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I'm surprised a couple of you call him giving the speech also in Spanish, is pandering. So many Spanish people don't speak English but they vote. Why wouldn't we want them to hear what Rubio says about the economy, our debt, less spending, etc.. I don't believe he is only giving it in Spanish to talk about amnesty. Perhaps that is what you mean, that he's only doing it to give them a “free” pass into the US.

I don't mean to fight with either of you but we're going to have to speak to the Spanish.

I'm surprised a couple of you call him giving the speech also in Spanish, is pandering. So many Spanish people don't speak English but they vote. Why wouldn't we want them to hear what Rubio says about the economy, our debt, less spending, etc.. I don't believe he is only giving it in Spanish to talk about amnesty. Perhaps that is what you mean, that he's only doing it to give them a “free” pass into the US.

I don't mean to fight with either of you but we're going to have to speak to the Spanish.

Thanks for the comment, and likewise, I don't seek confrontation over this matter. That said, I do strongly disagree and unless you have some very persuasive points, I don't think I'll budge from my position. Permit to explain why I take such a hardline stand on the issue of language and why the immigrants must come to our terms and we, not to theirs.

Assimilation works best by total immersion. Here in Texas and elsewhere, we have billboards on the highways in Spanish. The airwaves are filled with Mexican music and Spanish language programs. An immigrant (legal or illegal) is hard pressed to recognize that we're a very different country from whence they came.

There was a time when, in order to become a citizen, proficiency in the language and knowledge of American history was required. In my opinion, we've made it far too easy for people who have no intention of embracing our culture and values to enjoy the benefits of America.

Calvin Coolidge's (a favorite of President Ronald Reagan) words come to mind:

American institutions rest solely on good citizenship. They were created by people who had a background of self-government. New arrivals should be limited to our capacity to absorb them into the ranks of good citizenship. America must be kept American. For this purpose it is necessary to continue a policy of restricted immigration. It would be well to make such immigration of a selective nature with some inspection at the source, and based either on a prior census or upon the record of naturalization. Either method would insure the admission of those with the largest capacity and best intention of becoming citizens. Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit ought not to settle in America.

We'll probably still disagree (although will have done so in a FRiendly manner). From my standpoint, speaking English is one of the metrics of "partaking in the American spirit".

I say that they must speak to US. But we will pander. That’s what the Rs do any more.

Rubio is terrific...well spoken, spot-on in his message. We must garner the vote of the spanish speaking...and that means we talk to them in the language they speak...they will be required to be able to speak english b/4 they can apply for citizenship.