Lawrenceville.Talk

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

Is Spanish only in Mexico RACISM? Spanish is the “OFFICIAL LANGUAGE” by law in Mexico. Where are all the anti-Americans assassinating Mexico and the Mexicans for their defense of their national “OFFICIAL LANGUAGE”? Where is Senator Harry Reid, Democrat from Nevada standing on the U.S. Senate floor calling Mexico and the Mexicans RAAAAAAAAAAACISSSSSSSSSST!

Would you buy a sandwich from an establishment withholding food from people who can’t speak the English language?

Yes indeed Ms. Bullard, I would go out of my way to buy from an establishment that demands respect for the sovereignty, the culture, the history, THE LANGUAGE, and the citizens of the United States of America.

It is offensive to me to hear music and commercials in Spanish played over the PA systems in Kroger and Wal Mart, to the point I’ve made it a purposed discussion to avoid the stores that show this pejorative towards the United States of America, me and all other U.S. citizens.

Time for a well deserved plug: It was of great comfort to read my Representative John Linder’s legislation introduced to enact laws governing immigration in this country to reflect the laws of immigration long on the books in Mexico.

What’s Salsa for the Mexican goose is good hot sauce for the American Gander!

In Mexico illegal immigration is a felony.

Mexican citizens can detain illegal aliens till the Mexican authorities pick them up for deportation.

Think an illegal alien can buy property in Mexico? Then think again. Even LEGAL immigrants can’t buy property in some areas of Mexico.

Articles of incorporation in Mexico must be submitted in Spanish.

By Deb

June 21, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

Michael - you said it well!

Would you buy a sandwich from an establishment withholding food from people who can’t speak the English language?

You bet I would. Any immigrants living in this country NEED to learn English in addition to their own language. If more businesses took this stance, it just might encourage assimilation by immigrants.

If I went to live in a non-English speaking country, I would expect to have to learn that country’s language.

By A Vet

June 21, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

I would absolutely support a restaurant that has an English only policy. Quit whining about racism and learn the language of this country. When I travel, I don’t expect everyone to know English and carry a handy language book to help. If I lived in a country where the predominate language was not English, I’d learn that language. Get off your lazy, wish I was still in Mexico butt and learn or go home.

By Lola

June 21, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Would you buy a sandwich from an establishment withholding food from people who can’t speak the English language?

Well that’s a moot point, Jaqueline, because anyone who has done two minutes of research on Geno’s and Joey Vento knows that he doesn’t withhold food from anyone who can’t speak English. He helps them learn how to order what they want in English and then he gives it to them. But it’s selective reporting like yours, and omission of relevant facts like those that has made this such a media frenzy.

Joey Vento is right-on in his quest to have people order in English, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with his sign. It doesn’t deny anyone anything, and it doesn’t exclude any particular group of people. He’s not racist and he’s the son of Italian (legal) immigrants, so he has every right to speak on the issue of assimilation and the necessity of it.

By Dick

June 21, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

Don’t just hold item on food, I think if you can’t speak English you shouldn’t be able to vote. FAmily members going to Paris next week, you think they care if they can speak french. Hope menus have photos of food.

By waz

June 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Lola is right why don’t you get your facts right before you write. Some writer, ha,ha,ha.

By Mike

June 21, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Dog gone right, English should be our official language, all government documents should be printed in English only. If a person needs a translation it should be their responsibility to get a translator, the tax payers shouldn’t be required to provide another service that makes it easier for the foreign trespassers to ignore our language, culture, and laws. Why should any services be provided to people who broke our laws to come over here and trespass in our country. Every time a trespasser is caught they should be immediately deported along with all of their family members. Our law giving citizenship to anyone born in this country should be rewritten to give citizenship to anyone born in this country only if the childs parents are in this country legally.

By kc

June 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Yes I would. I would also prefer the person taking my order speak very good english. A lot of times their mis-interpretation of the language causes a delivery of the wrong item.

Why should we print things in Spanish when we don’t list all the other languages on signs and food boxes for the other foreign nationalities that are here in the US?

