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Lisa, My husband is NOT out of work. He been driving a 18 wheeler for the past 18 months and is gone 12 days out of 14 so how’s our homelife Lisa ? It pays well like his old job at GE. Since you have to go thru a back ground check to get a CDL - no illegals can get jobs driving trucks. So they still pay well. I resent what you said about my husband. The man has worked hard all his life & you say he thinks he is TOO GOOD to work for $8 an hour ? I won’t work for that low of a wage sweetie. I been working too long to work for a teenager’s wage or better yet-an illegal’s wage. Illegals will work for minimum wage or less. Certain jobs-like warehouse & construction jobs- the pay has gone in the toilet.$8.00 to $10.00 an hour for the warehouse manager who speaks spanish & is legal ? He made $20.00 an hour @ GE. We do not live a “wasteful lifestyle”. We saved 20 -25 % a week towards retirement. We don’t expect anyone to give us anything than or now. By the way, we cut our own grass, clean our own house & cook our own meals too. Fast foods places etc hire illegals not because that’s all the can get. It’s because they work real cheap and don’t complain about working conditions or low wages.They can’t or won’t report employers. They don’t want to get deported again. May take them a whole week to enter the U S illegally again.

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Lisa, My husband is NOT out of work. He been driving a 18 wheeler for the past 18 months and is gone 12 days out of 14 so how’s our homelife Lisa ? It pays well like his old job at GE. Since you have to go thru a back ground check to get a CDL - no illegals can get jobs driving trucks. So they still pay well. I resent what you said about my husband. The man has worked hard all his life & you say he thinks he is TOO GOOD to work for $8 an hour ? I won’t work for that low of a wage sweetie. I been working too long to work for a teenager’s wage or better yet-an illegal’s wage. Illegals will work for minimum wage or less. Certain jobs-like warehouse & construction jobs- the pay has gone in the toilet.$8.00 to $10.00 an hour for the warehouse manager who speaks spanish & is legal ? He made $20.00 an hour @ GE. We do not live a “wasteful lifestyle”. We saved 20 -25 % a week towards retirement. We don’t expect anyone to give us anything than or now. By the way, we cut our own grass, clean our own house & cook our own meals too. Fast foods places etc hire illegals not because that’s all they can get. It’s because they work real cheap and don’t complain about working conditions or low wages.They can’t or won’t report employers. They don’t want to get deported again. May take them a whole week to enter the U S illegally again.

By AFinPC

September 26, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

I am originally from Gwinnett but have been in the military for the last 5 1/2 years and have had the priveledge to live and work around the world; from England to Turkey and Qatar. One thing that I have learned in my travels is that we are a very ethnocentric country in general. Suburban America is a prime example of this. These discussions generate so much bigotry that I am often as embarassed by this as I am Cynthia McKinney. Immigrants to our neighborhoods are to be welcomed and embraced for choosing to live and work with us. We should lend a hand to teach them our language rather than kick them while they’re down for speaking theirs. Many times I have heard people speak of France and how the French people were rude and resistant to speak to you unless you attempted to speak french…These are the same hippocrites that I read comments from on here. I am glad that the Turkish people weren’t as closed minded as my own people that I fight for everyday; otherwise I may have never learned their language and gotten to see their beautiful country. TeÅŸekkür ederim.

By Oz

September 26, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Carla, you really believe that - Spanish will take over English. Yes, hispanics are the largest MINORITY group not the MAJORITY so I don’t know where that crazy idea came from - your brain…?

Ok, I’m hispanic and all my cousins who are second and third generations Americans speak little or no Spanish - So how Spanish is going to take over? I already know that my kids’ Spanish will be terrible, conversational at best and my grandchildren’s spanish (if any) won’t be any better than their parents’.

And for all you who say that all immigrants from Europe learned English blah blah- you know that is BS. Italians stayed in little Italy because they couldn’t speak English, so did the Russians and everybody else. They ones that learned English quicker were their children who went to school. Of course after 100 years these immigrants assimilated and learned English.

I have a friend who is German descent who told me how his grandfather wouldn’t go out by himself during WWII because he was German and couldn’t speak English and when he did go out he spoke very softly to his children so they could translate. Remember that being German and Japanese at that time was not very exciting.

