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Time to make English the official language of the U.S. - Page 2

post #41 of 160
9/16/03 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by bunge
The US does speak a common tongue.

When the majority of this country speaks Spanish, and the poll numbers show that Spanish should become the official language, would you support that? Or would you just say 'they're wrong' and get upset about it?

The U.S. is so isolated that some of the only contact some Americans get with foreign languages is on a DMV form. That's pathetic.

No I would not support it and neither would most Americans. Just because one immigrant group arrives in large numbers shouldn't change the historical use of English in this country.

Believe me, we get plenty of contact with foreign languages. Lay down on the beach in Santa Monica and count how many people walking by are speaking a foreign language. If this country is so diverse how could we not have contact with foreign languages. They are also taught in school-mandatory as I remember. And DMV forms should be in English only, its pathetic that they are not.............................................
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post #42 of 160
9/16/03 at 8:03pm
you scare me, steve.

the best argument, as i've noticed, is its costly (aside from the very convincing "common sense" and being "pathetic"). but the numbers rolling on that site you had linked seem unusually erroneous. on the bottom of this page, a paragraph reads:
Quote:
According to the Canadian Government, the annual cost of providing government services in both official languages is three cents per Canadian per day. While many sources discredit the theory that official multilingualism costs only pennies per person daily, even this amount spent on only two languages would dramatically impact the American economy.

assuming the U.S. costs the same as Canada (well, they don't provide any other costs, so its all i can go on), and assuming American cents, $0.03 * 292M != $3B. it comes out to around $9M (chump change on the federal level). $9M would not (i dont think) "dramatically impact the American economy."

am i missing something?
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post #43 of 160
9/16/03 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally posted by thuh Freak
you scare me, steve.

the best argument, as i've noticed, is its costly (aside from the very convincing "common sense" and being "pathetic"). but the numbers rolling on that site you had linked seem unusually erroneous. on the bottom of this page, a paragraph reads:

assuming the U.S. costs the same as Canada (well, they don't provide any other costs, so its all i can go on), and assuming American cents, $0.03 * 292M != $3B. it comes out to around $9M (chump change on the federal level). $9M would not (i dont think) "dramatically impact the American economy."

am i missing something?

Well, we could use that money to build Spanish-only public schools.

Cheers
Scott
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post #44 of 160
9/16/03 at 8:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by thuh Freak
you scare me, steve.

the best argument, as i've noticed, is its costly (aside from the very convincing "common sense" and being "pathetic"). but the numbers rolling on that site you had linked seem unusually erroneous. on the bottom of this page, a paragraph reads:

assuming the U.S. costs the same as Canada (well, they don't provide any other costs, so its all i can go on), and assuming American cents, $0.03 * 292M != $3B. it comes out to around $9M (chump change on the federal level). $9M would not (i dont think) "dramatically impact the American economy."

am i missing something?

Yes you are missing something. The Federal Govmnt isn't paying for it, local Govmnts are. My County is cash-strapped to the point of laying off people and raising our sales tax to 8.75 %. Those few millions of dollars make a big difference. Not only that but as soon as a certain population reaches some kind of threshold, then that language has to be added. New York City has to print pamphlets in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and others. I'm sorry, but I find THAT kind of scary! ............................
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post #45 of 160
9/16/03 at 8:36pm
New York, however, is quite an exceptional place. It's almost outrageously cosmopolitan (avoid the overused "d" word ) in every way you can think of, and incredible stuff goes on both in the street and under it simply because it has to. It's arguably the most complex city in the world, an exception almost to the point of being its own little (actually, sizable) country. In fact, even if the rest of the US adopted an official language, NYC would have to be an exception to any laws or rules pertaining to it because really there's just too much critical mass to enforce them let alone the ability to operate under them. It's just the way NYC city is, and no one can really control that, not even the mayor (any mayor).
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post #46 of 160
9/16/03 at 8:38pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
And DMV forms should be in English only, its pathetic that they are not.............................................

That's just another weak 'argument,' one with no support or basis.

Pathetic? It's pathetic that anyone cares how many languages it's in when it doesn't effect you in any direct way.
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post #47 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:42am
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
Just because one immigrant group arrives in large numbers shouldn't change the historical use of English in this country.

