Oregon fire fighters

[DJD]

I don't speak Spanish - I wouldn't mind learning, though, and I'm not Hispanic that I know of - not that I'd bother checking because I don't really care one way or another.

But...I have no problem with private businesses conducting business in whatever language they want to. That's called freedom and choice.

I do have a problem with the government changing its language or mandating anything with regard to language.

Of course...I don't like much the government does.

Though I do think that it's never as black and white as it seems. For instance, within the realm of English there are many dialects and colloquialisms and levels of grammar. Should we force people on this board to achieve a certain level of grammar competence or "get out"?

How can you compare a different language to different dialects of our language? Really?

I have a major problem with a business that I am a member of speaking spanish to other members. That's just the way it is with me. Gonna call and complain tomorrow, the way I see it is you stand for what you believe in.

[mhall]

speak our language or get out!!!!

tell it brother!

[zx150]

We are going to be like Canada in a few years. Half of the country speaks French and the other half speaks English. If memory serves me right they two half's don't like each other. Very sad.

[know1]

How can you compare a different language to different dialects of our language? Really?

I have a major problem with a business that I am a member of speaking spanish to other members. That's just the way it is with me. Gonna call and complain tomorrow, the way I see it is you stand for what you believe in.

Not comparing them as much as just trying to illustrate a point that there's not just this black and white issue of English and Spanish.

Somewhere between perfect Queen's English and true Latin American Spanish is a whole spectrum of differences in language. Where do we draw the line between who can stay and who can go?

[DJD]

Not comparing them as much as just trying to illustrate a point that there's not just this black and white issue of English and Spanish.

Somewhere between perfect Queen's English and true Latin American Spanish is a whole spectrum of differences in language. Where do we draw the line between who can stay and who can go?

I know this is getting into a bigger discussion but here goes....speaking for myself if you live in a country that speaks a certain language like english then you should have to learn that language. Just like if anyone of us migrate to any other country we would learn that language if your in that population doing business. Why should anyone here have to learn another language to do business with hispanics, germans, asians or arabs?

Go to South Florida and see what I mean. There are entire communities that speak spanish, signs on the street and windows in spanish. The mayor is hispanic the city council is hispanic. You feel out of place for sure.

I don't have a problem with other cultures and in fact I love the other cultures but I like them when I visit them or decide I want to engage them not because I have too. Been to many countries and lived in several and had to pick up parts of their language....common sense to me.

Growing up with a Japanese Mom I learned a few things and one was if they wanted to gripe to eachother about someone they would do it in their language. I think it's rude.

My mom speaks perfect english. Why? She applied herself and respected the fact that she better learn the language to do business here. Why can't other people....I feel it's because we give them to many concessions and they are lazy.

I firmly believe that our country is great because of it's diversity but to not have standards for the millions who want to come here is wrong. They should be proud to be here and if not go home. They came here for a reason and it's because it's the best place in the world to live. Is it that hard to ask them to fit in and help be productive?

Illegals and their cancerous ways on our society are another problem I have but I'll let that alone.

[RoadToad]

I totally agree that people who live in America should speak English. And I can understand why you'd be sensitive to this, given your background, and having grown up in south Florida. I've spent a few winters there, working at Gulfstream or Hialeah racetracks, and you're right, it's like living in a foreign country, especially in Hialeah (aka Little Havana). But I really think you're overreacting when you suggest that the bank teller was doing something wrong by speaking Spanish to a customer. By that logic, tourists from foreign countries had better stay out of banks until they've learned fluent English. No offense, but that just doesn't sound like the Land of the Free to me. And I'm also surprised to see a self-proclaimed conservative Republican advocating increased regulation of an American business.

[DJD]

I totally agree that people who live in America should speak English. And I can understand why you'd be sensitive to this, given your background, and having grown up in south Florida. I've spent a few winters there, working at Gulfstream or Hialeah racetracks, and you're right, it's like living in a foreign country, especially in Hialeah (aka Little Havana). But I really think you're overreacting when you suggest that the bank teller was doing something wrong by speaking Spanish to a customer. By that logic, tourists from foreign countries had better stay out of banks until they've learned fluent English. No offense, but that just doesn't sound like the Land of the Free to me. And I'm also surprised to see a self-proclaimed conservative Republican advocating increased regulation of an American business.

I can't be perfect. For the record though I am Conservative but registered as an Indy.