Quoting:
...don't reallly care if English is "official"... :D :D I would've probably told the petition guy to eff off in French, German, Italian, and Spanish ;)

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

LOL! I would have told him that in Japanese! :) That's as far as I'm going with this topic!

Quoting:
 I would of definately signed It, but don't they already teach english?  I seem to remember a class called "Language Arts".
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Language Arts, heck...when I was in school it was called English and it was mandatory. ;)

Quoting:


Language Arts, heck...when I was in school it was called English and it was mandatory. ;)
End Quote

Our books were a biege color and they still said English on them, I dont even think we had english books in high school though, but senior year instead of taking a normal english class they allowed us to take mythology first semester and Logic second semester. So I guess it wasn't mandatory senior year, at least for me. :)

Quoting:
I am SO tired of calling places and being bombarded with the ever-present...To hear your options in english, press 1 If you go to ANY other country they don't cater to our needs with thier language. Soon it'll be ALL the languages being covered....for French, press 2...for German, press 3...for Mandrin Chinese.... and so on........come to America and at least try to learn and enjoy our native tongue....
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America is a "melting pot". We always had, now have and forever will have people of different races and cultures. America was settled by not only the English, but also the Spanish (who came here before the English, by the way), the French, Italians, etc.

The descendants of these many peoples have a right to keep their ancestral languages alive. Thus, we have many languages spoken in our nation.

Having language options for different groups of our population is definitely a very good thing. It goes to show that everyone's taken into consideration in our country.

See, a very great number of people who speak a different language are Americans born right here, stemming from past generations also born here.

Quoting:
If you go to ANY other country they don't cater to our needs with thier language.End Quote

IMO, that's an assumption and too general of a statement.

I am well traveled and have encountered great hospitality and language consideration around the world.

80'sTrivia may have an opinion on this, for he too seems to have "bounced" around the world.

Even if some countries don't "cater to our needs", so what?

We don't have to be like them. I am glad America's above that. We as a country should always try to be the best we can be.

There's pride in the fact that the rest of the world feels welcome here because of the little things like language phone options and foreign channels in the cable networks.

I'm done with my speech now.  ;D

Quoting:
My point is it's okay to retain a foreign culture and speak in the Native tongues, but immigrants shouldn't use it as a excuse not to understand our English. :)
End Quote

Indeed. In a multicultural environment, culture retention is encouraged, but developing an understanding of the official language of the country you've made your home should also be encouraged. Australia has a multicultural policy; ie. migrants from different cultures are encouraged to continue their cultural traditions when they migrate here, and that's fine. But it does cause problems when some of them don't even attempt to learn English. After all, over 85% of people here know how to speak it. English is a hard language to learn, but it's unaccountably arrogant when people refuse to learn it (and some of them do). It's also arrogant and ignorant of some native English speakers to automatically talk slower and louder to another person who speaks English haltingly or with a pronounced accent. I once worked with a Vietnamese woman who knew English very well, but her accent was so strong she could barely be understood, therefore many customers thought she couldn't speak English at all.
Morons.

Quoting:
I'm sorry but I just have to say this.....so that means if we have to speak english over here does that mean in Mexico (which many english speakers visit) that you have to speak spanish? and in Italy you have to speak Italian? just a thought to you because everywhere you go everyone speaks different. languages.
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The issue isn't about visiting another country, I don't think. The issue is about immigration. If I move to another country that has a primary language other than english then it is my duty to at least make the effort to learn that language. By the same token, if someone moves here from a non-english speaking country they have an obligation to learn enough of the language to at least function in society.

Quoting:
I am on both sides of the issue...if you come to america and want to be an american...then try to speak our language...but there are times when it is not possible.  