You're right. English speaking immigrants arriving in large numbers shouldn't change the historical use of English in this country ... which was that it was never the only, nor the official language.
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post #48 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:54am
Worst. Idea. Ever.

Oh look, it's Steve666. And no, I still don't really give a damn if my iMac is built in Mexico, Taiwan or the US.
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post #49 of 160
9/17/03 at 11:22am
I've been living in the EuroZone for quite a long time and see the importance of having at leaast ONE OFFICIAL language. With the entry of many more member states, translators will have a field day. 20? 30 languages??? NUTS!!!

I totally agree there should be an official language (English, duh) but not the suppression of secondary languages.

Having 'support' for a secondary language (like spanish, or chinese in certain places) just complicates things and makes it less an incentive for people to learn English.

When I used to live in New York City as a kid there were quite a few times where shop keeps from far away places COULD NOT SPEAK ENGLISH nor understand properly. I'm sorry, but that just isnt acceptable. And I aint talkin about spanish Harlem or something... Im talking midtown manhattan.

While we're at it, I think the "insert language"-only schools are a horrible thing to have in the US. It will cause more problems than anything else. dammit, you go to LIVE in a new country, learn the fvcking language and customs at least! Keep your own too, by all means, but dont auto-segregate yourselves!!!
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post #50 of 160
9/17/03 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally posted by BuonRotto
New York, however, is quite an exceptional place. It's almost outrageously cosmopolitan (avoid the overused "d" word ) in every way you can think of, and incredible stuff goes on both in the street and under it simply because it has to. It's arguably the most complex city in the world, an exception almost to the point of being its own little (actually, sizable) country. In fact, even if the rest of the US adopted an official language, NYC would have to be an exception to any laws or rules pertaining to it because really there's just too much critical mass to enforce them let alone the ability to operate under them. It's just the way NYC city is, and no one can really control that, not even the mayor (any mayor).

damn straight New York City is its own country. It has NOTHING to do with the rest of the USA.

NYC is the capital of the world, hands down.
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post #51 of 160
9/17/03 at 11:27am
Wait a second. I've got an idea to save money: Stop unecessarily invading other countries!

Bitching about costs associated with not having an official language is rediculous when everyone is so excited about spending a quarter of a trillion dollars in the next two years in Iraq.
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post #52 of 160
9/17/03 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally posted by giant
Wait a second. I've got an idea to save money: Stop unecessarily invading other countries!

Bitching about costs associated with not having an official language is rediculous when everyone is so excited about spending a quarter of a trillion dollars in the next two years in Iraq.

Aw, come on Giant! It's only a billion dollars a week! It'll take a while for all of that to add up to some insane amount of money.

Oh. Wait.

Cheers
Scott
Gangs are not seen as legitimate, because they don't have control over public schools.
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post #53 of 160
9/17/03 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally posted by trumptman
Si, solo hablo ingles in Los Estados Unidos.

My Spanish is a little rusty, but I think you were going for something more like "Sí, se habla solomente inglés en Los Estatos Unidos."
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post #54 of 160
9/17/03 at 12:27pm
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Wait, wait, I know... We should make Engrish the official language.
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post #55 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by bunge
That's just another weak 'argument,' one with no support or basis.

Pathetic? It's pathetic that anyone cares how many languages it's in when it doesn't effect you in any direct way.

It affects all of us when there are immigrants here for years and years who can't speak English, go on welfare, and can't find decent work because of it. It affects all of us because it costs money to pander and enable and print forms in different languages and that changes all the time. Its pathetic that you can't see this.
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post #56 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by ZO
I've been living in the EuroZone for quite a long time and see the importance of having at leaast ONE OFFICIAL language. With the entry of many more member states, translators will have a field day. 20? 30 languages??? NUTS!!!

I totally agree there should be an official language (English, duh) but not the suppression of secondary languages.

Having 'support' for a secondary language (like spanish, or chinese in certain places) just complicates things and makes it less an incentive for people to learn English.

