Posted on 05/26/2006 10:01:57 PM PDT by GoRepGo
Mindy McClain has attended the same state-sponsored child-care training program for years.
But this year, when she signed up and paid her $20 fee, she was told that the program, which is funded through the Arizona Department of Economic Security, would be presented in Spanish instead of English for the first time. If she wanted to hear it in English, she would be provided with a translating device.
"I'm like, excuse me ... I don't think so," said McClain, the director of the Children's Center preschool in Yuma.
She and 10 other women demanded their money back and promised not to attend.
"I feel very offended," McClain said.
Since then, the DES has given in to pressure from McClain and a few others, and the program will be held in English, despite the fact that 85 percent of those attending will be Spanish-speaking caregivers, according to Lourdes Encinas, who helped organize the event.
"It's bad enough that with a bachelor's degree, I can't go out and get a well-paying job with benefits I'm qualified for because I don't speak Spanish in my own country," McClain said.
The use of English is not only an issue locally, but also nationally.
Last week in his visit to Yuma, President George W. Bush said one of the five components of his immigration-reform plan would be to encourage immigrants to learn English. Soon afterward, the U.S. Senate approved amendments to an immigration bill that would establish English as America's "national language," a move that has drawn criticism from parts of the Hispanic community.
Also, a group of U.S. House Republicans is pushing to drop a section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act which requires certain states and counties to provide bilingual ballots for voters.
(Excerpt) Read more at sun.yumasun.com ...
Doesn't make any difference what the percentage is. The class is being given in this country. Attendees should speak English. Period. End of story.
This is the USA. We speak English!
A friend of mine who was a war refugee from the Balkans in the 90's went to stay with relatives in Eagle Pass, TX.
Though she and her husband could both speak English they always had a hard time at the grocery store (HEB) there as the checkers would often refuse to speak English, and my friends did not speak Spanish.
Folks are quick around here, ya beat me to it
TT
I'm also amazed at the number of illegal immigrants who make almost no effort to learn English. Some even try to get you to speak Spanish instead.
I've seen men and women who make 300 grand a year stumbling over Spanish to try to talk to the illiterate Salvadoran woman they leave their baby with every day.
Can't remember a single person speaking Spanish. Not one.
My, how times have changed around this neck of the woods.
I think I'm going to start posting on every immigration thread that,
We aren't making them Americans, we are simply giving them American citizenship, They are still Mexican citizens.
They work here, educate here, get their social security here, but they can own villas and ocean front homes and retire into Mexico where they are still full citizens.
No more dual citizenship for anyone.
"She is offended".
Doesn't she know that only "minorities" and Leftists are allowed to be offended in this "Brave New World" that is the modern USA.
You mean, "Marque does pour espanol!" senor!
The senate thinks we should 'consult' with Mexico before doing anything radical like putting up that fence or reinforcing the border. Use of English not PC. Protection of US sovereignty not PC. We should throw out every single politician advocating this.
I did?
Dang it again!
Seconds count on FR
TT
Press one for Spanish -
Press two for English.
I'm currently working on a dive boat in the Gulf of Mexico with a predominately Mexican crew. They refuse to learn English, so I refuse to learn Spanish. I've even had a couple come up to the bridge and try to give me lessons. I just walk away, and it really pisses them off!
Dang it again!
Thats what I was going to say!
Thats it I'm outta this thread, everyone beats me to the punch!
Watch I'll hit post and read that 2 seconds ago someone will have already posted that I should have left while the leaving was good.
TT
We find the constant use of Spanish offensive. This is an English speaking country. Learn it or leave it PERIOD
Press one for Spanish -
Press two for English.
?????? it already is that way.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.