What about our drivers license test - it is administered to the non-speaking English foreigners in their language but yet all of our SIGNS ARE IN ENGLISH.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Gee y’all would support an eating establishment that refused service to a deaf-mute because they don’t speak the english language? Or are we just talking about a mexican deaf-mute?

Many Resturants have a numbered menu and others have one you can read, You don’t understand holding up the number of fingers of the item they wish to order pointing to an item on a menu?

Damn, and I really thought racism was dieing here in Ga.

By John

June 21, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Requiring residents of ANY country to speak the official language of that country is NOT racist. Quit making this a Mexican issue.

By me1

June 21, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

As Ron White might say “In Jawjah ITS THE LAW”. Yes people, state law says english only

By jim d

June 21, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Well then let’s break a law.

consiga una vida

By adam

June 21, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

100% yes. why do people always have to bring up the race card. it gets so old. jacqueline, was this really worth your time. actually, this is probably all you do - find irrelevent “racism” stories.

By Ann

June 21, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

Yes I agree that anyone in this country that is not a native of this country should learn to speak english. If I travel outside of the U.S. I will have to learn to speak their language or point to whatever I want. English is and should be this country’s offical language.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

A simple question for you.

How many of you take the time to learn a foriegn language before traveling abroad?

Oh, and for you rednecks, I ain’t talkin bout goin to bama.

By Erika

June 21, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

Absolutely. I would eat there every day. I’m tired of having to repeat my order to someone who only understands the bits and pieces of “would you like fries with that” when you’re not even at a burger joint.

I’ve heard that when you visit France, the people are so happy that you at least try to speak the language. If you’re living in this country - can they not put in a little effort and at least TRY to speak english?

We’d save a ton of money on healthcare if we made it a requirement to speak english. Oh, and limited the number per household/carload to 5.

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

If I were in a foreign non-English speaking country and refused service, even food, because of my disrespect for their language or disrespect out of my own inept arrogant stupidity to learn the language of the country wherein I went, I would expect nothing kinder than a refusal for my having insulted them. They would be right, not RACIST, in refusing to waste their profit making time on listening to my foreign English blathering gibberish.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Horsefeathers Mr. Smith.

I’ve yet to be to another country that refused me service because of a language barrier. In fact most I’ve visited have been glad to accomodate me and take my US dollars.

By just passing through

June 21, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Jim — just how often do you think average Americans travel abroad?

Besides, learning English or another language isn’t really the point. When I travel abroad, I don’t learn the language to the point of fluency, however, I do try to pick up some key phrases, carry a phrasebook with me and, when I’m in Rome, I do as the Romans do. It makes for exciting travel and exposes me to a culture that I wouldn’t experience if I didn’t try to embrace that culture.

If I lived in another country, I’d learn the dam*ed language. Geno’s is helping people experience American culture, not excluding people.

By AboutTime

June 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

I would go there for lunch everyday. I am so tired of hearing about this issue. You live in the United States, learn English. Don’t expect us to turn everything inside out to accomodate your unwillingness to learn the language. My husband came over from Germany. He still speaks German, but very quickly learned to communicate in English. Why should anyone else be different? Having a second language is great, but here in the USA your first had better be English.

By european

June 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m French, German, Finnish, Polish, Russian and don’t speak English… what RACE am I again? Ms. Bullard, after you straighten out the “facts” in your article, maybe you can tell us why you are trying to make this a racial issue. Certainly your readers deserve a better effort from you than this drivel. Or are you trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator?

By jim d

June 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Well Just passing through.

Last time I checked, 2001. It was about 13 million americans that visited europe alone in 2000.

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Hooey jim d

My reasonable expectations and your cited international greed for the almighty U.S. dollars are very different matters.

To prove the point lets take a walk out on any construction site. We’ll find someone who speaks Spanish, and no English. I’ll speak to them in English first, then in Spanish. They will ignore the English but the Spanish will bring respect, will be embraced and watch the walls come down in a display of friendliness and acceptance.