I have friends that are of mexican origin and that is fine...but I did get real pissed one time when I went to a Mexican resturant with my little sis and she had a bug in her drink and when the waiter and I were discussing it...he went into Mexican talking to another waiter and then came back and told me that it was a strawberry seed ( it was NOT a strawberry drink) and I did tell him..while you are in my country you speak my language....and all the sudden it was a bug and we got our lunch free...I do speak spanish and I knew what they were saying..I think if our country is gonna have more than one language..then we all need it...but to try to pass a bug off as a seed..they were taking advantage of us being english speakers...but it should go both ways!!!
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Well said....I thank you for saying what I could not.... :)

Quoting:


The issue isn't about visiting another country, I don't think. The issue is about immigration. If I move to another country that has a primary language other than english then it is my duty to at least make the effort to learn that language. By the same token, if someone moves here from a non-english speaking country they have an obligation to learn enough of the language to at least function in society.
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Yeah it's never about another country it's always about us. I am sure that is someone were to come on here from oh lets say spain or Japan...and write a topic about how people should learn Japanese or Spanish then you people would probably jump on them. and I don't mean to be rude or anything I'm just trying to make a point.

Quoting:


Yeah it's never about another country it's always about us. I am sure that is someone were to come on here from oh lets say spain or Japan...and write a topic about how people should learn Japanese or Spanish then you people would probably jump on them. and I don't mean to be rude or anything I'm just trying to make a point.
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Ok...alicia..we have found ourselves on different sides of another debate...so I have to say...what do you mean by saying you people  what is that suppose to mean...unless you are native american....what "you" people do you mean

Quoting:



Ok...alicia..we have found ourselves on different sides of another debate...so I have to say...what do you mean by saying you people  what is that suppose to mean...unless you are native american....what "you" people do you mean
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The people in here. Am I sounding rude? if so please tell and I will try not to sound rude. because I don't want to be rude just to let you people know. and I say you people because I can't type every single person's name on here. and can you tell me what you mean by "ourselves on different sides of another debate" because I don't really get what you are saying right there. Doe's is mean just you or everyone else? thanks.

Quoting:


Yeah it's never about another country it's always about us. I am sure that is someone were to come on here from oh lets say spain or Japan...and write a topic about how people should learn Japanese or Spanish then you people would probably jump on them. and I don't mean to be rude or anything I'm just trying to make a point.
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This whole topic has been about the United States from the start.  I think it would be ridiculous to go to Italy and claim an Italian should learn english just because you know it.  It's the same thing for people that travel/Imigrate to this country. You don't go to a foriegn country and assume that they should learn your language.

Look someone from mexico or japan can come here and speak however he wants, or claim whatever he wants. But, It would be of benefit to him to learn to speak english.   Most people speak english in the united states, our  government conducts it's business in english.  English is the language we use more than not.

Quoting:


This whole topic has been about the United States from the start.  I think it would be ridiculous to go to Italy and claim an Italian should learn english just because you know it.  It's the same thing for people that travel/Imigrate to this country. You don't go to a foriegn country and assume that they should learn your language.

Look someone from mexico or japan can come here and speak however he wants, or claim whatever he wants. But, It would be of benefit to him to learn to speak english.   Most people speak english in the united states, our  government conducts it's business in english.  English is the language we use more than not.
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Ok whatever. I'm going to not post this topic ANYMORE unless cricket talks to me.

1.) Because I will say something that I will regret and will make most people mad at me (again)
2.) this topic should have never had been brought up because when you take up for other countries and not America everyone still get's mad at you.

Quoting:


The people in here. Am I sounding rude? if so please tell and I will try not to sound rude. because I don't want to be rude just to let you people know. and I say you people because I can't type every single person's name on here. and can you tell me what you mean by "ourselves on different sides of another debate" because I don't really get what you are saying right there. Doe's is mean just you or everyone else? thanks.
End Quote

"You and I" meant over that last debate we got into and I don't want to go there again...and as far as the people here go..I am guessing we have plenty of non-white..non christian people here...so I do not want to offend any of them..I am just saying that english is our nations language and it should be spoke in public........and if in your own house..then that is your right if you speak pig latin...you came to this nation knowing our rights and rules..you have to speak english or some kind of it to become a citizen..so use it and enjoy it....spread the word!!!

Quoting:


"just saying that english is our nations language and it should be spoke in public........and if in your own house..End Quote

k I now got what you said. and I will just like to bring up something and I don't care if it is History so are alo of other things but we still bring them up.

back in the old days lets say around the late 1600's people didn't speak english. The only ones who spoke it were from England.