When I used to live in New York City as a kid there were quite a few times where shop keeps from far away places COULD NOT SPEAK ENGLISH nor understand properly. I'm sorry, but that just isnt acceptable. And I aint talkin about spanish Harlem or something... Im talking midtown manhattan.

While we're at it, I think the "insert language"-only schools are a horrible thing to have in the US. It will cause more problems than anything else. dammit, you go to LIVE in a new country, learn the fvcking language and customs at least! Keep your own too, by all means, but dont auto-segregate yourselves!!!

BINGO!
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post #57 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by Eugene
Worst. Idea. Ever.

Oh look, it's Steve666. And no, I still don't really give a damn if my iMac is built in Mexico, Taiwan or the US.

Why should you care? You're getting ripped off and Americans have fewer jobs. No concern for you of course...........
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post #58 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
it costs money

Sorry, but if you want to save money, the best place to start is to stop unecessarily invading other countries!

Also, my work is a goverment depository, and I'm pretty sure very little of what comes out of the GPO is in anything but english. I could be wrong and will check tomorrow.
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post #59 of 160
9/17/03 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by giant
Sorry, but if you want to save money, the best place to start is to stop unecessarily invading other countries!

Also, my work is a goverment depository, and I'm pretty sure very little of what comes out of the GPO is in anything but english. I could be wrong and will check tomorrow.

I agree with you on iraq. What a waste of money and GI lives. Shrub could have waited for International support and funds. Its a boondoggle........................................ ...
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post #60 of 160
9/20/03 at 10:03am
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
I don't know if I'd call it an obsession but it is something that irks me. You're correct, of course, that there is money wasted in many other ways, but I just think its ludicrous not to expect someone to speak English in this country and to make it easy for them not to. There are so many on welfare that can't speak English. That is just crazy. When i read that article and the woman said it was an insult that the ballot was printed in imperfect Spanish it just pissed me off. I consider it an insult to my country, i really do, right or wrong. Latinos are always saying that their culture and heritage should be respected, but I can't say the same about mine? Something just ain't right.

As for the politicians you are correct. Most of them don't have the guts to say what they truly believe. Just a few years ago the vast majority of Republicans publicly stated my beliefs-in fact it was part of the Republican Convention. Now, even though the majority of voters have been found to support the position , the possibility of losing even 10% of the vote is enough to turn a Republican into a pandering Democrat. Thats why USEnglish is facing such an uphill climb. You would think that with a Republican President and Republican Congress it would be a shoe-in. Not anymore...................................

I tend to agree with Steve, being a spanish speaker myself. If you have been here for 20+ years, you should no how to at least hold up a conversation and read in English.

Second, I think it is pure BS that suit in California. Like English, Spanish is a very diverse language. Spanish from Chile, Peru, or Spain, is different in meaning. Certain terms can be derrogatory, while in other places there considered as normal words. So, I think in this instance, perhaps the ballot might have been translated using some regional venacular instead of international (universal) Spanish. Since my parents were from S. America (Chile and Brazil), it would be akin to me trying to read a Mexican publication and not understanding the word usage. I'm sure you all can relate to picking a British or New Zealand magazine and laugh at how they spell or use words.

I do not see it wrong to require people to have a certain competancy level before becoming full citizens. Look at Japan. In order to become a citizen, you have to be able to read, write, and speak almost perfect Japanese. However, I do agree that certain documentation has to be in multiple languages. For example, the documents for important services: health, immigration, and safety information.
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post #61 of 160
9/20/03 at 10:08am
I am pro-war and giant has a fantastic point.

With all the bullshit our government spends money on, anyone who tries to make the argument that printing things in multiple languages is a drag on our economy is very very stupid.

Thinly-veiled xenophobia.

This is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. And guess what, geniuses, some of those people don't speak English as their first language. This nation was built on immigration, but now that you've been here for a little while you feel like putting up more restrictions and limiting access for those unlike yourself?
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post #62 of 160
9/20/03 at 10:29am
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I have promised myself to point out each time I agree with one of Grovers posts. So thats what I am doing now.
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post #63 of 160
9/20/03 at 11:03am
  • Leonis
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In Europe a lot of countries support more than two languages.

In Canada...only two...English and French.