By Ashley

June 21, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

People need to get their facts straight. English is not yet the official language of the United States. It is just assumed since most of our population speaks English that it is but I imagine that our ancestors who immigrated to this country didnt expect every one to be the same as them. So before you go getting all high and mighty about how other people should learn your language just look at how great of a country you live in where our diversity is celebrated instead of going back to the days where people were discriminated against.so unil they do make English the official language Viva Los Estados Unidos!!!!

By Eric

June 21, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

jim d,

I don’t bother to learn a foreign language when I’m traveling abroad… but I damn sure would if I was going to LIVE there.

That is a stupid comparison.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Mr Smith,

I’m afraid I fail to see the comparison. We’re talking about a restaurant here that refuses service to non-English speakers. Not communications on a job site.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Eric,

Why’s it stupid? Most of the folks here from south of the border don’t plan to stay.

By Danny

June 21, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

H_ ll NO!!!!!!!!!!

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

English is the official language in the State of Georgia Ashley by law. English in America has always been so accepted by U.S. citizens as the official language until recently, that to even have to declare it as the national official language was held in common thought to be insane.

But thanks to Bill Clinton’s executive order, illegal and out of control legal immigration including corporate greed Americans find themselves having to fight for our national sovereignty, culture, history, language and in very fact, equal enforcement of our laws.

By Twinkie

June 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

This is still the United States of America. English is the language that has been learned by generations of people from other countries, China, India, Russia, etc. The Hispanic people, (many of them in the country illegally) are not only demanding that we change our language to Spanish, but that we give them rights that they are not entitled to. Just how many languages would you like us to speak? Why not require the Spanish speaking people to learn Chinese? Geno has not refused service to anyone of any Nation. He has said if they cannot speak the language, they will still be served. I think it’s time Americans served up some good common sense to those who have none. For the person who called Georgians “Rednecks”, I’m proud to be one. The term refers to farmers who necks were blistered while walking behind a plow and looking at the South end of a mule headed North. Thank God for the farmers. Call me a “Redneck” but don’t call me complacent!

By jim d

June 21, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Soory folks, but tourisim is one of the largest industries in Georgia. If we were to refuse service to all non-English speaking people just exactly what do you think would happen to our economy?

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

In like respect jim d the comparison holds true communication is communication period.

I fail to see your illustration of greed as some form acceptance of an insult towards someone’s native language within their own country, on a job site or in a restaurant. If you are saying greed is a universal language, then I’m with you on that partner all the way.

Seems that almighty American dollar is a balm that heels a lot of insults.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

Well maybe Mike, but I just don’t consider it an insult when someone else doesn’t understand my native tongue.

By Nicole

June 21, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with the majority on this. I would DEFINITELY buy a sandwich from a shop like this one, and in even further agreement with the comment that the establishment helps the individuals learn the English language and how to order. What is the big problem? I guess as have been said, no one bothered to do the real fact finding in this situation. I believe I read a quote from the owner of this particular establishment on another site that simply said (and this is not verbatim) “why wouldn’t we teach those coming into the country now the English language? When the immigrants came to Ellis Island they had to learn English and speak it so that they could become a part of this GREAT country.” He isn’t denying services to these individuals, he is affording them the opportunity they otherwise would not have; the opportunity to learn and grow as they migrate into society. The media needs to wake-up and do real research before they report the “facts”.

Oh, and for the record jim d, I’m not a redneck!

By just passing through

June 21, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim — your 13.7 million is less than 5% of the population. not exactly an activity of your average American. And you missed the point if all you responded to is that one question.

By Peaches

June 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Jacqueline, I find the question offensive. Believing that people who live and work in this country should speak English is not remotely racist. Name calling for those who disagree with your particular point of view is not helpful. Be careful of the tone you set with such questions;it will come back to haunt you. Racist is an ugly word. Once invoked you can’t take it back. It is a word used to intimidate by accusation, not a way to have a discussion. You should apologize.

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Our economy will continue to survive no differently than in France or in Quebec. Quebecers our very defensive of their language and very easily offended with English speaking foreigners; to the point as I’m told by those who know the Quebecers, they will refuse to even carry on a conversation in English, though they can speak fluently.