Quoting:
Not everyone, right? Just people in predominantly English speaking communities? I know areas of Birmingham, England, and other such places that English isn't even spoken as a language. And the problem, getting old in this country, of people, especially young children, too young to have experienced much else (in most cases) coming to this country, and getting English (a language they don't even think of speaking in their own country/countries), for want of a better expression, forced down their throat. Sorry, this is probably irrelevent, but I just wanted to make the point. They don't want it forced, rather to live in an atmosphere they feel comfortable. Sorry, on with thread.
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yup..on with it..cuz we are talking about America..not the UK

Quoting:


Ok whatever. I'm going to not post this topic ANYMORE unless cricket talks to me.

1.) Because I will say something that I will regret and will make most people mad at me (again)
2.) this topic should have never had been brought up because when you take up for other countries and not America everyone still get's mad at you.
End Quote

Alicia14, I'm not mad at you. and I wasn't trying to be insulting to you, I was just trying to argue your points, I am sorry I upset you.

Quoting:


Alicia14, I'm not mad at you. and I wasn't trying to be insulting to you, I was just trying to argue your points, I am sorry I upset you.
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no I like to argue my opinions thats what we are on here for right? and you didn't upset me I like to express my opinions or point as well as hearing others.

Quoting:


Ok whatever. I'm going to not post this topic ANYMORE unless cricket talks to me.

1.) Because I will say something that I will regret and will make most people mad at me (again)
2.) this topic should have never had been brought up because when you take up for other countries and not America everyone still get's mad at you.
End Quote

NO!! Alicia I just saw this post from you..and I am not getting mad at you or anyone else..we were just talking about the whole thing in general..I know that here in Arkie we have a large population of spanish speaking people..but if they want us to understand them...then they need to learn to speak what we speak...we do not raise our children to speak many languages cuz the schools do not teach it and most people cannot afford it...I am not trying to say what is right or wrong here..only what is NOW..and now it is english and there is nothing anyone can do about it....like I said..I have many hispanic friends..but they do not expect me to speak their language...knowing when they came here they were expected to speak english.....

Quoting:
Oh one more thig and I don't want to make you people mad so if I do then I will delete it........... Ok so if I come on here and say ONE bad thing about America then why will people get mad at me and argue just argue and no points made so then it will get deleted BUT if I come on here and say one bad thing about another place then people will express points, not argue and THAT subject will NOT get deleted?
End Quote

I guess the next question to ask to this would be why do you hate (ok...hate is strong word...but dislike) the county you live in right now?

Quoting:


I guess the next question to ask to this would be why do you hate (ok...hate is strong word...but dislike) the county you live in right now?
End Quote

I don't dislike this country it's the same as everywhere else, there's people, food, languages, ect. theres people who need to stop thinking though that America is so great and everyone has to do what the laws tell you and have to speak the same language. (Please don't be offended or P****d at me) but I think that we need to learn that english WAS NOT the first language spoken in the US. Well I hope I haven't mad anyone mad and if I did sorry. and I bid a fare goodnight to everyone cause I am going to go to sleep now so goodnight everyone. and and one more thing Please answer that question cause I answered mine :)

Quoting:


yup..on with it..cuz we are talking about America..not the UK
End Quote

Quoting:
I wasn't going to reply to this topic, but I think that I need to or it will bug me all day. ;)  No one is saying that you can no longer speak your original language if you become a citizen, just that if you want to be a citizen, try to learn english also.  It will make life much easier for an immigrant if they can understand the people in this country.  What ever you do in your own house is your own business.  In fact it is nice to speak the other at home...it makes it easier for the kids to be bilingual.  I have a Russian sister-in-law and she is teaching the kids to speak Russian as well as English.   It is easier for kids to learn more than one language at younger ages.
End Quote

I get your point. and I agree somewhat. So if people should try to learn our language then I guess we should try and learn some other languages ourself.

Quoting:


So if people should try to learn our language then I guess we should try and learn some other languages ourself.
End Quote

No, we shouldn't. Not unless we, as english speakers, plan to take up permanent residency in a non-english speaking country. I don't understand the point of contention here. No one has said that, for instance, an Italian who moves here should abandon his language and culture, but if you plan to fit into and function in our society then you had better be prepared to learn our language. It's just common sense that if you move to another place you conform yourself to fit that society, not the other way around.

