Cops, Firefighters Forced to Learn Spanish

NewsMax.com ^ | July 10, 2002 | Michael L. Betsch

[Illbay]

Hey, dennisw, I'm almost certain you're illegal, but I haven't breathed a word to anyone.

[enrg]

We must have a common language if we are to communicate; speaking different languages in one country contributes to Balkanization.

What is being proposed in the article is just the first step towards what you see in the Balkans.... The most ironic thing is that America actually promoted the further balkanization of the Balkans in the last decade. Now its seems as though its gonna bite America on the butt.

My belief in this situation is if you want to live in a certain country, learn the language so you can communicate somewhat. Otherwise go back to where you came from. Accepting the culture should also be a requirement, although i disagree with adopting it.

Going back to the article, I think it would be best to offer the course to emergency services in whatever language, but not make it mandatory.

[freebilly]

How racist and insensitive to suggest that cops and firemen only learn Spanish. They also need to learn Vietnamese and Chinese as well as know the words to the Saudi National Anthem....