Also, look how Chicanos learned English, most of them speak little or no Spanish.

This is about a clash of cultures, it’s human nature to dislike or reject what it’s different or what we don’t understand. Just say it, come on, you can do it:

YOU DON’T LIKE FOREIGNERS SPECIALLY THE ONES WHO LOOK DIFFERENT AND SOUND DIFFERENT!!!!

Of course, not all Americans are racists. I have many friends, southerners by the way, who are the sweetest and most open minded people I have ever met.

By lovelyliz

September 26, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Besides, shouldn’t this be about free enterprise?

If a business wants to conduct it’s business in English, Spanish, Mandarin or whatever and then deal with the consequences, good or bad, shouldn’t they be allowed to do so?

By Jan

September 26, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

My husband immigrated to this country 35 years ago, and became a citizen in the legal manner. He did not have his paperwork in another language, and spoke and read English when he arrived. No concessions were made. I do not feel anyone should be allowed to immigrate, go to school, or work here who cannot read and write better than passable ENGLISH. All of those immigrants in our history learned English and assimilated their lives into our culture, not vice verse. Why should things be any different today?

By Nikki

September 26, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Oz, Have heard of Emory & UGA ? My husband has a degree in Economics from Emory & I have a degree in business from the University of Georgia. Having a degree looks real good on your resume but some employers don’t care. All they see is someone with alot of experience who got laid off & needs a job. They will hire who will work for the least amount of money. I speak 3 languages other than English by the way. Why do I speak 4 languages ? I lived all over the world growing up. My father thought it was rude for anyone living in other countries not to speak their native tongue.

By Carla

September 26, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Oz, who said anything about majority??? Seeing as how I have my two screens going at work closing out this month I made a typo. Dude seriously, this is America and I can believe what I want. Isn’t that why our population is soaring?? Your personal relationships don’t speak for all of the others. What language people choose to speak in their homes and teach their children is their business. However, like it’s been said over and over again, when conducting business in America it should be done in English.

Yeah there are many immigrants that come here and want to do well. And there are many others that come here looking for trouble. Don’t make this out to be an us vs. them situation. Just like with anything, the good suffer with the bad. It’s the American way right?

By Swangirl

September 26, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

First, as an aside, the situation involving the nail salon (the employees talked among themselves in their own language) has been going on for a few decades now. I almost expect it. There’s even a Seinfeld episode where Elaine wants to know what they’re saying.

Second, a large number of immigrants (not all) have no desire to learn English and don’t plan on doing so. Why? Because it’s too easy not to do so. Their goal is to make as much money as they can to send home and eventually go back themselves. They have no investment in this country. They live in their particular enclave where you don’t have to speak English at all. Some go as far as stealing the Social Security numbers of others to further their plans.

There are, however, a lesser number of immigrants who DO work to learn English so they can communicate and want to stay here, to make a contribution. They are making an effort to become legal citizens. It’s usually the younger people. Those are the ones who deserve a little extra patience when talking. You can tell they’re at least trying, unlike others who don’t even make an attempt but just stare at you.

The problem is that our lawmakers and their influential business pals are making too much money off of hiring illegal immigrants to ever truly stop it. It’s too lucrative for them.

By OZ

September 26, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

No Nikki, where’s Emory and what UGA stands for? Please enlight me.

And Nikki, how did you learn those languages? You woke up one day and said today I will learn Spanish and you learned it in 5 minutes.

Didn’t it take a while to learn, to speak, to comprehend? All I am saying, people need time to learn English. Do not assume that they don’t know it because they don’t want to learn.

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Nikki, you need to calm down! I never said your husband was too good to do an $8/hr. job, I was only going by what you said when you said he would not work for that low a wage. I don’t blame him. You need to read better and maybe next time you won’t get so upset. I think it is hilarious that back in the ‘80’s whites started fleeing to Gwinnett and Cobb so they could have affordable housing and be away from the inner city black folk. And now all their affordable housing has attracted immigrants and they are mad about that! No satisfying some people. Those of us that have stayed in the city have seen our neighborhoods improve and skyrocket in value and we live very peacefully with people from all walks of life. You get what you deserve!

By Woodie

September 26, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve thought alot about this. I used to think everyone should know English. But I now think we should make an effort to learn Spanish. We are really too cocky about this whole issue. They learn English, we learn Spanish.