And our economy will not collapse without illegal immigrant labor. This country functioned very well before this current immigration problem and did so speaking English.

By Kay

June 21, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

In respect to all of you, why are you even trying to talk to Jim D. He’s an idiot and if you plan on staying in any country for over a year, especially where you kids are being educated, you need to learn that country’s language.

By Lola

June 21, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

You should be ashamed of yourself, Jacqueline. Your race-baiting title, the misinformation you spout unabated as if it were fact, and the insinuation that it’s wrong of people in America to expect those who come here from other countries to speak our common language, is nothing short of ridiculous and frankly, quite telling of your lack of journalistic ethics (and talent). I think the AJC can and should do a lot better.

By delois

June 21, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

How is it that the Asians, Bosnians and various African immigrants all manage to learn English? I live in Lawrenceville and there are large groups of these various immigrant groups living in Lawrenceville now and they own businesses there. All of these groups have learned our language but most of the Hispanics continue to go on as if they do not need to speak English. We have neighbors who have been here over 20 years and the husband still only speaks a few words of English.

By jwild

June 21, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

And Georgia has ambitions of hosting the headquarters of the Free Trade Zone of the Americas and replacing Miami as the gateway to Latin America? HA! Mr. Geno (love the 100% full-blooded American name) has every right to demand that English be spoken by his customers. Obviously, he’s not interested in $$$ coming from non-English speakers. Likewise with the rest of the pure-blooded English speakers. Reject all foreign-speakers and their US greenback-supported purchasing power. Tourism, retail (Kroger and Publix), and other industries— and their employees— will soon after feel the loss of those pesky foreign-language speaker-owned $$$. No doubt ignorance breeds stupidity. (i.e., it’s the money stupid!)

By tryanon

June 21, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Since persons of many races speak Spanish, language use can not be equated to race.

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

I do respect your right Jim to hold your position on this matter but I don’t respect foreign people who know full well before they ever come to this country that the language here is English and fail to prepare adequately. Where I understand your compassion and not wanting to discriminate, I can’t defend the arrogance of this demand placed on the American people that we must set aside over 200 years of long establish history, culture, language, and sovereignty as a nation of laws.

In truth Jim I speak more Spanish than your average U.S. citizen – the Mexican centric kind you can’t learn in school - but I know it, not think it, would be insulting, disrespecting and arrogant of me toward the Mexican people to go to Mexico and not learn a lot more Spanish before I left this country. Most certainly I would not even hint that Mexico and the Mexican people would have to change anything Mexican to accommodate my Americanism just so I wouldn’t call them racist, bigoted or xenophobic, which would be very disrespectful of Mexican sovereignty. And the only condemnation I’ve hurled at Mexico and the Mexicans has been for the purpose to eventually elevate that country out of the corruption, oppression and abuse that creates the most god-awful poverty no human should have to endure.

We don’t have to destroy America to have a descent Mexico next door.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

“One out of four of the world’s population speak English to some level of competence. Demand from the other three-quarters is increasing.”

Personally I feel that we are disrspecting a full 75% of the worlds population if we refuse them service in this country simply because of a language barrier. I do however respect your right to do so. I just don’t agree with it.

By FedUp

June 21, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Jim - you just keep missing the point. I don’t believe anyone said a foreign visitor to this country should be denied service for not speaking English. I know I would try my best to assist them, as I am sure would most others here. The distinction is between tourist and resident. If I visit a foreign land I have no doubt I will need to depend on help from the locals to overcome language barriers, however, if I moved there, I sure would learn the language of the country. It would be mighty arrogant of me to expect everyone else to accomodate my limitations. Same goes here. Live here, learn English, or accept the limitations you have placed on yourself.

By Lefthookjab

June 21, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

First of all, as a former resident of the City Of Brotherly Love, let me be the first to say, Genos or Pat’s Steaks aren’t the best Philly has to offer when talkin’ cheesesteaks. Any local knows a good cheesesteak can be had in there own neighborhood, no matter where they reside in the city limits.