There's good and bad about supporting only one / or more than one offical languages.


Oh...just for in case if people don't know. While Spanish , Panjabi and Chinese aren't the offical language in Canada. A lot of governement documents (especially to the multi-cultral department) are printed in these languages.
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post #64 of 160
9/20/03 at 12:10pm
I'm voting for Esperanto. Or Sanskrit. What about Eubonics?
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post #65 of 160
9/20/03 at 3:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by feliperal
I tend to agree with Steve, being a spanish speaker myself. If you have been here for 20+ years, you should no how to at least hold up a conversation and read in English.

Second, I think it is pure BS that suit in California. Like English, Spanish is a very diverse language. Spanish from Chile, Peru, or Spain, is different in meaning. Certain terms can be derrogatory, while in other places there considered as normal words. So, I think in this instance, perhaps the ballot might have been translated using some regional venacular instead of international (universal) Spanish. Since my parents were from S. America (Chile and Brazil), it would be akin to me trying to read a Mexican publication and not understanding the word usage. I'm sure you all can relate to picking a British or New Zealand magazine and laugh at how they spell or use words.

I do not see it wrong to require people to have a certain competancy level before becoming full citizens. Look at Japan. In order to become a citizen, you have to be able to read, write, and speak almost perfect Japanese. However, I do agree that certain documentation has to be in multiple languages. For example, the documents for important services: health, immigration, and safety information.

Well said. I believe you have to be in this country for 5 years before you can become a citizen. In those 5 years you should have to learn to speak English. Which means you should have to speak English in order to vote. Which means ballots should only be printed in English.

And what is with all these FCKING POP-UPS!! My computer has crashed 3 times because of them. Groverat, I think Appleinsider has discovered a way to get rid of me. Arent you happy? I will reply to your post first, but then I may not be back. I can't stand pop-ups, and neither can my poor old PM 8100.............................................. ..........
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post #66 of 160
9/20/03 at 3:18pm
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Quote:
Originally posted by groverat
I am pro-war and giant has a fantastic point.

With all the bullshit our government spends money on, anyone who tries to make the argument that printing things in multiple languages is a drag on our economy is very very stupid.

Thinly-veiled xenophobia.

This is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. And guess what, geniuses, some of those people don't speak English as their first language. This nation was built on immigration, but now that you've been here for a little while you feel like putting up more restrictions and limiting access for those unlike yourself?

Thats right, call someone xenophobic in order to defame your opponent. Doesn't work, groverat, just makes you sound petty.

Of course most people coming to the US dont speak English as their first language! Are you telling us something new? The point is that many recent immigrants aren't bothering to learn to speak English and our policies are making it easier for them not to have to speak English-thats the problem!

And as for your last crack about now that I've been here awhile I feel like putting up restrictions and limiting access for those unlike yourself-I've mentioned before my Grandparents came from Poland and had to learn to speak English, and I agree that they had to. Anyone from anywhere, including my homeland of Poland should have to learn to speak English. If you have a point to make, make it, but give up on the 'he's a racist because he disagrees with me' crap. Its getting really old.......................................
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post #67 of 160
9/20/03 at 5:08pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
The point is that many recent immigrants aren't bothering to learn to speak English and our policies are making it easier for them not to have to speak English-thats the problem!

But you have yet to make a good case for this argument. Why is it a problem?
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post #68 of 160
9/20/03 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by bunge
But you have yet to make a good case for this argument. Why is it a problem?

1. Their children will be learning to speak English and in many cases they will not be able to communicate very well with them.
2. It will be harder for immigrants who don't speak English to find adequate jobs. If they go on welfare, it will be harder to get them off welfare.
3. It will be difficult for them to communicate with others. I have had spanish-speaking customers come in and ask if I speak Spanish. I am friends with a girl who does speak Spanish but she refuses to because it makes her angrier than me that they don't bother learning how. So, the customer ends up leaving. I don't think there are many stores in my area at least where this customer will be able to communicate with anyone. I know thats not true in many urban settings, but its the case here.
4. Its safer to be able to speak English. Theres no guarantee that there will be someone who speaks your language at a hospital, police station, etc. Remember, we're not just talking about Spanish here but immigrants come from all over the world.
5. What are the chances of someone moving up the economic ladder without knowing how to speak and understand English? Do you want immigrants to stay in their entry level jobs or do you want them to be able to become successful? I prefer they become successful.

