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 totally agree and lose patience and respect with those who can’t see that pandering is the wrong path to take.
More and more, I think Calvin Coolidge is my favorite president.
Oh, and I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments!!! Enough of the melting pot, where America and the American spirit are being melted away. It’s time for THEM to conform to US.
As well, I could be wrong, but I do believe ALL other countries require this of anyone who migrates into their country. Why should America be different? If people don’t like it, don’t come here.
Our side better learn to speak politics!! Because that’s what’s been kicking our ass. whether its making the rounds on every talk radio station in the land or doing some Spanish when appropriate. Its called politics. We’ve been loosing our ass at it. Time to turn things around.
RepublicaLibre.com?
NOT.
“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.”
Now I know why government schools fail to mention Coolidge at all.