By Stephanie

September 26, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why everyone is so upset about this. If they don’t learn English they are only hurting themselves. They will never truly assimilate and blend in with US society unless they do. They will remain ghettoized which will only hurt them in the longrun. I don’t know why all these US citizens who speak English are so upset. Because you have trouble ordering french fries? Because you can’t communicate with your lawnman? Boo hoo! The big losers are those who don’t, at some point, learn English. And by the way, most of them do eventually and their children certainly do so everyone just relax. If you want to do something about illegal immigration that is fine with me, I am all for it, but you fail to get my sympathy because you have trouble ordering your Big Mac. Most of you should not be ordering Big Macs anyway and should get off your fat American butts and mow your own lawns!

By George

September 26, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

woodie, you’re kidding right? please tell me you are kidding just to try to get a rise out of someone. why should we learn spanish? or french for that matter? or any other language, other than english? if you want to, great, go for it. if you are going to live in france, yes, learn it. but for those of us that live here, where the official laguage of the land is english, we should not have to learn anything for our guests. if they want to be guests here, i don’t give a crap what color they are, learn english, learn how to communicate with us, the country that is hosting them. we should not have to do it. do you really think anyone else would do that for us?

By Lisa

September 26, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks, AM. I treasure your opinion of me. Why, I it is so important to me what you think that I can barely do anything else besides worry about it. You are wise and eloquent beyond words. Keep up the stellar work!

By Rachel

September 26, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

ENGLISH is and will voted on as the official language in this country. ILLEGAL Imigrants are not welcome to stay here and will not be granted amnesty. In order to be a SUCCESS in this country you must speak audible English - that applies to people born in this country that use their own ignorant dialects and ILLEGALS that REFUSE to learn how to speak the English language. Those of you that feel any sort of compassion for these people are going to be the ones that will suffer the most. Oh of course you won’t blame the ILLEGALS - it will be all Bush’s fault or our next Republican President. Wake up - soon you will have no one to blame but yourself. The vast majority of this country understands logic - why can’t you?

By Ann

September 26, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

I have friends from other big cities, and we’ve talked quite a lot about immigration in Atlanta and Gwinnett.

In general, Atlanta has grown far differently from many other big cities. Those of us who are natives or have been in Atlanta for many years remember when it was a mid-sized southern city. There were upper, middle and lower economic classes and neighborhoods, usually segregated in black and white.

Unlike New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, there were no “ethnic” neighborhoods in Atlanta. Almost everyone spoke “Southern” English.

You’d be right to say that we weren’t prepared for the real world. Whether black or white, most of us grew up in the majority in our own communities.

I’m still not used to having to push “1” for English.

By Stephanie

September 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Those of you who are ranting about non-English speaking immigrants are very ignorant of history. Non-english speakers have be migrating to this country in droves for more than a century and it has always taken them time to assimilate and learn the language, often it does not happen until the second generation. This is NOTHING NEW. It happened with the Italians and the Germans in the early 20th century. I am not addressing illegal immigration, that is a different issue and and I agree something needs to be done, but those of you who expect these people to cross the border and instantly speak English are unrealistic and ignoring history. It may be convenient for your argument but it is not correct and is counter productive. I was born in Texas and there are thousands and thousands of second and third generations of Mexican immigrants who are just like any other Americans— they speak perfect English, go to school, go to college, become professionals. It takes a generation or two for these things to happen and you all are showing your racism and bigotry by hating the folks who don’t attain these goals in just a couple of years.

By katie

September 27, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Where does it say that everyone living in the almighty USA has to speak English? I bet each and every one of you has ancestors who came here speaking a different language. Citizens of the USA are bullies, America has become one big fat bully. I was born here and speak English and it doesn’t bother me a bit if people can’t speak English. Heck, many high school graduates can’t even speak proper English. Most get by with poor slang—like dude, like you know, like you know what I’m saying. Many college graduates can’t even write a proper sentence or spell properly. Try looking in the mirror for perfection before being so narrow minded about those who speak other languages.