Those are just some of the reasons its good for them. I have already mentioned the reasons it is good for us..........................
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post #69 of 160
9/20/03 at 5:34pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
Those are just some of the reasons its good for them. I have already mentioned the reasons it is good for us..........................

No offense intended, but I don't trust your opinions of what's good for them. Let them decide. I'm more interested in how you think it benefits the U.S. in a dramatic way. I just don't see it.
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post #70 of 160
9/20/03 at 5:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by bunge
No offense intended, but I don't trust your opinions of what's good for them. Let them decide. I'm more interested in how you think it benefits the U.S. in a dramatic way. I just don't see it.

Whats to trust? Either you agree with them or not.
It benefits the US because:

1. Cost savings. Yes, the govmnt wastes money in many other ways, but why add to it. Also, the burden falls mainly on local govmnts. Printing mulitlingual ballots is another unfunded Federal mandate.
2. See above items on jobs and welfare.
3. Americans should be able to go anywhere and shop anywhere and be able to communicate with the owners, salespeople, whatever in one lagnuage.
4. Historical continuity-English has always been the defacto language of the US. I see no reason why that should be changed, except it is now necessary to have to make it Official.
5. To say certain voters are disenfranchised is a lie. What about all the other immigrants who speak languages other than English? The only reason ballots aren't printed in those languages is because their population hasn't reached a critical mass that would influence elections. Therefore-the whole argument for printing ballots in Spanish is a sham. Perpetrated by politicians looking to gain votes from one ethnic group. The whole argument goes down the tubes IMHO...........................
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post #71 of 160
9/20/03 at 6:01pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
Whats to trust? Either you agree with them or not.

The people that don't speak English have their own reasons and they don't need your reasons. They may very well be 1000 times more important than this list you created to support your cause.

Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
3. Americans should be able to go anywhere and shop anywhere and be able to communicate with the owners, salespeople, whatever in one lagnuage.

This type of ethnocentric and yes xenophobic language is just not supportable.

You've got it all backwards. People in the U.S. should be able to speak whatever language they want.

Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
4. ...it is now necessary to have to make it Official.

I think it's much more accurate to say that it's necessary for people who only speak English to learn a second language.

Again, there's no basis for your argument other than your own fear. No one in the U.S. should be forced to do anything, including speak English.
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post #72 of 160
9/20/03 at 6:15pm
Thread Starter 
>The people that don't speak English have their own reasons and they don't need your reasons. They may very well be 1000 times more important than this list you created to support your cause.<

You asked me for reasons and I gave them.



>This type of ethnocentric and yes xenophobic language is just not supportable. <

Sure it is, because its not xenophobic at all and is common sense.

>You've got it all backwards. People in the U.S. should be able to speak whatever language they want.<

I never said they shouldn't, as long as they can also speak English.



>I think it's much more accurate to say that it's necessary for people who only speak English to learn a second language.<

Not necessary but a good idea. Now what should that second language be? Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Italian, German? I say we leave it up to them.

>Again, there's no basis for your argument other than your own fear. No one in the U.S. should be forced to do anything, including speak English. <

I think I gave many excellent reasons to support my argument. I haven't heard any good rationale from you to support your arguments though. Unless your reason is 'because they should be able to do whatever they want, nyah nyah nyah'. Which really isn't a very good reason...........................
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post #73 of 160
9/20/03 at 8:42pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
Not necessary but a good idea. Now what should that second language be? Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Italian, German?

I suggest French, Spanish, and German, which are the ones I learned in high school and college.

Cheers
Scott
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Gangs are not seen as legitimate, because they don't have control over public schools.
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post #74 of 160
9/21/03 at 7:33am
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
I think I gave many excellent reasons to support my argument. I haven't heard any good rationale from you to support your arguments though. Unless your reason is 'because they should be able to do whatever they want, nyah nyah nyah'. Which really isn't a very good reason...........................

But in the United States it is.