Quoting:


No, we shouldn't. Not unless we, as english speakers, plan to take up permanent residency in a non-english speaking country. I don't understand the point of contention here. No one has said that, for instance, an Italian who moves here should abandon his language and culture, but if you plan to fit into and function in our society then you had better be prepared to learn our language. It's just common sense that if you move to another place you conform yourself to fit that society, not the other way around.
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There you go again...saying what makes perfect sense!   ;)

Quoting:


No, we shouldn't. Not unless we, as english speakers, plan to take up permanent residency in a non-english speaking country. I don't understand the point of contention here. No one has said that, for instance, an Italian who moves here should abandon his language and culture, but if you plan to fit into and function in our society then you had better be prepared to learn our language. It's just common sense that if you move to another place you conform yourself to fit that society, not the other way around.
End Quote

You shouldn't have to learn the English language over here since English WAS NOT the first language over here.

Quoting:


You shouldn't have to learn the English language over here since English WAS NOT the first language over here.
End Quote

That's true, but it is now. And last I checked we weren't living in the past.

Quoting:


That's true, but it is now. And last I checked we weren't living in the past.
End Quote

Ok so I knew you were going to bring up the past.......If thats the past then why do we still talk about Sept. 11? isn't that the past and history? now I'm not starting anything on that sept subject I'm just going to say that, that is history too but we still care about it.

Quoting:





"You shouldn't have to learn the English language over here since English WAS NOT the first language over here."

Pray tell, what was?  Earlier was stated specifically "the US".  So I'd say you're dead wrong.
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excuse me but brush up on your history. If you had read all of the posts I put ......in one I said "back in the late 1600's" now before you say "your dead wrong" I think you need to read the other posts I put :) oh yeah one more thing can you actually go back and prove English WAS the first language?

Quoting:


No, we shouldn't. Not unless we, as english speakers, plan to take up permanent residency in a non-english speaking country. I don't understand the point of contention here. No one has said that, for instance, an Italian who moves here should abandon his language and culture, but if you plan to fit into and function in our society then you had better be prepared to learn our language. It's just common sense that if you move to another place you conform yourself to fit that society, not the other way around.
End Quote

This is what I was trying to say...only I hadn't had my coffee yet. ;)   I stick to the "if you live in this country, please try to speak the language...it makes it much easier for you" point.  I wouldn't dream of asking anyone to give up their own language or culture, though.  This is where my Sis in Law comes in...she has adapted to our culture, but wants her kids to know about her home country's history, though.  And that is all I will say about this. ;D

Quoting:


It was Spanish (spoken in 1/4 of what is now the US, which they took from Mexico). Yet, another reason to snub this silly rule :-*
 
End Quote

Just for the record, the Mexican-American War wasn't just the fault of the U.S.  ;)

Quoting:


It was the squatters in Texas (they were from the US:D ). But we've already gone through this and you'll just end up denying and denying in light of the facts. Yes, I remember now. I'm getting a vision. You are thinking that it is the "new" way of teaching history now, right? (As if the "old" way is any better ::) ). Of course, I don't possess any rational thought and I am actually going to abandon all my powers of reasoning and take your point that the Mexican-American War was "just" and against people with doctorates in the field (and, no, not everyone can have one - do you have one? I don't have one either). Sigh. People give me a headache.

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

A fact is that those squatters would not have been in texas in the first place if it hadn't of been for the Mexican government.  How come every debate we have always ends up with the Mexican-American war? :)

Quoting:


I think it's when I mention that 25% of the USA was Spanish-speaking for over 200 years until the war in 1842 (?) and then you jump in and it's like chasing your own tail by then  :D :P

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

Can we just agree to dissagree? :D

Quoting:


Can we just agree to dissagree? :D
End Quote

This calls for a Mike's Hard Lemonade 8)

Tarzan Boy

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This calls for a Mike's Hard Lemonade 8)

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

I raise my glass to second that!!!

