Posted on 08/05/2005 2:38:08 AM PDT by one more state
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3, 2005 Contact: Rob Toonkel rtoonkel@usenglish.org (202) 833-0100
Spanish Set to Become Official Language of Seven Denver Public Library Branches In a sharp break from American tradition, the Denver Public Library is promoting a plan that would make seven of its branches “Spanish focused,” banishing English language books to the backroom. The “Languages and Learning” plan would dramatically increase Spanish language offerings and staff, designating some locations as Spanish dominant. The proposal is currently under review by the Library Commission and an advisory board.
“Denver’s action is a dubious first in American history: a major U.S. city is creating a public institution that intentionally excludes native-born Americans,” explained Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “This action goes against the model of assimilation that has successfully served the United States for centuries.”
“In a nation of immigrants, focusing on a single non-English language is the type of favoritism that we should have abandoned years ago. The taxpayers of Denver — residents who speak 68 languages — should not stand idly by while their money goes to support immigrants from El Salvador or Colombia over immigrants from Vietnam or Egypt.”
Library officials counter that the switch to Spanish dominant libraries is an extension of the institution’s purpose. They claim that the Languages and Learning plan will assist Spanish speaking residents in becoming members of their community. Proponents call the plan “cutting edge” and “revolutionary.”
“I fail to see how an ‘Official Spanish’ Library will aid immigrants in learning English and becoming Americans,” Mujica continued. “If anything, it will further the notion that Spanish-speaking immigrants can live in relative comfort without needing to learn our common language. If we are to successfully continue as a nation of immigrants, we cannot send an ‘English Optional’ message to any immigrant group.”
U.S. English, Inc.
http://www.us-english.org/inc/default.asp
But I don't read Spanish well.
Are the fees denominated in pesos, too?
But, they tell us that they are assimilating not forcing culture changes.
I am more interested in if Federal or State funds are being used to support these Librarys. Isn't the fact that they are "Public" and thus State/Federally funded, make this Anti-American crap illegal? This coming from the same state whos blind eye toward illegals, caused the cold blooded death of a Policeman.
El buncho crappo.
[From the Free Republic Spanish Room]
No es la verdad! (They lie.) I can see a day in my nephew's future where Ebonics and Spanish will be the mainstream of the Western United States and English will be little more than a anachronism.
Bal·kan·ize or bal·kan·ize
tr.v., -ized, -iz·ing, -iz·es.
To divide (a region or territory) into small, often hostile units.
[From the political division of the Balkans in the early 20th century.]
Bal'kan·i·za'tion n.
How about put a border partol office right next door to these libraries. They will have to close the doors if no one comes.
""OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING
DENVER, COLORADO 80202-5390
TELEPHONE: 720-865-9000 FAX: 720-865-9040
June 22, 2005
U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo
1130 Longworth House Office Bldg.
Wshington, DC 211515-0606
Dear Congressman Tancredo:
I received your letter of June 21, 2005,with great interest. I assume you placed considerable trust in your sources before you amplified their concerns to the media. If so, this trust has been misplaced.
Even though the Denver Public Library is an independent agency of the City and County of Denver, I have asked City Librarian Rick Ashton to provide me with the information related to your questions.
1. Is the Denver Public Library implementing a plan to convert very large sections of several branch libraries - ranging from 10% to 62% of book and periodical holdings - to Spanish language holdings?
No, the Deliver Public Library is not implementing any plan to convert its branch libraries to Spanish language centers. According to City Librarian Rick Aston, the Library is currently conducting an active community-based inquiry, testing several ideas about styles of service. Because more than 20% of all Denver residents speak Spanish at home, the Library is interested in providing additional Spanish-language materials and service, but it is not considering any "conversion" plan along the lines suggested in your question. English is and will remain the primary language of the Denver Public library. Seven community forums about potential service styles will be conducted in the next few weeks. This Process is being guided by a 50-member Advisory Committee comprised of people from all sectors of Denver.
2. Has the Denver City Council ever debated and approved a plan to convert one or more existing library branches to "Language and Learning Centers" with predominantly Spanish language books, magazines and materials"?
I cannot speak for the Denver City Council, but according to City Librarian Rick Ashton. City Council members have been informed about the Library's exploration of a variety of service styles. The Learning and Language model, one of the styles being examined, would help Spanish-speaking adults learn English, prepare for GED tests, and acquire basic computer skills.
While both Denver City Council and I review and approve the Library's budget and receive exclusive information from the Library, we do not "debate and approve" operational matters. As previously explained, the Denver Public Library is an independent agency, governed by the Denver Public Library Commission, an appointed citizen board designated by the Denver City Charter since 1904 as the Iibrary's governing body.""
The rest of the letter is here.
Does any politician care about American culture anymore?
Looks like the beginning of the end. Language is the first step toward peaceful integration, and when parallel languages are encouraged over the common English language, schisms will invariably develop. The immigrant groups who assimilate with the greatest ease are those who adopt English as a language of choice. This is especially true throughout American history, be it with Irish, German, French or even Indian immigrants, in recent times.
bump
I want a specialized ebonics library !
Did you hear Blair's press conference today..One great line..."I'm concerned that people are living here for 20 years or more and don't speak a word of English>"
I am still stunned at the immense spanking he just handed the ' politically correct ' in his nation.
He spoke like a real leader, like a MAN who knows his job and I just know his words lifted up the hopes of the people in his nation....the swarmy, cowardly politically correct be damned.
Would that our nation could receive such a needed and deserved lift from our President.
Kudos to Prime Minister Blair....just WONDROUS words and intent.
When does the all english library open in Mexico City? Oh, never mind. I forgot--they speak spanish in Mexico.
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