The U.S. shouldn't force people to do this. The U.S. should bend and learn to adapt; that's our strength. One day English won't even be spoken on the planet, but the hope is the U.S. will still be here. We're better prepared by not being a stick in the mud.

If the U.S. forced people to do things in one way then it would stifle innovation. Just like if we had laws that said you must cook food in such and such a manner. Food wouldn't be able to progress and we'd all be eating beef jerky or something like that. This is the exact opposite of how the U.S. functions and thrives.
"Hearing a corrupt CEO like Cheney denigrate Edwards for being a trial lawyer is like hearing a child molester complain how Larry Flint is a pervert." -johnq
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"Hearing a corrupt CEO like Cheney denigrate Edwards for being a trial lawyer is like hearing a child molester complain how Larry Flint is a pervert." -johnq
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post #75 of 160
9/21/03 at 3:55pm
Thread Starter 
>The U.S. shouldn't force people to do this. The U.S. should bend and learn to adapt; that's our strength. One day English won't even be spoken on the planet, but the hope is the U.S. will still be here. We're better prepared by not being a stick in the mud.<

I prefer that folks moving here bend and learn to adapt to the country they decided to move to and was generous enough to allow them to enter. And since we can't possibly learn to speak every single language in the world it behooves us to continue using one language to connect us, and that language is English.

You're a wierd, whacky guy. Now why on earth wouldn't english be spoken on this planet years from now. Are the inhabitants of the Planet Yondo coming to take over?.................
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www.fairus.org
www.usenglish.org
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www.numbersusa.com
www.fairus.org
www.usenglish.org
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post #76 of 160
9/21/03 at 4:52pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
>The U.S. shouldn't force people to do this. The U.S. should bend and learn to adapt; that's our strength. One day English won't even be spoken on the planet, but the hope is the U.S. will still be here. We're better prepared by not being a stick in the mud.<

I prefer that folks moving here bend and learn to adapt to the country they decided to move to and was generous enough to allow them to enter. And since we can't possibly learn to speak every single language in the world it behooves us to continue using one language to connect us, and that language is English.

You're a wierd, whacky guy. Now why on earth wouldn't english be spoken on this planet years from now. Are the inhabitants of the Planet Yondo coming to take over?.................

Latin is gone. Greek is gone. Chinese doesn't resemble anything that it used to resemble. It's inevitable.

Folks will bend to be here, it's impossible not to bend at all. Ultimately communication will exist here no matter what they speak.
"Hearing a corrupt CEO like Cheney denigrate Edwards for being a trial lawyer is like hearing a child molester complain how Larry Flint is a pervert." -johnq
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"Hearing a corrupt CEO like Cheney denigrate Edwards for being a trial lawyer is like hearing a child molester complain how Larry Flint is a pervert." -johnq
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post #77 of 160
9/21/03 at 6:09pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
1. Their children will be learning to speak English and in many cases they will not be able to communicate very well with them.
2. It will be harder for immigrants who don't speak English to find adequate jobs. If they go on welfare, it will be harder to get them off welfare.
3. It will be difficult for them to communicate with others. I have had spanish-speaking customers come in and ask if I speak Spanish. I am friends with a girl who does speak Spanish but she refuses to because it makes her angrier than me that they don't bother learning how. So, the customer ends up leaving. I don't think there are many stores in my area at least where this customer will be able to communicate with anyone. I know thats not true in many urban settings, but its the case here.
4. Its safer to be able to speak English. Theres no guarantee that there will be someone who speaks your language at a hospital, police station, etc. Remember, we're not just talking about Spanish here but immigrants come from all over the world.
5. What are the chances of someone moving up the economic ladder without knowing how to speak and understand English? Do you want immigrants to stay in their entry level jobs or do you want them to be able to become successful? I prefer they become successful.

Those are just some of the reasons its good for them. I have already mentioned the reasons it is good for us..........................

