Posted on 08/14/2008 11:32:33 AM PDT by Turret Gunner A20
Is VFW Post Phone MessageA VFW in Susquehanna County is drawing some attention because of its answering machine message. Some in Montrose wonder if it the right message.
The VFW near Montrose is a busy place along Route 706, a place where many in the area come to socialize. But some folks are questioning the post's answering machine message, saying it's not very social at all.
"Hello, this is Montrose VFW. We are an English speaking, American establishment. If you do not speak English or believe in America, please hang up," the message says.
"Racist. I mean, that's like, this is a free country, isn't it? That's what my understanding is," said Teresa Arthofer of Montrose. She wasn't happy hearing about the message, calling it unconstitutional.
"Does it say English speech? It just says freedom of speech. No where in there does it say freedom of English speech. It just says, freedom of speech," Arthofer added. [Boy!! now there's a whiz kid for ya!!]
"What do I think? I agree. If you're going to be in America, speak English," said Helen Warner of Springville. She added her grandparents had to learn English, why not everyone else.
"I mean, I have a hard time understanding some people and I think that if you live in a country, you should be able to speak the language and acclimate yourself to the country you're living in but I also think we need to have some patience and respect and understanding," said Laurie Farley of Montrose.
Newswatch 16 talk with VFW Post Commander John Miner about the message. "We are living in America, we should be able to speak English," he said. Miner added the message is meant for telemarketers who he said call all the time, often in broken English.
When asked if there was any chances they would change the message Miner said, "I don't believe so. I don't believe so. We're veterans of America."
The VFW post commander said the message has been on the machine for several months and so far, they have received no complaints.
good for you, fellas. if they don’t like it they can switch to another channel.
complaints? complaints? we don’t take no stinking complaints!
there’s nothing wrong with being american, either. (i’d like to hear the complainers’ definition.)
“She wasn’t happy hearing about the message, calling it unconstitutional.”
She is a poster child for the utter ignorance, combined with unreasoning defense of individual rights (and to hell with everybody else) that’s being pumped out of our secondary schools. Something about freedom of association...
Colonel, USAFR
Those are men and women who fought overseas (hence the name of the group) to protect our nation, constitution & society. They, above all, should have the 1st Amendment right to say anything they damn well please!
Is the VFW goverment funded? If it isn’t then the Bill of Rights doesn’t apply does it.
Wonder if they’ve been forced outside to smoke yet..
Veterans have earned the right to say things like that on their messages. Kudos to the VFW.
They will find these military fraternal organizations are not ruled by affirmative action, or political correctness.
People are free to speak whatever they want. Just like we are free to listen or NOT. Many want all the “freedoms” except the freedom of association. You should be able to associate with whoever you wish. If the VFW does not want to associate with non-English speakers, that is their right.
Not here.
If they don’t speak English to start with, will the message even make sense?
Also: Go VFW. When my dad died, they did the honors for his funeral. He had been an active member for decades, but they do it regardless. Dedicated patriots, all.
Wonderful people.
Like who gives a flying rat’s a$$ if someone is offended. There are a great number of folks out there who take pleasure in being offended and seek every opportunity to voice their outrage. I call these sad folks “Offense Whores”, and when I find one, I go out of my way to give them great pleasure and happiness. I try to offend them in every way I can think of.
Wow! Being an American and SPEAKING ENGLISH is RACIST NOW?
That guy from the article can POUND SAND!
Unconstitutional?...........What a MORON!..........
Liberalism is the arrested development of rational thought.
I always liked this phone message: “Press 1 for English. Press 2 if you don’t, hang up, and call back when you can press 1.”
And still most can not figure it out, American’s speak English for the most part, Spanish speak Spanish, at last check this is AMERICA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, yep fought on foreign soil came home, SPEAK ENGLISH, Sounds right to me.
I personally have no problem with it, but my guess is that the person who made the message has recently had a "bad experience" regarding the English/Spanish issue.
Here's a tee shirt I saw once. I think it's funny!
"For English - Press '1' ... For Spanish - Hang up and learn English!"
My best salute to them.
Er... it's mind-blowing to see someone claim that the VFW speaking their minds is a violation of the right to free speech. So, in essence, she's saying this chapter of the VFW should be censored because no one should be censored. :-/
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