By rowena

September 27, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

I live in Lawrenceville and almost all the Bosnians in the area speak English fairly well. I have also found this with many of the Asians in Gwinnett and many of the native African people who have migrated here. Why is it so hard for the Hispanics to learn our language? I have two sets of neighbors one from South America and the other from Cuba and each of these families has been in this country for over 15 years but the husbands still do not speak English. I don’t understand how that’s possible.

By Woodie

September 27, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Hey George. No I wasn’t kidding. If you travel to France or Spain or Mexico, many of the people speak their native languages AND English. The French are very proud of their language and this comes off as being snobbish. I believe our intolerant attitude towards other languages must make us a snobbish group as well. We should demonstate a worldly-ness about the languages of the world. I’m not sure who’s the real dummy when a Spanish speaker cannot communicate with an English speaker. Certainly we want to be educated enough to converse with a Spanish speaking person. I think we are both dummies for not being able to communicate well or show understanding of other cultures.

By Rachel

September 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Do you realize that your are refering to “traveling” to other countries not “living” there permanently. The only reason that people in other countries learn English is due to tourism. We are a very wealthy country. They want Americans to spend money and if attemping to speak English is what they have to do to communicate and keep us coming then so be it! They want our money - period! How hard is that to understand. Our problem here is totally different. We are being overrun and taken advantage of by ILLEGALS. They make little to no attempt to learn ENGLISH because our appathetic government and some citizens allow this to happen and they love it. ILLEGALS see those who offer sympathy towards there plight as stupid and are doing everything they can to take advantage of it. Your misguided compassion and lack of knowledge is contributing to the our problems with ILLEGAL immigration. Immigration built this country - ILLEGAL immigration is rampant and is distroying it!

By katie

September 27, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

No, Illigal immigration is not rampant nor is it destroying our country. We are destroying our own country. It’s lazy Americans draining our welfare system. It’s our own kids failing to graduate high school. Kids in Georgia can’t even get out of grade school and many are from white American families. Illegal immigration is a small problem but not the largest this country has to battle. Please read the statistics before making such harsh comments. Americans need to work and stop having more children than they can afford to have. Get medical coverage, get an education so you can earn more money. It’s so easy to blame people from other countries and yet so hard to look in the mirror to see how you can make a difference.

By Lori

September 27, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

I had a strange experience recently. I took my 16 month old daughter to Shorty Howell park on Pleasant Hill Rd(right across from the new super wal-mart center). It was very crowded. There had to be at least 35 or more kids there. I had to wait in line to use most of the equipment. Now here’s the wierd part (for me anyway), I was the only person speaking English. The language spoken by and large was Spanish. There were a small handfull of Asian kids there as well(maybe 5 or 6). NO ONE was speaking English. What suprised me the most is that the kids were NOT speaking English either. Many will have you believe that even if the parents do not speak English, their children do. That has not been my experience. I have no doubt that some may have known at least a little English, but I repeat NO ONE was using it. My honest gut reaction was disgust.
My daughter lost her shoe, and I couldn’t even ask anyone if they had seen it because NO ONE spoke English!!! I just couldn’t believe it.

By Rogers

September 27, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

The notion that we live in a “melting pot” society is anything but true. What we have instead are scads of foreigners that refuse to assimilate into American culture, at the same time expecting to reap all of the benefits that go along with citizenship. Illegal immigrants expect constitutional rights to be extended to them without accepting the myriad responsibilities that go along with being an American citizen (i.e. paying income tax, obeying the law, speaking the native language, etc.) It’s a sad day when our elected leaders, both Democrat and Republican, refuse to confront the problem. Instead, they retreat into their own elite culture of priviledge where petty matters such as language barriers, illegal immigration, and low-paying jobs are best left to the proletariat rabble. Better to pay lip service in the morning, and play golf in the afternoon, than to deal with the everyday problems of those who voted them into office in the first place.

By Ashley

September 27, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

You know somthing it makes me sick that people who probably cant count 10 or even 5 generations back to where the ancestors came to the United States start to complain about people who are here speaking a different language. The reason the United States accomodates people of different nationalities is because the United States is a Nation unlike any other.It is a country that Is made up of and founded on the idea that this country was a haven a place of refuge, a chance at a better life. No other country in the intire world is made up of people from every nationality because the people who came here origanally and who have come here since have come because they wanted a better life. English is still not the National language and when it is it will be a shame becuase That is what our nation is made of a variety of languages, nationalities and cultures. It is a MELTING POT of different cultures and people who can see past the end of their noses know that. I was born and raised thinking that our nation was this great place and when I read articles like this one complaining of all the differences it makes me feel ashamed to call myself AMERICAN. ya’ll need to go back home and look at your family tree and remember where you came from.!!!!!

