[Oldie]

There have always been subcultures within the US that did not speak English as their first language. Granted, most of them have been rather small and insignificant (like the Pennsylvania Dutch, for example) when compared to the Spanish speaking population.

In any case, I fail to see what the big deal is. Why all the paranoia about Spanish ... it will never be a majority language here, and as for Spanish speaking immigrants ... if their kids do not end up speaking perfect English, then their grandchildren will.

In the meantime, the paranoid hostility of some conservatives is really the only thing that is keeping many Latinos in the Democratic camp. In fact, many Latinos are very conservative in their attitudes, but end up voting for Democrats regardless of this because they are simply scared of the attitudes that some conservatives display towards the Spanish speaking community.

[Sonny M]

In any case, I fail to see what the big deal is.

It becomes a hamperment, when somone who doesn't speak spanish, is unable to get a job because there are so many spanish people who won't speak english, it also becomes a problem when one is trying to buy products or get service and the person your dealing with is unable to speak english.

I haven't even delved into all the safety issues that automatically pop up in regards to somone not knowing english. Its the equivalent of being illiterate and in addition unable to communicate verbally.

The main thing is, if they can't speak english, they will need or want government assistance, so in essence, you will have to support, with your tax dollars, some one elses ignorance when they could be working, but do not have the desire to learn the language to do so.

[Ford Fairlane]

What happens when you cant communicate with someone in the workplace, or in an emergency situation, because they refuse to learn the language of the land? This has happened to me in dangerous industrial situations.

My main problem with latinos, however, is the fact that over 50% of them are here illegaly.

If they come here legally, and speak english in the workplace, I have no problem with them.

[Jorge]

In any case, I fail to see what the big deal is. Why all the paranoia about Spanish ... it will never be a majority language here, and as for Spanish speaking immigrants ... if their kids do not end up speaking perfect English, then their grandchildren will.

Exactly.

[Severa]

*is an example of your statement about Spanish speaking immigrants* My mom's parents immigrated here from Spain. They learned to speak English, though it wasn't perfect by any means, they learned the language. My mom is fluent in both Spanish and English. I can read Spanish fairly well but can't speak it, and the most I can do with spoken Spanish if I hear it is pick out a word or two.

[hchutch]

"In the meantime, the paranoid hostility of some conservatives is really the only thing that is keeping many Latinos in the Democratic camp. In fact, many Latinos are very conservative in their attitudes, but end up voting for Democrats regardless of this because they are simply scared of the attitudes that some conservatives display towards the Spanish speaking community."

I'll bump that to the top.

[hchutch]

Excellent post at #7

[PRND21]

Bump