[RLM]

"If I were to move to Mexico, you can bet the first thing I would learn would be the language and not expect Mexicans to speak English."
And, if you move to my hometown of Palmdale, CA, you'll want to do the same so you can conduct business and order lunch at a fast food restaurant.

[MillerCreek]

Moral Absolutes Ping List.

DISCUSSION ABOUT: "At Stake: English As a Primary Language (and $20M For School Document Translation)"

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To be included in or removed from the MORAL ABSOLUTES PINGLIST, please FreepMail either MillerCreek or wagglebee.

[jiggyboy]

I've lived in San Jose for 15 years and have never, not once, seen a Mexican pull out a phrase book to try to communicate.

[Dane]

Most non-English parents want their children to be taught and immersed in English. Guess who doesn't, that's right the teachers unions.

[sportutegrl]

I went to Cancun last year for vacation at one of those mega all inclusive hotel/resorts. There was a row of front desk clerks, all professional looking. There was a German couple in line in front of us that the desk clerk spoke perfect German to while she checked them in. When we stepped up to check in she switched to perfect English. It was such a flawless transition. If they can speak English in Cancun, why do they not learn English before they come here?

[upchuck]

Teddy Roosevelt said it best [emphasis mine]:

... if the [legal] immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American ... There can be no divided allegiances here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag,... we have room for but one language here, and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.

[right-wingin_It]

I got the following email (joke) fowarded to me. It's really about of Math education in the country but it's also releveant to the thread if you read it through...

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Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies. While looking at the screen on her register, I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1960:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990:

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did ! the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2005:

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?