By jan

September 27, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

you people just need to all date outside your race! try it and you might love it! I know me and all my friends do!

By crystal

September 28, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Katie,

Did you ever stop to think that one of the reasons kids in this country are so poorly educated is because so much money and resources are spent teaching kids ENGLISH as a second language. Schools don’t have enough money for P.E., music, art, sports, etc., but they sure have enough money for multiple ESL classes. And let’s take a look at the background at who is filling up the classes, I bet most of them are Spanish speakers. How about extra science or math or advanced reader classes, nope have to have the money to teach kids ESL. The parents should have to pay for PRIVATE tutors to teach their kids ESL, not tax payers money. Then when their kids are English literate ready for school they can be allowed to attend. I bet the schools and the students test grades would drastically improve. I at least would like to try and see if it would work.

And to Rowena, the reason why your non-Spanish neighbors can speak English is because they don’t have a choice. There is NOTHING catered to them to avoid being able to learn the language. They have to learn English or they don’t survive.

By Lori

September 28, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Ashley, I think the point that most are trying to make is that the immigrants of today..especially the illegals(which have not right to be here in the first place) make no or very little attempt to learn English. Most of us recognize that our ancestors came from other countries and spoke foreign languages. In the days when immigrants were coming in hoards through Ellis Island(legally), they were learning English at a pretty quick pace. I have talked at length with my grandfather(who immigrated from Romania)about this. Back then, they wanted to be American. My grandfather will always be Romanian by birthright, but he chooses to be American. I think now…immigrants want to be Mexicans (input any other nationality) who live in America and reap the benifits but never take on an American identity. It’s a scary thought to me and to most… to live in a country where a growing number of people do not identify themselves as an American. That’s the difference between our ancestors and the immigrants of today.

By jxu66

September 28, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Just read CRCT score for BB harris, Duluth middle and Duluth high score breakdown. Hispanic kids are doing so much poorer than White, Asians and Black kids (By the way, there is very little difference in score between white, asians and black kids). I hope that Hispanics parents commit more resources for their kids so that the kids will receive better education.

By katie

September 28, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Hey Crystal, Did you mean County instead of Country? Maybe in Gwinnett County your argument is valid but Country wide, immigration isn’t a big issue. There are many states that don’t have a large population of Spanish speaking residents, legal or illegal. I do agree that the parents should cover the cost for ESL lessons but that doesn’t change the fact that American kids are doing poorly in school. I blame their parents for that for allowing them to watch TV and play video games instead of reading books; And not comic books, real books. How many kids today have read Moby Dick or Tom Sawyer etc? Not too many.

By Rachel

September 28, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Katie - I have a challenge for you. Call your friends, relatives and/or co-workers in all parts of the country that live in desirable locations. I am not talking Michigan or Nebraska, for example. Places that have a good economy (yes Democrats - the majority of America is doing extremely well economically). Ask them about ILLEGAL Immigration where they live, and I GUARANTEE that you will find the issue is widespead. Unfortunately, I am embarassed to admit that Gwinnett County has one of the highest populations of ILLEGALS. We have to stop it on all levels and loopholes.

ENGLISH is the official language, NO AMNESTY for ILLEGALS, ANCHOR BABIES do not guarantee citizenship for ILLEGAL parents, No FREE education and healthcare to ILLEGALS, No more pressing #2 for Spanish and subtitles, push for the FAIR TAX so that American money stays in America.

By Trish

September 28, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

It’s unreal. Why isn’t ENGLISH our natioal language. I don’t care to stand in grocery lines listening to other languages. I thought I lived in America. If I wanted to not understand what my fellow citizens were talking I would move to Germany or France of which I cannot speak the language. Don’t come here if you can’t speak and read ENGLISH ROAD SIGNS!!!

