[BushCountry]

I don't know if you noticed, but my point about the non-english speaking restaurants was not casual. This problem of non-assimilation is decades old, it is not new.

As to us being a nation of immigrants, I wonder how many people realize that the number immigrants as a percentage to the population is less today than in the 20s, 30s, 40s, ect...?

[ken5050]

I agree...and I had the same experience growing up, but the point is that the SECOND generation of immigrants learned, and spoke, English....the introduction of the ESL programs 20 years ago institutionalized the problem....it's easy for kids to learn a new language.....I'll never forget, 25 years ago, my neice was enrolled in a pre-k program at the local temple...of the 25 kids there, some 18 were Japanese, becuase the neighborhood had a high population of Japanese businessmen and diplomats. My sister in law was amazed, and a bit horrified initially, when after a few months her 4 year old began speaking Japanese around the house.....

[Chemist_Geek]

As to us being a nation of immigrants, I wonder how many people realize that the number immigrants as a percentage to the population is less today than in the 20s, 30s, 40s, ect...?

How can this be? Allegedly, there is an endless conga line of immigrants carrying Mexican comic books flooding our "boarders"...