Posted on 04/17/2002 12:15:30 PM PDT by callisto
This was sent to me via email stating it as an editorial from a Tampa, FL newspaper written by an American citizen. I'm searching to find it online, but it's possible it was only published in print. It sums up the feelings of many, IMHO.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some
individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we
have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans.
However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the
"politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our
patriotism was offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone
who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost
entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants.
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to
our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.
This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only
to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own
language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over
centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women
who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or
any other language.
Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the
language!
"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian,
right wing, political slogan.
We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian
principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is
certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the
world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you
should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we
really don't care how you did things where you came from.
This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle.
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his
opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are
done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our
national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage
of one other great American freedom,
THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
Go ahead, open borders types, flame me. Be glad I don't want a translator for my language: CHEROKEE.
The Constitution disagrees.
"The Constitution disagrees."
I would deduce that as the official Constitution was written in English then it would logicaly follow that the official (legal) language of the Republic would also be English.
In other words, you can speak any language you can communicate with anywhere except in official business.
The Kohler Company in Kohler, WI recruited much of its early workforce directly from Germany. They housed them in a big dormitory called "The American Club" where they taught them English and American History and integrated them into American culture. They provided all kinds of entertainment for off hours, such as baseball teams, bands, and choruses. As the workers rose in the company ranks, the company provided loans and mortgages so that the workers could build their own homes -- thereby founding the town of Kohler.
The acreage where that dormitory once stood now is the site of "The American Club", a "five diamond" resort. There is a museum display in the basement of the Kohler Design Center recounting some of the achievements of those early immigrants.
Although this "aid" was not provided by the government, the aid was provided by private industry at a time before we were so heavily taxed.
In the town where I live, school was taught in German until World War II, and I think Church is still preached in German -- at least one service a week. I know local farmers whose ancestors immigrated to Wisconsin in the 1830s. They still speak with a German accent because the language was prevalent among the families here until the 1940s.
I think back to one of my great-grandfathers who came from Germany in the late 19th c. and settled in Texas. One of his proudest accomplishments in his long life was to learn to speak the English language with no trace of a German accent. It's true that he had a very good ear, being a musical person, so perhaps it was easier for him than others. But it's one of the stories that has come down about him, and it was terribly important to him obviously.
When did so many of our immigrants lose that desire to fit in, in this country? At least they could try to become Americans. If they don't want to, no one is keeping them here.
Well now, I would certainly agree with that. When I first started hearing about people being naturalized in other languages besides English, that really bothered me. People ought to know enough English by the time they become citizens to take the oath of allegiance in the language of their new country.
Of course, it was in California where that occurred, so that may explain that.
The Constitution disagrees.
Still not arguing in favor of illegal immigration, are we?
The founders may not have provided for a common language, but common sense sure does.
Something those who constantly run interference for the open borders types don't seem to have much of.
My grandfather came to this country from Costa Rica when he was 6. His family dropped Spanish like a live hand grenade. He spoke very little Spanish, my father speaks none, and the only Spanish I know I learned in highschool.
If I go to a country where they speak Spanish I will, out of courtesy, do my best to speak it. But I REFUSE to speak Spanish to make myself understood in my own country.
Never have, skeeter.
How's your "honesty" thing going?
I know you've had trouble in the past.
Falsely saying I support illegal immigration is a bad sign.
But thanks for the unsolicited reply.
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