Everyone will speak Spanish in heaven???

[Rondo]

Let's get a pool going on Won's bet. When are you leaving for the return trip??

[GreatLakesGramma]

I agree, Won, we have a stupid government. When a state tries to enforce national immigration laws that are already on the books, people cry "foul" and the federal government takes legal action against them. That is totally idiotic.

[Dr. Shane]

First, most Spanish-speaking immigrants in the US are here legally. More are allowed to enter legally each year. Even if we stop all illegal immigration, Spanish is not going away.

Second, the New England states are filled with activist judges. The people there need to wise up and start electing constructionist judges. The people get the government they deserve. In New Jersey, that means they deserve the activist judges they elect or that their elected politicians appoint.

Third, the reason private industry caters to Spanish is because it is profitable to do so. The reason they don't cater to Koreans is because there are not enough of them here to make it profitable. Private industry does what makes them money. They do not have a language preference, they simply seek profits and Spanish-speaking people have become a profitable market.

Fourth, from what I understand, most welfare offices do not ask for a person's immigration papers. So they do not know if a person is illegal or not. Illegals applying for benefits must meet the same criteria as anyone else. Illegals are not rewarded for being illegal. If we do not give them benefits, many will not seek medical attention or be properly fed. The place to secure the border is at the border - not at the county welfare office.

[jasd]

>>In New Jersey, this Spanish speaking convicted drunked driver got off scot free. His lawyer claimed that at the time of arrest he did not understand English so he agreed to the breathlizer test.<<

Too funny!—if not so sad...

I once gave a German Shepherd to a Mexican illegal (...big dog – 35 inches at the shoulders – and purebred).

One night, after a drunken carousal – the guy drove into and totaled a brand new Porsche Carrera parked curbside – Very, Very Expensive!—piece of machinery.

He was too drunk to flee the scene and was still there when the Police arrived; whereupon, he was asked if he spoke English – to which he replied in the negative. Asked if he was legal – another negative. The Police told him to get lost (otherwise, the City would incur the co$t of arresting him, running him through the system, and providing his transportation back to Tijuana, Baja California – without the chance of recouping the monetary outlay).

Funny!—in that the German Shepherd was in the car with him when he totaled the Carrera – and it was the German Shepherd that was sent to jail – doggy jail, that is - nevertheless, it was barred confinement.

I had to go down the next day to bail the dog out!—and the illegal?—well, having sobered-up by the next day, simply went to another Cantina... Viva la Vida!

Ahhh—America! Whilst thou standeth...

[Woody]

>>In New Jersey, this Spanish speaking convicted drunked driver got off scot free. His lawyer claimed that at the time of arrest he did not understand English so he agreed to the breathlizer test.<<

Too funny!—if not so sad...

I once gave a German Shepherd to a Mexican illegal (...big dog – 35 inches at the shoulders – and purebred).

One night, after a drunken carousal – the guy drove into and totaled a brand new Porsche Carrera parked curbside – Very, Very Expensive!—piece of machinery.

He was too drunk to flee the scene and was still there when the Police arrived; whereupon, he was asked if he spoke English – to which he replied in the negative. Asked if he was legal – another negative. The Police told him to get lost (otherwise, the City would incur the co$t of arresting him, running him through the system, and providing his transportation back to Tijuana, Baja California – without the chance of recouping the monetary outlay).

Funny!—in that the German Shepherd was in the car with him when he totaled the Carrera – and it was the German Shepherd that was sent to jail – doggy jail, that is - nevertheless, it was barred confinement.

I had to go down the next day to bail the dog out!—and the illegal?—well, having sobered-up by the next day, simply went to another Cantina... Viva la Vida!

Ahhh—America! Whilst thou standeth...

[jasd]

>>First, ... Second, ... Third, ... Fourth<<

Wrong-headedness by the numbers, eh?

>>Illegals applying for benefits must meet the same criteria as anyone else.<<

Ah sooo... and, of course, that makes it A-Okay number one copacetic, yes? We have guys here (Oregon) returning from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan – who have lost their jobs because their places of former employment could not justify holding their positions vacant – until they returned from serving the country. They, meeting the criterion of

low-to-nuthin’-wages,

and qualifying for rent-assisted housing – find that they are sh**ste outta luck and outta the market!—because, so much of the subsidized housing here has been applied-for and taken by Spanish-speaking peoples – a great percentage of whom are illegals.

Hey!—I can argue compassion and mercy as well as the next guy – but right is right – and our returning vets having their benefits co-opted – really Grinches me!—y’know what I mean?

Of course!--you do.

[Dr. Shane]

The place to secure the border is at the border. If those veterans are reservists or NG their employers have to give them their job back by law. If they are collecting unemployment, their unemployment may be greater than the wages of many of those in the Spanish-speaking community.