Quoting:


This calls for a Mike's Hard Lemonade 8)

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

I agree Mikes Hard Lemonade all around.  :D

Quoting:


I agree Mikes Hard Lemonade all around.  :D
End Quote

Count me in! ;D

Quoting:
Sorry, but there weren't many Spanish-speakers in the English colonies from whence the US emerged.
End Quote

Maybe not in the East's beginning colonies but surely in the South and the West, I believe.  ;)

Quoting:


Maybe not in the East's beginning colonies but surely in the South and the West, I believe.  ;)
End Quote

HS, all I can say is, again - this is the "US" proper we're talking about.   ;)  You're talking about Spanish colonies and territories.  (And incidentally a few French, even if after the Spanish - hey, what happened, did those evil French wipe out the Spanish stuff in LA?  Haven't heard too many complaints about virtually no vestige of Spanish remaining in New Orleans.)  They are not the people who created our nation.   :)

Quoting:
i'm not trying to sound ignorant here, but when was english declared the official language?  i don't really follow much news at all, except local, and the last i knew there was no official language in our country.  just wondering.  also, if we really want to get down to the nitty gritty about which language was the first one spoken in this area we call america, i've always been taught that the first peoples here were native americans, so i would think that their language was the first here.  but that is if you want to reach back that far.  of course, what i've been taught my whole life could be wrong.  that last statement was not sarcasm and shouldn't be read as such.

some people will probably want to lynch me for this, but i think that if america is going to have english as the official language, it should be taught from the queen's english, since that's where we got the language in the first place.  personally, i think americanized english isn't as flowing distinguished-sounding as the queen's.  in other countries, this is what is taught when their people wish to learn english as a second language and when they come here, they are confused because what we speak is pretty far from the original.  i am in no way saying that we should forsake our americanized version of english because that would be forsaking part of what we are as a country.  all i am saying that we might want to consider this as a solid foundation of the language so we can help immigrants assimilate a little more easily.  it's not learning a different language to accomodate foreign peoples; it's learning our own language better so that we can help them get along in our country a little easier.  and i also think it's better to know how to properly use the language before getting into all the slang references that we americans are known for.  and i won't even start on the issue of ebonics.
End Quote

Panda, nice post.   :)  English was never declared official, still hasn't been - but neither has any other language.  When people say "1st in *US*", I take the question as exactly that - and the answer would be English, at least using common sense if no official declaration was made.  It's simply the truth.  As to native peoples (excuse me, but I am a "native American"), yes, I guess they'd be the 1st in our *whole nameless continent* (altho' now there's been evidence that Africans were 1st then disappeared) - but then, they have as many languages as they had tribes/nations.  Have fun figuring that out.

As far as English English, I get your drift, but actually American English - properly spoken - is very smooth IMO - and smoother in literal/written form (thanks to Noah Webster).  The problem has become exactly that - people don't take any language seriously, and we've abused it terribly.  Webster's and Harcort-Brace keep modifying their rules under pressure from weak-speaking lazy fadists to the point where there are no rules.  Thus, the language falls apart.  All I think we need do is enforce the old rules again starting in school, and not let all kinds of English-abuse slide by and become new "rules".  It's OK to *have* "slang", but don't teach it and don't honor it w/definitions in the dictionary.

Quoting:


All I think we need do is enforce the old rules again starting in school, and not let all kinds of English-abuse slide by and become new "rules".  It's OK to *have* "slang", but don't teach it and don't honor it w/definitions in the dictionary.
End Quote

I agree totally! Have you heard the way the younger generation speaks? Well, obviously you have, but...

Quoting:


HS, all I can say is, again - this is the "US" proper we're talking about.   ;)  You're talking about Spanish colonies and territories.  (And incidentally a few French, even if after the Spanish - hey, what happened, did those evil French wipe out the Spanish stuff in LA?  Haven't heard too many complaints about virtually no vestige of Spanish remaining in New Orleans.)  They are not the people who created our nation.   :)
End Quote

I was attempting to convey that those areas, South and West, were eventually incorporated into the U.S. in order to continue/complete the convergence of the U.S.

"Sorry, but there weren't many Spanish-speakers in the English colonies from whence the US emerged."

