Oregon fire fighters

[Grumpy]

We have to accomodate them because Obama and the Liberals need their money AND VOTES.

Grumpy

[RoadToad]

With all respect, when you didn't post a link to a site reporting the story, I thought maybe it was some rumor you'd heard, but no, it's definitely true, and it's disgusting. And it's the best argument I've ever seen in favor of making English the official language of the United States.

I'd like to know just exactly how they're enforcing this. I mean, how can you document that a particular worker does not speak English? The way this is set up, it seems like all it would take is for one Hispanic worker who doesn't like the crew boss to act like he doesn't speak English, and just like that the crew boss is demoted. And I can tell you from my years of working on the backside at various thoroughbred racetracks that pretending not to understand English is a common practice. I'm not saying they all did it, or even a majority, but there were always a few who, when you asked them to do something, always replied with "No savvy," until you said, "OK, well then no check," at which point their English skills magically improved.

[mhall]

With all respect, when you didn't post a link to a site reporting the story, I thought maybe it was some rumor you'd heard, but no, it's definitely true, and it's disgusting. And it's the best argument I've ever seen in favor of making English the official language of the United States.

I'd like to know just exactly how they're enforcing this. I mean, how can you document that a particular worker does not speak English? The way this is set up, it seems like all it would take is for one Hispanic worker who doesn't like the crew boss to act like he doesn't speak English, and just like that the crew boss is demoted. And I can tell you from my years of working on the backside at various thoroughbred racetracks that pretending not to understand English is a common practice. I'm not saying they all did it, or even a majority, but there were always a few who, when you asked them to do something, always replied with "No savvy," until you said, "OK, well then no check," at which point their English skills magically improved.

Sorry Toad I should have posted the link, my bad.

[know1]

We have to accomodate them because Obama and the Liberals need their money AND VOTES.

Grumpy

Except this STATE law was passed 3 years ago and has nothing to do with Obama.

I think it's a bad law, but let's not blame someone who has nothing to do with it.

[Grumpy]

Know1, I wasn't referring to JUST THIS INSTANCE, I was referring to why we have to accomodate them PERIOD.

Grumpy

[DJD]

I was in the local Credit Union today and the teller was speaking Spanish/Mexican or whatever it was to her customer and an old guy in the next window spoke up and said " hey that's pretty ignorant I don't know what your saying" the teller asked why in spanish he shook his head. I gave them a look that showed my disgust as well.

I was thinking....if you can't wear a hat or sunglasses in the bank (because of the threat of hiding something) why in the hell can you speak another language? You could have all kinds of problems brewing in another language and noone would ever know it. I know it's a BIG maybe but think about it.....

[RoadToad]

I was in the local Credit Union today and the teller was speaking Spanish/Mexican or whatever it was to her customer and an old guy in the next window spoke up and said " hey that's pretty ignorant I don't know what your saying" the teller asked why in spanish he shook his head. I gave them a look that showed my disgust as well.

I was thinking....if you can't wear a hat or sunglasses in the bank (because of the threat of hiding something) why in the hell can you speak another language? You could have all kinds of problems brewing in another language and noone would ever know it. I know it's a BIG maybe but think about it.....

So, the teller might have been conspiring with the customer to rob the place or something, and so, it should be illegal to speak Spanish in banks, even for employees who are serving customers? What about places that get a lot of foreign tourists?

The law that requires firefighters to lose their positions if they're not bilingual is a fine example of far-left liberalism run amok. And now, I think you've given us a nice example of the exact opposite extreme. Nice thread here, fair and balanced

[fishin350]

Speak our language or get out!!!!

[know1]

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"?

[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.

[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.