By Steve

September 29, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this

Maybe it is time for some of you to take a trip out of your back yards and see what the rest of the world is doing. Singapore has four different lanuages posted and spoken on a regular bases, english being one of them. Bangkok and you can get by just fine speaking only english. A trip through Europe this summer and english was the only lanuage I needed to get buy for eight weeks. Try and understand your new neighbors and be happy that they have come to do the work most AMERICANS will not do

By Rachel

September 29, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Here we go again… Steve - you are refering to travel and tourism. The only reason other countries speak English is because they want our MONEY. It has absolutely nothing to do with being sophisticated, diverse, etc. We are a WEALTHY country - the most powerful country in the World. It has nothing to do with us being snobbish or ignorant - facts are facts. Other countries know this and choose to learn ENGLISH. On your next “8 week frolic” to Europe ask the locals and you will understand why they chose to learn our language - MONEY.
ILLEGALS have invaded our country for MONEY. They work to send money back to there homeland and turn around and STEAL FROM YOU (via the government through taxes) to get FREE healthcare and education. ILLEGALS are criminals and learning ENGLISH is not in there best interest. Being ignorant gives them the power to take advantage of our values and our laws. ILLEGALS know that we are a compassionate country - we always come through with the MONEY whenever there is a crisis here or around the world.

By Daniel

September 29, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

If I moved to a different country, lets say Mexico, I would do my best to assimilate to the Mexican culture and to learn their language. Of course I would not forget my American culture. I would do this because it would make my life easier and the people I am trying to communicate with in Mexico’s life easier.

I understand there is a learning curve AND some of the people are fresh across the boarder, but I beileve if there is NO attempt to learn Enlish and no attempt to assimilate to the American way of life is a sign of huge disrespect and laziness.

By Katie

September 29, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Rachel, Where does it say in the Constitution that one must speak English? You may not like the fact that many people speak other languages but why single out those that speak Spanish? Why are you not bashing those that speak Russian, Chinese, Japanese or Korean? This country has large populations of each. I am from Northern California and am very used to hearing many different languages. I feel it is a learning experience to talk to those from a different country than mine? Have you gone to college, have you experienced diversity or do you want a ‘white only’ Christian nation? All this racism towards those of a hispanic background is sickening. I do have relatives in several different states and they are as disappointed as I am in this belief system. I am in the category of being middle class but am embarassed by my fellow middle classmens’ beliefs on these matters. As I said before, America has become one big FAT bully.

By Rachel

September 29, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Katie - First of all, you never responded to my challenge. Have you even attempted to explore the truth that ILLEGAL Immigration is widespread? Second, I “single out” Spanish speaking ILLEGALS because there are MILLIONS of them. I find it ammusing that you mention the “others”…those that immigrated from other countries. At the “Coffee” this morning with my gal pals, I mentioned that I had been blogging this week and knew that would be an interesting subject to them. You see one of them is from Korea and the other India. Oh my! Rachel lives in a neighborhood with immigrants that she actually speaks to (in ENGLISH I might add)? Okay, Katie, are you sitting down? - my friends actually AGREED WITH ME. They are as mad as I am on the subject. The main reason, according to my friends, is that ILLEGALS are in this country breaking our laws and demanding rights that they do not deserve.
Needless to say, my day started off great - the perfect beginning to a great weekend!

By Dee

September 29, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Nikki, you can drive an 18 wheeler an be illegal. There’s LARGE trucking company in Gwinnett who has some drivers! A friend on mine who works at this company confirmed this fact.

By Americans must learn foreign languages

September 29, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Most Americans have lazy language skills. Few Americans speak standardized English. Just think of all of the people (and not all of them are teenagers) who punctuate their spoken language with “you know�, “like�, and with other verbal nonsense.

If Americans are to become and remain competitive this century, then they must become multilingual. All Americans should be minimally fluent in both English and Spanish. Additionally, American children should be taught Arabic and Chinese. These are the languages of business and politics of the future. And the future in NOW!

We must begin teaching foreign languages in Kindergarten and continue through high school and college. Both four year and two year college students should have to take and meet foreign language proficiency requirements before graduation requirements can be met. Workplaces should begin foreign language immersion training programs for interested employees – like the Peace Corps uses before sending participants away to other lands.

Learning a foreign language helps people to discover about how other human being live around the globe. Language ties into understanding people, places, and cultures. Americans are ignorant to think that everyone should bend and conform to them. Our survival as a nation demands that we change this mindset.