Perhaps not, but these Spanish/French colonies were part of what was to become the U.S. and that has some relevancy.

"They are not the people who created our nation."

That doesn't make them any less important.

Quoting:

Perhaps not, but these Spanish/French colonies were part of what was to become the U.S. and that has some relevancy.

Which people are you referring to? The Spanish specifically?
End Quote

Apparently it wasn't very relevent back when it happened, so I see no reason it's relevent now.  These aren't just conquered territory either, these are places where already-Americans had spread and set up local control.  A bit different from an India-type colony, which was basically a conquered nation as well as a colony and whose language(s) simply could not be avoided.  Wherever the English themselves *settled* - as opposed to just controlled - they spread and of course form the base of the culture.  US, Australia, Canada (I know, they let the French have their way too, partly) are different very much from the other colonies like India and parts of the Carribean exactly because the English moved in.

To whom do I refer?  Spanish, mostly, because that was the prime focus - but I'd generalize that, too.

Quoting:

That doesn't make them any less important.
End Quote

The point is our NATION is an English-speaking nation, from its inception.  And I mean the NATION, not the territory.  

Must every nation require every language in its official documentation, legal transactions, and daily business?  Must it always be the US that's on the defensive and has to change its ways?  Why aren't such demands ever made on others?  As I originally said, multiple-language is completely impractical as well as divisive.  We *need* to have *something* in common - and nothing is more important than a common *communication system*.

Quoting:


I beg to differ, Mr. Werewolfman. Do you live in Southern California? There's a HUGE population that speaks Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Perhaps it should be instituted as they have it in Singapore or Canada's Quebec - multiple languages for certain areas of the country...and they manage fine. Are the Anglos telling the rest of the world they can't deal with that when others clearly can? Suddenly, the map of the world according to Americans is becoming more and more a reality. I'd rather push to teach US history and World history in schools and make everyone take an essay exit exam proving that they know what they're talking about in order to graduate :)

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

TB, I'm speaking of the country as a whole, not different regions. Certainly there are areas of the country where other languages are spoken, but that does not change the fact that if those people want to live here they should make the attempt to learn the language. That's all I have said from the start.

Quoting:

I'm quite sure that after 12 hours working in the field six days a week, Pablo here is going to go to school for an hour or two more everyday (not minding the fact that he's physically dead tired) to learn English for someone else's benefit.

End Quote

I suppose foreign people 100 years+ ago were living it up in the Waldorf after they got off the ship.  They managed to get by and get into it, and learning English (often not by any classes, either, to "waste their time") was to THEIR benefit as well as others' to get better involved and included in this society.  Even if it meant only their children really learning the language.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Quoting:


I'm quite sure that after 12 hours working in the field six days a week, Pablo here is going to go to school for an hour or two more everyday (not minding the fact that he's physically dead tired) to learn English for someone else's benefit. The first post in this thread also complained about having language options, which has absolutely nothing to do with knowing English or not - it was just somebody's triffling annoyance.

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

So you're telling me that Pablo doesn't benefit at all from learning to speak the language? What about the people who immigrated here from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? They also worked long days doing manual labor and still somehow found the time to learn to speak english. Why? Because they wanted to become a part of society as a whole, and not have to remain within their own subculture. Say what you will, but Pablo will never better himself if he doesn't fully integrate into American society, and to do that he needs to speak the common language.

As to the point of the original post, since when have we ever stayed on topic?  :P

Quoting:


I suppose foreign people 100 years+ ago were living it up in the Waldorf after they got off the ship.  They managed to get by and get into it, and learning English (often not by any classes, either, to "waste their time") was to THEIR benefit as well as others' to get better involved and included in this society.  Even if it meant only their children really learning the language.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
End Quote

Quoting:


So you're telling me that Pablo doesn't benefit at all from learning to speak the language? What about the people who immigrated here from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? They also worked long days doing manual labor and still somehow found the time to learn to speak english. Why? Because they wanted to become a part of society as a whole, and not have to remain within their own subculture. Say what you will, but Pablo will never better himself if he doesn't fully integrate into American society, and to do that he needs to speak the common language.