1. the kids of wasp-americans that speak only english will not be able to communicate wehn their parents live in any non english speaking country.
2. exactly the same in case of emigrants speaking only english in the non english speaking countries.
3. those who can communicate in more than one language can normally communicate better. one language can have bigger distance to the subject than an other. you don't get this if you speak only english.
4. it is safer to speak only the local language. most south america speaks only spanish. and china only some different chinese etc.
5. reformulate the question again. what are the changes of an american speaking only english making a good life in a non anglo part of world? why do you even come to holiday to italy, germany, china, whatever part of world if you don't speak any local language and don'0t want to?

sorry my bad attitude today, but USA is not all of the world. in UK the official languages seem to include hindi, somali, bengali, ... would it be better all spoke only english? where would the big lost part of cultures go? speak what you want, but speak the local language too where ever you are.
How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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post #78 of 160
9/21/03 at 6:13pm
Quote:
Originally posted by steve666
Whats to trust? Either you agree with them or not.
It benefits the US because:

1. Cost savings. Yes, the govmnt wastes money in many other ways, but why add to it. Also, the burden falls mainly on local govmnts. Printing mulitlingual ballots is another unfunded Federal mandate.
2. See above items on jobs and welfare.
3. Americans should be able to go anywhere and shop anywhere and be able to communicate with the owners, salespeople, whatever in one lagnuage.
4. Historical continuity-English has always been the defacto language of the US. I see no reason why that should be changed, except it is now necessary to have to make it Official.
5. To say certain voters are disenfranchised is a lie. What about all the other immigrants who speak languages other than English? The only reason ballots aren't printed in those languages is because their population hasn't reached a critical mass that would influence elections. Therefore-the whole argument for printing ballots in Spanish is a sham. Perpetrated by politicians looking to gain votes from one ethnic group. The whole argument goes down the tubes IMHO...........................

1. print less documents. make them more clear, so e.g. and english speaker understands whats in the form.
why dont most countries save equally? when english is not official language, papers in english are provided. quit the cortesy ...
3. americans go everywhere and shop everywhere, and most whites don't want to learn new languages unless "civil ones" such as for opera or mode.
4. study the history. italians spoke italian, chinese chinese, mexicans spanish when california was mexico .. us has been pluricultural, never white anglo-british. for language, races, religions, cultures. chinese - italo - greek etc americans did not start to exist 20 y ago.
5. how many emigrants that came to usa 50 or 100 y ago spoke any english???
How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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post #79 of 160
9/21/03 at 6:17pm
Quote:
Originally posted by ZO
damn straight New York City is its own country. It has NOTHING to do with the rest of the USA.

NYC is the capital of the world, hands down.

azzz.. Zo, hey, chico,

your English is ormai pretty bad. You sound like a French guy speaking good English.

It's not on the level of the French though. Some geniuses complained they didn't understand my English because of my American accent.
How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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How many problems have you modified or originated in the past 1 day?
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post #80 of 160
9/22/03 at 3:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by Giaguara
1. the kids of wasp-americans that speak only english will not be able to communicate wehn their parents live in any non english speaking country.
2. exactly the same in case of emigrants speaking only english in the non english speaking countries.
3. those who can communicate in more than one language can normally communicate better. one language can have bigger distance to the subject than an other. you don't get this if you speak only english.
4. it is safer to speak only the local language. most south america speaks only spanish. and china only some different chinese etc.
5. reformulate the question again. what are the changes of an american speaking only english making a good life in a non anglo part of world? why do you even come to holiday to italy, germany, china, whatever part of world if you don't speak any local language and don'0t want to?

sorry my bad attitude today, but USA is not all of the world. in UK the official languages seem to include hindi, somali, bengali, ... would it be better all spoke only english? where would the big lost part of cultures go? speak what you want, but speak the local language too where ever you are.

1. wasp-americans? When their parents move to another country they would be expected to learn the new language.
2. emigrants who speak only rnglish in non-english speaking countries dont function very well.
3.I never said people should speak ONLY english, I said everyone should know how to speak english.
4. yes, it is safer to speak the local language.
5. you can go on vacation to a country without learning the language. I dont expect toursists to know how to speak english.

In UK the official language is English. It would not be better to speak only english, like I said it would be better to speak english plus anything else..............................
www.numbersusa.com
www.fairus.org
www.usenglish.org
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www.numbersusa.com
www.fairus.org
www.usenglish.org
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