With that said, yes it’s obvious Joe Vento is enjoying a little extra publicity over his across the street rival, Pat’s. Why make stupid stands now? Geno’s been in business for years without the veiled racist position. Here’s a question Joe, I know you’ve been to Chinatown…are there any signs requiring one to speak Chinese before you order? If there was, were they in Mandarin or Szechuan? And for that matter, could you read Chinese characters anyway?

They are buisness owners as well and could have chose the narrow mindset to cater to a small segment of the population (those who reside in and near Chinatown who spoke Chinese). They instead chose inclusian.

By abc

June 21, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Some time ago, while visiting the Miami area, I was unable to order a food delivery because noone in any of the local restaurants I called could speak English. It was frustrating. There’s no reason for immigrants not to learn English, but no reason for a restaurant to insist on fluency to order.

By Lefthookjab

June 21, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

In my first post, in the second paragraph, I said, ” If there was…”. That should read, ” If there were…”. I also misspelled inclusion, sorry ‘bout that!

By GG

June 21, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

I grew up in a home where English was not spoken in the home. However, I went to public schools and learned very quickly to speak English. I was born and raised in the midwest, it was just assumed that you live in America you speak English. Even my parents learned enough English to communicate - no one expected anything else. I think Geno has a great idea, we cater to special interest too much.

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t feel it is disrespectful in the least Jim to expect that foreigners speak English in this country. If every country in the world spoke something besides English I would still hold the same position. We are not disrespecting 75% of the world Jim, it is the 100% of foreign people who come to this country from around the world and south our southern border thinking the United States of America is something other than a sovereign nation in every respect, which includes our U.S. English.

We definitely will have to agree to disagree on this one. Every American should learn at least some foreign language. But no American should be forced to speak anything other than English to accommodate anyone with a service or product in this country. Nor should they have to suffer condemnation or penalty under law for having done so.

By jim

June 21, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

When our ancestors immigrated to the US (and that applies to almost all of us), they were expected to learn to speak English and adhere to this country’s laws and customs. Have we become so PC that the expectation of learning your adopted country’s language of choice is an unreasonable request? Remember, we all are immigrants at some point in our history, we just immigrated legally and didn’t expect our new country to adapt to us.

By Judi

June 21, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Yes!!!! This is America and the official language is English. For those who fight so hard to get here, they know when they come that English is spoken. By the same token, they should assimilate into the school systems by learning English….we should not be expected to teach Sspanish to our children so that they can communicate!

By MarkM

June 21, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Michael, I don’t know who is telling those you things about Quebec, but I have had nothing but wonderful experiences traveling to Montreal and Quebec City. Maybe what your friend told you was true at one time, but it’s not anymore. They depend mightily on the American tourist $, and most of the people involved in tourist-related businesses speak English well and are happy to speak it with Americans. Of course, they are proud of their native language, and if you try a few words of French, it goes a long way. Take a trip there, I highly recommend it, although the US$ doesn’t go as far as it used to. Americans can even get their hotel tax and tax on large (more than $50) purchases refunded - what a deal!

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

With all due respect abc (apart from my other public pro-English language only reasoning) there is a very good reason why a restaurant business should insist a patron speak at least enough U.S. English to order food; the costs of hiring multi-lingual interpreters or having to pay for multi-lingual menus.

If pointing to the pictures and holding up the appropriate amount fingers doesn’t work then the non-English speaker has only themselves to blame for not being served, not to mention being vulnerable to being ripped-off.

By Shaye Lewis

June 21, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

My husband is from Europe and speaks English as a second language; I am learning his native language before I move to Europe because I think you need to be able to communicate in the predominant language in order to function anywhere.

How the heck is someone supposed to take someone’s order if they can’t speak the language the order-taker understands??

It is up to each individual basis to cater to or not cater to any individuals (smoking, non-smoking, English-speaking, not English-speaking).

By me1

June 21, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Not only is English law in Georgia, but in Gwinnett there is a sign ordinance that says signs must be in English. Apparently nobody respects the law anymore.

By Shaye Lewis

June 21, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Um, Judi, the US doesn’t have an official language. Check your facts.