As to the point of the original post, since when have we ever stayed on topic?  :P
End Quote

:o OMG!! It's like we were seperated at birth!!  ;D

Quoting:
An Occam's Razor...


End Quote

And Occam was, or course, excommunicated...  :P

Quoting:


It would be like trying to take people off Medi-Cal (a govt. medical programme in California) because I can't get medical care. An Occam's Razor, IMO.

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

Why can't you get medical care? If you don't mind me asking.

Quoting:


I work two jobs as a per diem (no benefits), but barely make too much money to apply for govt. help (at least that's what the statement said). I think I can get the base minimum like if I were to get into some major accident, but I haven't tried to apply for that yet. Same for school: I can't get any subsidized loans - just unsubsidized :-/

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

That sucks, I'm not sure how health care works, because I've been in the military most my adult life, but aren't thier companies that provide health care, thier probaly expensive though.

Quoting:
The point is our NATION is an English-speaking nation, from its inception.  And I mean the NATION, not the territory.  End Quote

I grew-up in a county (in our "Nation") were all (and I mean all, including but not limited to the Newspapers) was only German from its beginning until the late 1930's. German. Not English. That particular area being quite large and with neighboring counties sharing the same roots and history. The State is 1 of the original 13 colonies, for that matter.

In my opinion, saying point blank that our nation is solely an English-speaking nation, even from the time of its inception is not quite accurate.

That's all.

I will add that in my opinion it is beneficial for all in general to know or at least be familiar enough with the English language in order to function smoothly in our society here in the United States in general. There's really no way around that. The "Pablos", "Pings" and "Sean-Lucs" (foreign names) in our country will find obstacles in the flow of their existence here, otherwise.  :-/

Quoting:



I grew-up in a county (in our "Nation") were all (and I mean all, including but not limited to the Newspapers) was only German from its beginning until the late 1930's....  The State is 1 of the original 13 colonies, for that matter.

In my opinion, saying point blank that our nation is solely an English-speaking nation, even from the time of its inception is not quite accurate.

That's all.

I will add that in my opinion it is beneficial for all in general to know or at least be familiar enough with the English language in order to function smoothly in our society here in the United States in general. There's really no way around that. The "Pablos", "Pings" and "Sean-Lucs" (foreign names) in our country will find obstacles in the flow of their existence here, otherwise.  :-/
End Quote

This is *just* a guess:  Pennsylvania?  If not that, Maryland, or Virginia?

I didn't say our nation is *solely* English speaking; I said official and/or legal documentation - certainly overall if not in your county - is English.  The Founders spoke English in Congress.  They drafted the most important documents in our country in English.  That is the point - not only was English a majority in the colonies, it was the "language of business".  And it still is.

It is simply a matter of fact, as stated here, that immigrants will get along much better knowing something of our primary language and being able to use it in critical situations, if nothing else.

I wish those against this would stop characterizing the opposition view as "banning" and "criminalizing" any written and/or spoken foreign language (a'la France).  That is not the case.  This is simply "language of business" we're talking here; basically any law would have to state along the lines of "all official and legal documentation *must* be printed in English and *need not* be copied into any other language".  And that is *all*.  What is so terrible?

Quoting:


Have a Mike's Hard Lemonade 8) I wish I could have one meeself, but I'm working graveyard again - lemon tea is good though :)

Tarzan Boy
End Quote

Oh, maaaan!!! Mike's Hard Lemonade is AWESOME!  :D  You guys and gals have turned me on to a new and good thing.  :)

Edited for #*$%... typo

Quoting:



I grew-up in a county (in our "Nation") were all (and I mean all, including but not limited to the Newspapers) was only German from its beginning until the late 1930's. German. Not English. That particular area being quite large and with neighboring counties sharing the same roots and history. The State is 1 of the original 13 colonies, for that matter. End Quote

Wow Hairspray! Are you Pennsylvania Dutch? We are probably related.... :)

Quoting:
20 years or more and are over 50 years of age; or
have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn English.
End Quote

....so let me get this straight: if you've been living in the US for twenty years and *STILL* can't speak English, then you don't have to, providing you're over 50 (I guess you've learned to get round without by now)

Phil