By Foreign countries must learn English

September 29, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

The United States of America is the most powerful country in the World. All countries must know some English to be able to do business with us. Why do we have to learn all their languages when the simple thing to do would be to learn English? It is just a matter of time before the United States of America will have English as the official language. Our Founding Fathers intent will not be altered to pacify illegals and support un-American behavior.

By Mom

September 29, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Hello Friends, Recently, I tried three times to order a radio from Amazon.com!!! It was hilarious. The Indian man could not understand me, I could not understand him!! We had to laugh. I am still looking for a radio to buy!!! I do wish there was a mail order form I could just send to get that radio!! Cheers!

By Go girl!

October 1, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

A great topic and good discussion. Thanks, Beni

By Mandy

October 2, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

I agree completely George!! It’s beyond frustrating! I feel that we have been too accomadating to the foreign speaking community. They are in the stores, dealing with the public, without one clue of how to communicate with the customers but yet they more than likely drove a vehicle to get there.

One of the things that infuriates me is the ‘No Child Left Behind’ act. A lot of children in our school systems do not know English and they are holding back the children who do because the teachers can’t keep going until the whole class is caught up. That’s just a bunch of junk. You don’t want to learn English - fine. But don’t use our school system as a free daycare and cause our children’s education to not be as complete as it should be.

By katie

October 2, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

Rachel, okay, I’ll play along with your little game. If this country gets rid of all the immigrant workers, whether they are here legally or illegaly, prepare to pay $10 for a head of lettuce, $15 for a gallon of milk, $7 for a lb of beef—do the math. With all our uneducated McDonald’s working, minimum wage receiving, white Americans, what do you think will happen to the welfare and medical system? They won’t be able to afford to eat much less have children. Are you prepared to pay for all these people’s children and all their housing and nutritional needs? Are you prepared to tell someone that they can’t have children because they don’t make enough money? Are you prepared to make your child go out to the fields and pick lettuce and tomatoes to keep the costs low for the rest of America? Or will you be one of the people that says your child is too good for that laborous work? If so, who do you think will take the place of the immigrant workers in the labor force? Do you want your child cleaning hotel rooms, washing dishes and picking produce all for very low wages? will you be proud to say to your friends, when you drive by the local hotel, that YOUR child keeps those sheets clean? Before this country makes a bold move to remove this population of workers we need to find replacements for them. Let’s talk about that. How many Americans do you see lining up filling out employment applications to be field laborers, hotel cleaners, landscapers, construction laborers and dish washers? Yes, you can say that there aren’t because illegals take these jobs. Well, you know, they take these jobs because no one else wants them. It also keeps the costs low for the rest of us. Unless wages go up for everyone, most couldn’t afford the change. I would go from middle class to poor, what about you? If you have some grand plan of how to rid this country of these migrant laborers and still keep our spending low, please share this info with the rest of us. Because even the economists in this country haven’t figured that out yet.

By Crystal

October 4, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

As far as I’m concerned, as all of those want to protest that it doesn’t say anywhere in the constitution that English is the official language, what one and only language was the constitution written? That would be ENGLISH!! I don’t remember seeing the constitution written in multiple languages when I viewed it in the National Archives. I also didn’t see any signs with translations on the walls. If you want to know which of your rights are being violated, you better find an interpretor.

As far as jobs in the country and wages paid out, by paying illegals a lower wage, the owners of the companies that make our goods and services are not passing the savings on to the consumers. They are pocketing the extra hourly wages. If you paid a living wage for these “workers” the owners wouldn’t raise products that much because they know no one would buy them. They would have to take a hit in their pockets and that is why they are so dead set against paying a living wage, unemployment taxes, FICA and medicare taxes, workman’s comp., etc. As if they are hiring illegals for the consumers benefit so that we don’t have to pay $5.00 a pound for chicken, please!!

By Crystal

October 4, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Also, I just went to the Detroit metro area and paid $80.00 a night less for a hotel room versus the same chain in Suwanee and ALL the hotel staff in the Detroit one spoke ENGLISH versus the one in Suwanee.

Also, went to a very nice Chinese restaurant in Buford last night and had a very good conversation with my waiter IN ENGLISH.