By Twinkie

June 21, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

I keep seeing, “refused service because they don’t speak English”. Service has not been refused. Jeno said everyone would be served. I can order in Spanish in a Mexican restaurant, but I can also order in English. Just how many languages would you like Americans to learn Jim?

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Well MarkM we are back to accommodating the universal language of greed, I’ve conceded to that one already. The Quebecers do speak English fluently because Canada is a long established bilingual country. Again though I noticed the, “if you speak their language how things take on different terms in acceptance, respect and warmth in embrace”. Quebecers remain very defensive of their French, make no doubt about it. And if they felt one little bit of threat to their language or place in Canadian sovereignty, told you Quebecers will have to speak English, no doubt there would be a fight breaking out in O’ Canada.

By Katie

June 21, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

BY Katie,

No I would not have a problem buying a item from a store that has this sign posted. This is not an issue of racism. When Americans go to other countries, we have to learn how to speak their language or hope to meet someone who are able to interpet what we are saying and relay it to the other person. There is nothing wrong with requesting that a person learns to language of this country which is American English, that is just the way it is, in all countries. If a person wants to be a citizen of any country, then they have to learn the language so that they will be able to communicate with the other citizens of that country. I really would like to call a business number to discuss my banking business or others issues without having to ask the person to repeat themselves, because their accent is so strong that I unable not to understand them what is being said. That is very frustrating. I have had to try to communicate with someone whom speaks no english or very little english, when dealing with business matters, and half way through the conversation I am so frustrated, I have to ask to speak to someone who speaks english well enough for me to understand what they are saying.

By Twinkie

June 21, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

This doesn’t address the language but It may (Liberty) ring a bell with Americans. Well worth reading and passing on.

New Immigrants From: “David LaBonte”

My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to “print” it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined.

Dave LaBonte (signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor:

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statute of Liberty because the people now in question aren’t being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today’s American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold> the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hilter, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country’s flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here.

These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I’m sorry, that’s not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900s deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. And for that suggestion about taking down the Statute of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn’t start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

(signed) Rosemary LaBonte

P.S. Pass this on to everyone you know!!! KEEP THIS LETTER MOVING!!

I hope this letter gets read by millions of people all across the nation!!

By carl

June 21, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Ordering in English should be a given…I get really fed up when the waitstaff/counterperson doesn’t understand English and it takes me three tries to explain that chicken and chocolate are indeed 2 diiferent words…

By keylimegirl

June 21, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that any time someone does not agree with the media it is considered racism. With that said, I find it amazing that these ILLEGAL ALIENS are demanding that we bow to their every want (not need, but want) by changing our language and offering them the same rights that we as law abiding citizens have. They are breaking the law!!! I’m not sure what part of this the politicians don’t get. I would definately eat at a restaurant that requires you to order in English IT IS OUR NATIVE LANGUAGE!!

And for the record, I shouldn’t have to push 1 to continue in English! Guess that makes me a racist, huh??

By keyosha

June 21, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

America has always been so Black and White. And, if it’s not done the way the ” majority people believe then it’s not right. The fact that there are so many diffrent people are from diffrent places is what make’s this country so unique. When I moved to the south for the first year I did not understand anything that “true Georigians” were saying because the accents were so thick. But, I learned to listen just as I’m listened to when I travel to Europe or Africa. For the Person who talks of the almighty American Dollar. The Euro has Surpassed us. I just traded in 100Euro and recieved $130 US DOllars. Boy America is Grand!!!!

By gman

June 21, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I was going to throw in my 2 cents, but I think fedUp put it best: “The distinction is between tourist and resident.” My next door neighbor is spanish. I knocked on his door to warn him I saw snakes in his backyard. Even though I could hear kids crying, no one would come to the door. Five minutes later, he was out getting his mail and I tried to warn him. He just constantly shook his head. I told a spanish coworker this and was told, “Most mexicans will avoid contact with you if they don’t know how to speak english.” I have no problem that my neighbor is spanish. I have a problem that as he obviously is now a resident of the U.S. that he doesn’t take time to learn english as a second language since it is the dominant one of this country.