There is nothing wrong with those Spanish-speaking folks. We have no reason to be envious or covet what we think rightly belongs to someone else. The "problem" is that many criminals are coming in the country illegally and that some of the illegals that are coming in carry diseases like TB and AIDS. We need to secure the border and create a work visa program that allows honest, hard-working Mexicans to come here and work for two years.

[jasd]

>>The place to secure the border is at the border.<<

Indeed, should the need be border control; otherwise, I submit that the place to secure Natl integrity is in the personnel department of businesses. I favor the imposition of such

horrendous fines upon businesses who hire illegally – that the jobs market will cease to exist except for the legitimate. That said,

we should fast track and ease legitimate entrance into this country.

>>If those veterans are reservists or NG their employers have to give them their job back by law.<<

Shane, that is copacetic for those having full employment; however, the jobs market in this State (formerly timber-intensive) is one of large numbers of jobs being legally defined as part-time. Should I not be mistaken,

those employers are not under the same Federal constraints as those having full employment employees gone to war.

>>If they are collecting unemployment, their unemployment may be greater than the wages of many of those in the Spanish-speaking community.<<

Where do you get the idea that the Spanish-speaking community, by and large, is one that is wage impoverished? A great number of them have been instructed by word of mouth and by their ‘particular Social Service apparatuses’ – on ways to

game the system.

>>There is nothing wrong with those Spanish-speaking folks.<<

Not generally, no. I agree with anyone who advocates the “Spanish-speaking folks”. However, don’t you have a problem with non-assimilation and excessive crime?—and, the duality of official language utilized in America?

>>We have no reason to be envious or covet what we think rightly belongs to someone else.<<

“envious” or “covet”: are those not pejoratives for bald-faced apologetics re criminal law-breaking? Too many, too easily, find too many excuses...

>>The "problem" is that many criminals are coming in the country illegally and that some of the illegals that are coming in carry diseases like TB and AIDS.<<

That is only one aspect of a greater and multitudinous ‘problem(s)’.

>>We need to secure the border and create a work visa program that allows honest, hard-working Mexicans to come here and work for two years.<<

We almost agree hereupon the above. We have to also provide for the legitimate entrance and assimilation of those who desire to partake in the American dream – such as it’s becoming...

We shouldn’t be making excuses for the ghettoization or Balkanization of America, which same enclaves are, in too many instances, manifesting as criminal cesspits.

[Gerr]

There are times here that I think I'm the only one not speakin' Greek.

Now I understand better why communication is so difficult with you.:)

[whbae]

1. Nothing wrong with speaking Spanish or any other foreign language here in this country. I myself try to speak some spanish to some of my patinets. We should not cater a particular foreign language here as long as our official language is English.

2. Welfare office!? Some years ago I complained to the welfare office that most of the welfare patinets should be off the system from my own observation. The answer I got was "we want to keep our job". So, it does not surprise me that the welfare office does not check the applicant's immigration status. They need their job!

3. The federal government will not enforce immigration law no matter how much the citizens complain.

I have seen a program aired in a PBS not long ago. Those big food manufaturing companies like Mansanto, etc, run their business by hiring inexpensive laborers, mainly the illegal immigrants. Thos companies pay all the bribes to the senators and congressmen. So you know what this means. No matter how much you cry about the illegal immigrant problems the congress or the president won't do a thing!

We the tax payers have to foot bill and suffer.

Won

[Dr. Shane]

1. Corporate America should not have to do the government's job of securing the border. It is unfair to require employers to verify a worker's legal status. If the government was securing the border, there wouldn't be enough illegals here to worry about. Social Security should issue a national ID with a magnetic strip. Before hiring an employee, the employer should be able to swipe the ID and allow the government to verify the worker is legal.

2. First generation immigrants are, for the most part, impoverished. Second generation immigrants tend to earn as much as an average America.

3. Assimilation should not be a requirement in a free nation. As long as they do not violate the law, they should not be required to assimilate. Nearly all second generation immigrants assimilate without any requirements to do so.

4. Immigrants do not "game the system" any more than any other group of Americans do. Welfare fraud is an issue but not limited to immigrants.

5. There is no official language in the US nor should there be. It is a free country. People can use any language they want. If their population is large enough, their elected leaders may decide to print government documents to accommodate them. At one time the US government printed many documents in German to accommodate German immigrants. 6% of the nation's elementary schools were once taught in German. That was the result of freedom and democracy.

[John317]

Spanish is the language spoken in our home.

Same here, Shane. I never took any formal courses in Spanish, but I've learned it over the last 22 years because it's all my wife knew when we got married. Now our daughters are fluent in Spanish. My eldest has worked as a translator for the school district here. In Southern California, it's so important to be able to speak both languages. My favorite is still English but I do enjoy both. As you probably know, Spanish is more the language of feelings & emotions, whereas English is more suitable for expressing ideas.

[John317]

At one time the US government printed many documents in German to accommodate German immigrants. 6% of the nation's elementary schools were once taught in German. That was the result of freedom and democracy.

German came very close to being the official language of the USA. I read that when Congress voted on it, it was voted down by only a single vote.

