Actually, Hispanic immigrants are holding onto Spanish far longer than earlier immigrants held on to their languages. In this, they are aided by the forces of multiculturalism, both in government (bilingual education) and out of government (the programs that ask whether you want English or Spanish). Earlier immigrants were not coddled like this, and they also faced an eventual end of reinforcements from the old country, both of which assisted their assimilation.
A prime offender in this, of course, is Bush, who insists on addressing Americans in Spanish. One could only imagine what Teddy Roosevelt would have thought of one of his successors addressing Americans in a foreign language.
So you hold it against Bush that he speaks Spanish to people who understand Spanish? That's xenophobic, and, frankly, silly.
One could only imagine what Teddy Roosevelt would have thought of one of his successors addressing Americans in a foreign language.
Exactly. You can only imagine because you don't know.
One can imagine what Fat Teddy would look like trying to run a seven-minute mile, as Bush does.
To be more explicit for you, English as the official language of Mexico, and Cinco de Mayo is already celebrated in the US. It is not a holiday where you get a day off from work and I can't imagine why it ever would. Mexicans don't celebrate it as heartily as Anglos in the US. Perhaps it wasn't the best example of a Mexican holiday that might be adopted by the US. Of course, we do have St. Patrick's Day. Not exactly an American holiday. I don't understand why you are upset that we might adopt a holiday celebrated by immigrants from another nation.
Actually, Hispanic immigrants are holding onto Spanish far longer than earlier immigrants held on to their languages.
That would seem natural as Mexico shares a long border with the US, and connections to their native country are much easier to maintain than with other immigrants. The repudiation of ESL programs in California in favor of English immersion programs by Mexican immigrants should calm your fears that your grandchildren might have to learn Spanish as their primary language.
A prime offender in this, of course, is Bush, who insists on addressing Americans in Spanish. One could only imagine what Teddy Roosevelt would have thought of one of his successors addressing Americans in a foreign language.
Teddy would no doubt have been envious. A little political pandering never hurt anyone.