By Marc S

June 21, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I would ABSOLUTELY support a business with an English-only policy! Why should it be the store owner who is “required” to learn another language, instead of the customer. It’s the customer who moved here! The business isn’t denying anyone’s “rights” (which amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to greasy cheesesteaks??) If the newcomers don’t want to bother to learn our language, that’s there choice, and its the problem, not ours!

By Patti

June 21, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Sure I would patronize this establishment. What is so wrong with expecting people who are in are country to speak our language. I might feel differently if they were just visiting. In the community I live the school system is cutting out many of the foreign language programs for my children (who by the way are US citizens) due to the lack of funding. Our annual budget is not getting any larger or smaller per say but the immigrant population is now the majority therefore they are appropriating funds for a program called English as a second language to be taught at no charge to any non english speaking student.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Fed up,

How is one to know who’s visiting and who’s staying? THAT’S the point.

Besides, I’ve heard some native Philadelphians speak and I’m not sure I’d call that English.

By my2cents

June 21, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

I would never purchase anything from a business with a motto like that. Let’s not forget that if we all spoke the native language of America we would be speaking native Indian or for some parts of the country SPANISH. White men came here, grabbed some Africans on the way to use as slaves, and kicked everyone off the land and called it their own. When our forefathers wrote the constitution it was written for the white man. Women didn’t even have the right to vote. I can’t believe American’s are so ignorant that they think these men were so brilliant.

Get over the English thing people! In God’s eyes it really doesn’t matter what language we speak.

By me1

June 21, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

one more time - it’s the freakin’ law. what difference does it make what any of you think or don’t think or maybe you don’t think i dunno

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Well keyosha, if you knew as much about America as you pretend to know then you would know better than to make this statement:

America has always been so Black and White.

America has more liberty (that means more things in the gray area) than any other country in this world that I know of, if you can name your favorite country that has less Black and White then tell me true: Name one other country that has the diversity of people from around the world that the United States of America has, one other country that has accepted the amount of immigration the United States has, one other country that is as open and in law less discriminating.

Since the Euro is now triumphant over our weak totally rejected almighty U.S. dollar then why not tell OPEC to stop using our currency to peg the world’s value of oil. Then have China stop pegging the value of their currency and allow it to float freely on the world market against this punitive U.S. dollar.

If you don’t like America keyosha you’re always free to leave — something else you can’t say about a lot of the other countries.

By FedUp

June 21, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Jim, I give up. You obviously have your mind made up and nothing is going to change it. I would guess that you could probably tell the difference because the tourist is at least making an attempt to speak English, and the resident is not.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith.

Would you please help me see the difference in refusing service to a non-English speaker and a black? I’m terribly afraid I don’t see it.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Fed up,

Really? How inane!

By Nel

June 21, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

I saw the interview with this guy and he did say he helps them order in English but he continued to make comments that pointed to the fact the he was targeting a particular group. When asked if his family who emigrated here spoke English, he said no that it took a couple of generations. Anyone who has lived in a city with Italian immigrants knows that the first generation don’t speak English, and that goes for every poor immigrant group. That’s why their children learn first and interpret for them. This guy got some really good free publicity from the exposure he got. I notice the comments here target Mexicans so what’s your point about this not being about a particular race? If you are an educated European you typically have learned English, funny how educated Americans typically only speak ONE language and expect everyone else to speak theirs.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Nel,

I agree. This is some of the best free advertising money can buy.

By la

June 21, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I would NOT buy a sandwhich. I think that is very racist, and like others have mentioned why has this become a mexican-illegal issue? There’s alot of people not just from Mexico that don’t speak English. What about the Asians? Drive down Buford highway and you’re going to see not just spanish signs but korean, chinese, vietnamese etc. America doesn’t even have culture. Or what about the Indians? It’s just a country full of immigrants. The first settlers where the Indians and they got kicked out and the few that still exist are in some little town in the middle of nowhere to be forgotten. And for those of you complaining so much about spanish speaking people part of America was Mexico along time ago and they didn’t kick your ancestors out. Instead the immigrants from Europe and those other places considered this country theirs with out any rights so if mexican people are called illegal does that make American people thieves for stealing part of a country that wasn’t theirs to begin with? I think you guys seriously need to stop worrying about Mexican ppl and start worrying about the Indians and the war in IRAQ. Mexicans are not the ones blowing up people!

