Barack Obama told an audience in Georgia, "I don't understand when people say 'We want English only.' Instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English--they'll learn English--you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish!" Would the senator from Illinois ever be so bold as to tell an audience in East Los Angeles that they need to learn English?
It shouldn't be mandatory, of course. But I do lament the fact that we (Americans) only grow up learning a single language. Europeans grow up learning at least two, and often three or more. I wish I had learned as a child to speak multiple languages.
I agree with you about learning multiple languages, Ralph. I love languages, I know English, French, German, and Latin and am going to begin studying Spanish soon. However, I think the problem people have with this is that Obama places the onus on Americans to learn Spanish, rather than on Mexicans to learn English. The native culture doesn't like that it should be asked to assimilate to the newcomers, rather than the other way around.
Another indication of how Obama can’t hide his dislike for the country he proposes to lead.
Too bad the Jackson thing dominated the news and he got a major pass on this.
Ralph: If they spoke a different language in Connecticut, I too would be bi-lingual. That’s the way it is in Europe. What you site here with regard to us learning different languages was used in the same speech by Obama as condescension for the American people and is really a stupid concept on its face. English is, in fact, the international language and is predominantly the second language of most people in the world. So, unless an American has a specific reason to learn Dutch, it should be no embarrassment at all that we speak English and not some other obscure language that will be of little benefit.
Learning a second language isn't the same as speaking a second language. Go to England and see how many people can speak French, German, or Italian. They are required to learn another language but then rarely ever use it. Therefore, most are not conversational in other languages.
The fact is that people all over the world learned English out of financial necessity. When England's empire ruled the seas , English was the language of commerce, and still is.
Spouting off about how Americans are embarrassing because they only speak English is understandable. But where have Americans been hurt by this fact. Mexicans learn English to advance their fortunes in English speaking America, and because they are immersed in our culture. Not because they think it's the right thing to do. By the same token , Americans living in Mexico become conversational in Spanish.
If the situation were reversed , and Americans were sneaking into Mexico to find jobs, don't you think that Americans would be learning Spanish at a better rate? Does Obama(or his handlers) think this far? Or do they believe that you will not think that far?Gimme a break.
Ask yourself : "Why does most of the world speak , or at least understand, English?"
Obama knows this full well, but it makes a good sound bite. A Harvard graduate would think these things through , no?
Affirmative action Harvard graduate. They prop up the fact that he was the first person of color elected as President of the Harvard Law Review. But, true to his empty suit history, he wrote nothing and contributed little. But it sure helped his resume.
Obama is an anti-American elitist lefty who, once he is away from canned teleprompted speeches, can't help but to spout his true thoughts and values.
Clarence Thomas he ain't.
Just when I think Obama couldn't get any worse...
Obama's an elitist jerk off! John Kerry II.
One need to only look to our northern neighbor. Very few French-Canadians live outside of Quebec. Yet in British Columbia it is mandatory that all signage etc be in French and enlgish. Yet in most of Quebec signage is only in French.
Within 50 years this is how it will be in the U.S., with the Spanish only states being in the southwest.
Be well,
Spone
ps on a related note, a friend of my daughter said "Happy Cinco de Mayo" to some of the children of the local illegals. In return for his attempt to be friendly, Zach was jumped by the illegals. Apparently we are not allowed to wish them well on "their" holiday.
Read a funny bit o' information the other day. There are, count em', six hispanics total in the state of Vermont. But in Burlington, the most northern and biggest city, most ATM's, local phone information and other electronic services ask if you want espanol FIRST!!
From the home of Bernie Sanders. Hmmmm. Shocking.
Sponge: why should you be surprised? Your kid and her friend grew up in a civilized country, the illegal kids (that just sticks in my gut!) didn't and probably won't ever get to where they will be. What's the incentive? They can come waltzing over our borders, live the cultural lifestyle they're used to and have our government take care of them on the taxpayer's dime without having to conform to our rules or laws.
Let's all give round of applause for Fat Ted Kennedy and his Comprehensive Immigration Act of 65' and all the other open border illegal panderers.