[bonnie]

5. There is no official language in the US nor should there be. It is a free country. People can use any language they want. If their population is large enough, their elected leaders may decide to print government documents to accommodate them. At one time the US government printed many documents in German to accommodate German immigrants. 6% of the nation's elementary schools were once taught in German. That was the result of freedom and democracy.

One town in MN last night voted information being offered in multiple languages or english only. English only was voted in.

Multiple languages simply cannot be afforded.

Now they must learn english or hire their own translator

[Dr. Shane]

English only was voted in.

Intolerance still abounds. Of course, these minorities have rights and any law forcing them to hire their own translators is likely to be overturned in the courts. It is truly sad to seen cold-hearted, intolerant people deny basic rights to poor minorities. I praise God and thank His wonderful mercy that our church is not so cold-hearted and has translated hundred of books, television and radio broadcasts into scores of languages. May we always have a heart like Jesus.

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: bonnie

English only was voted in.

Intolerance still abounds. Of course, these minorities have rights and any law forcing them to hire their own translators is likely to be overturned in the courts. It is truly sad to seen cold-hearted, intolerant people deny basic rights to poor minorities. I praise God and thank His wonderful mercy that our church is not so cold-hearted and has translated hundred of books, television and radio broadcasts into scores of languages. May we always have a heart like Jesus.

What is there about "we do not have the money" that is so tough to understand?

Which language should they accommodate?

What is hard to understand is when people refuse to take advantage of "free english classes".Most small towns simply do not have the money. If they cannot understand english why are they allowed to drive? The states can hardly be expected to have signs to accommodate all languages in this country.

The church translating is a bit different.It is great that they are. The church functions with free will offerings and tithe. City governments do not.

I am glad the high schools give free english classes so those that want to learn have an easier time of it.

I know that most don't seem to understand the "we are out of money,we cannot afford this" statement.

But there is a free cure for those that do wish to learn english

I am sure more towns are going to follow suit. Ours and others close to ours has for the last couple of years pulled the plows off the roads till all snow has stopped. For those that have to travel the roads without sand or salt find it a bit tricky. That is because there is no money.No one can stop the snow but those wishing to can learn english.

[Dr. Shane]

If a town is out of money then they need to raise taxes so they have enough money to pay translators. We don't simply deny people their civil rights because they don't speak English. There is no official language in the US. We are a nation of immigrants.

[bonnie]

If a town is out of money then they need to raise taxes so they have enough money to pay translators. We don't simply deny people their civil rights because they don't speak English. There is no official language in the US. We are a nation of immigrants.

Raising property tax is getting a little tough to do. Home values are going down and many are behind in property tax as it is.We were paying taxes on a home valued at 184,000. Now we are paying higher taxes on 124,000. That only goes so far.

Can you tell me where it is written that civil rights include immigrating to a foreign country and being accommodated in your native tongue.

Whether there is a official language or not,most businesses and governments are english speaking. All languages cannot be accommodated. All those that can should be taking advantage of the free english classes.

[Dr. Shane]

The US is a nation of immigrants. It always has been and always will be. The US has no official language. It never has and never will.

We are not other nations. We are the home of the free and land of opportunity. We are not communist China. We don't deny people their civil rights. All languages are currently accommodated so it is not correct to say all languages cannot be accommodated.

If a man is arrested and cannot afford a lawyer, one will be afforded to him. If he cannot speak the language, a translator will be provided. That is his civil right. To deny him representation would be to deny him his right. Perhaps that is how Fidel Castro works things but that is not what the red, white and blue is all about.

In America, we are about freedom. We are about opportunity. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

[bonnie]

The US is a nation of immigrants. It always has been and always will be. The US has no official language. It never has and never will.

We are not other nations. We are the home of the free and land of opportunity. We are not communist China. We don't deny people their civil rights. All languages are currently accommodated so it is not correct to say all languages cannot be accommodated.

[Dr. Shane]

The land of opportunity offers all immigrants to take advantage of learning English free. We cannot force them but it is there if they want it.

[bonnie]

If they want it. We can all learn Spanish too. If we want to. No one is forced to learn any language. We call that freedom. Let freedom ring. From Chinatown to little Havana. Let freedom ring.

[whbae]

I do not agree with Shane. First of all, if one emigrates to other country onw should expect to speak the language of that country, On may not expect others to cater to the immigrants. This nation is composed of many, many different nationalities and language, this is the exact reason why we have to speak one official language to get along well. If one emigrates to this country one should be willing to assimilate to this society, if not, why did one come to this country? to colonize this country to one's liking?

When I came to this country there was no such a thing as "bilingual education". Granted, I do not speak or write perfect English(American) but I get along well in this society. If I can do it so as others.

If one does not have intention of learning the landuage and custom of the new country one should home!

Won

[Dr. Shane]

If I moved to Mexico...

[Dr. Shane]

if one emigrates to other country onw should expect to speak the language of that country