By Juan Rivera

June 21, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

I love this country. My wife and I come here with nothing. Maria has our baby, little Juan, in a nice, clean American hospital, and it didn’t cost us a peso. The nice politician helps us become citizens, and even instructs us on how to vote, and who to vote for. Just vote for the person with a “D” by the name, he said. Its that simple. Every time I get my welfare check I get on my knees, cross myself, and thank God for Jorge Washington, the Statute of Liberty and the kind, generous people of the United States.

Gracias, America !

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

My 2cents – The United States of America was not created by the indigenous people of this land. A bunch of rebellious Englishmen did and they wrote a Declaration and a Constitution in English, which remains native to the United States of America.

But I do thank my Creek ancestry for losing to the right group of foreigners, this country has had its problems but I’m content with their sacrifice in exchange for an American birthright.

By MarkM

June 21, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Michael - yes, the Quebecois are very protective of their Francais, as anyone who’s paid attention to recent Canadian history can attest. My only point is that (as you noted) many of them are bilingual, and they don’t expect their American visitors to speak French. But they know we’re just visiting, that’s a big difference. And if you tried to question the legitimacy of the Bloc Quebecois, you might get a different attitude…

By FedUp

June 21, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Inane? Please….. I think the word is accurate. I agree a second langauge is a great thing, and we need to encourage this in our schools, but English still should come first. And it is not only a “Spanish thing”, it just seems that way because Spanish is the language being shoved down our throats. I know and work with a number of people for whom Spanish was a first language, and guess what - they all speak English!! Wow, what a concept.

By Nel

June 21, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Michael H. Smith: Another country like say Britain? They started the diversity thing. The knowledge of world history is a wonderful thing my friend.

By Nel

June 21, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

FedUp, how old are the people who you are talking about that work with you, and when did they come here? All of the Mexican people I know who are first generation try to speak English, althoug haltingly they try. Could it be that they try because I have the patience with them to allow them to at least TRY to speak to me in my native tongue, and help them find the word in English when they stumble? Wow, what a concept!

By jim d

June 21, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith,

with all due respect. Please go back to the history of the founding of this nation.

Oh, and don’t forget the influences of the natives of this land in the formation of our type of government.

http://www.ratical.com/many_worlds/6Nations/FFchp1.html

By Nel

June 21, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

jim d, I’m glad you’re on this blog because I was beginning to think that everyone in Gwinnett was a little off kilter! If schools here taught civics and world history in any decent fashion, these people would realize that even in Europe the second language is typically that of your trading partners, English, French, German, Spanish are the main second languages there….that’s why there is now a push to teach Mandarin Chinese.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Indeed Nel,

History is always writen by the victor. searching out the truth is something GCPS’s will never do. Nor will any other public school.

What really bothers me on this subject though is that so many people agree with this loon in Philly. I’ve been reading several other blogs from around the country and there appears to be a consensous that what he’s doing is perfectly ok. And that just scares the hell out of me.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith,

Please take a moment and review this document as well.

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html

By Michael H. Smith

June 21, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Well Jim it is real simple, you’re comparing skin color to a language the two are totally different. One happens by birth we don’t have a choice of skin color and we can’t change that human fact without doing some rather freakish things to ourselves. Can a foreign non-English speaker choose to speak English, yes they most certainly can, that too is a human fact we can change without doing anything remotely freakish.

Now let me re-spin your spin. Is a foreign non-English speaking person refused service because they speak another language or is a business that chooses not to conduct public commerce in a foreign language of a foreign non-English speaking person at fault, in this person not getting served?

Failure or even refusing to accommodate foreign languages in an English speaking country is not the same as discrimination based against skin color. I can find every skin color you can think of in this country that speaks English, language isn’t dependent on skin color.

By jim d

June 21, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith,

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

What part of that are you failing to grasp? It says ALL MEN, not all men that speak english.