Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Legislature to consider establishing official state language
 |
| This is a view from the Speaker's Podium in the Texas House of Representatives at the Texas Capitol in Austin, as workers prepare for the upcoming 81st Texas Legislature. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck) |
'If people are coming into our country and want to assimilate into our country the first thing we do is speak the language. My family came from Ireland and we don't still speak Gallic.'
By Kathleen Thurber
Staff Writer
'If people are coming into our country and want to assimilate into our country the first thing we do is speak the language. My family came from Ireland and we don't still speak Gallic.'
Tax records and home deeds will be among the state documents printed only in English starting Sept. 1 if a proposed House bill passes during the early part of the 81st Legislative session that starts Tuesday.
The bill, which proposes English be made the official state language to encourage assimilation of immigrants, save money and maintain the country's tradition of a common language, is meant not as a blockade to immigrants but as a way to further encourage the state to assist them in learning English proficiently, according to the bills' author Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, and some of its supporters.
"If people are coming into our country and want to assimilate into our country the first thing we do is speak the language," said Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, who helped introduce the topic in the House. "My family came from Ireland and we don't still speak Gallic."
It's an issue that's been brought up before and one that's passed in states like Missouri, Arizona and Utah with what representatives say brought little backlash, despite the large minority populations in parts of these states.
Some, though, describe the measure as a way to keep immigrants from future success, as it could make it difficult to enroll their children in school, understand simple government actions or even obtain a fair trial if brought into the judiciary system.
"We have concerns about anything that affects others' constitutional rights," said Rebecca Bernhardt, with the ACLU in Austin, "anything that would be implemented that would make it harder to vote or get due process."
Documents, such as voting material, that federal law sanctions must be printed in multiple languages would still be available in Texas in various forms.
More than 3.2 million Texans are limited in their English proficiency, according to 2007 Census data, including more than 800,000 who were born in the U.S.
The bill could help foster more equality among immigrants and encourage citizens to become better versed in English, said Rob Toonkel, spokeswoman for U.S. English, an organization formed to promote government movements to make English the official language.
Currently, she said, Texans likely can take their drivers license exam in Spanish or English. But, if they want to take it in Bulgarian, they're out of luck.
By specifying all documents must be in only English, she said, it promotes the unifying quality of a common language that has brought various immigrant groups together for years and gets rid of the favoring of any one foreign language.
The organization, she said, certainly doesn't want to outlaw speaking other languages or maintaining one's heritage. It simply wants to ensure that English-speaking does not become optional for large groups of Americans.
How far Texas' bill would take the sanction isn't entirely clear. It would apply to all government documents not required by the federal government to be multi-lingual and also to any "actions by the state or a political subdivision" of the state, according to the bill.
But, whether that means Spanish-speaking public school classrooms would have to go is unclear. Midland Independent School District Communications Director Woodrow Bailey said proposals like this have come up before with no result, so they don't speculate on what the outcome could mean until it comes closer to reality.
The bill, Flynn said, would not mean translators couldn't be available at government offices or in courtrooms to ensure those who haven't become proficient in English are assisted.
He and other representatives who support the measure do have the support of their constituents, according to one poll. Zogby International, an international public opinion tracking firm, found in its July 2008 poll of more than 800 Texas voters that 78 percent favor making English the official language. The results, according to their study, were consistent across party lines. However, such polls may not encompass the opinions of those less-than-proficient English-speaking citizens who traditionally have been less likely to register to vote than their counterparts.
From a strictly monetary standpoint, Flynn said, he supports the idea because there currently is a significant amount of state spending wasted on printing documents in several different languages that never are seen. Making a blanket policy to print everything in several languages, he said, is just as much wasteful as it is divisive to a state trying to unify its citizens.
The bill would not apply to private sectors, its supporters clarify. Speaking Spanish or another language at home or in one's business would be up to individuals, the government would only require English in government dealings.
"The government doesn't say you can't smoke," Toonkel said. "It just says you can't come into a government office and light up."
Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.
Tax records and home deeds will be among the state documents printed only in English starting Sept. 1 if a proposed House bill passes during the early part of the 81st Legislative session that starts Tuesday.
The bill, which proposes English be made the official state language to encourage assimilation of immigrants, save money and maintain the country's tradition of a common language, is meant not as a blockade to immigrants but as a way to further encourage the state to assist them in learning English proficiently, according to the bills' author Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, and some of its supporters.
"If people are coming into our country and want to assimilate into our country the first thing we do is speak the language," said Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, who helped introduce the topic in the House. "My family came from Ireland and we don't still speak Gallic."
It's an issue that's been brought up before and one that's passed in states like Missouri, Arizona and Utah with what representatives say brought little backlash, despite the large minority populations in parts of these states.
Some, though, describe the measure as a way to keep immigrants from future success, as it could make it difficult to enroll their children in school, understand simple government actions or even obtain a fair trial if brought into the judiciary system.
"We have concerns about anything that affects others' constitutional rights," said Rebecca Bernhardt, with the ACLU in Austin, "anything that would be implemented that would make it harder to vote or get due process."
Documents, such as voting material, that federal law sanctions must be printed in multiple languages would still be available in Texas in various forms.
More than 3.2 million Texans are limited in their English proficiency, according to 2007 Census data, including more than 800,000 who were born in the U.S.
The bill could help foster more equality among immigrants and encourage citizens to become better versed in English, said Rob Toonkel, spokeswoman for U.S. English, an organization formed to promote government movements to make English the official language.
Currently, she said, Texans likely can take their drivers license exam in Spanish or English. But, if they want to take it in Bulgarian, they're out of luck.
By specifying all documents must be in only English, she said, it promotes the unifying quality of a common language that has brought various immigrant groups together for years and gets rid of the favoring of any one foreign language.
The organization, she said, certainly doesn't want to outlaw speaking other languages or maintaining one's heritage. It simply wants to ensure that English-speaking does not become optional for large groups of Americans.
How far Texas' bill would take the sanction isn't entirely clear. It would apply to all government documents not required by the federal government to be multi-lingual and also to any "actions by the state or a political subdivision" of the state, according to the bill.
But, whether that means Spanish-speaking public school classrooms would have to go is unclear. Midland Independent School District Communications Director Woodrow Bailey said proposals like this have come up before with no result, so they don't speculate on what the outcome could mean until it comes closer to reality.
The bill, Flynn said, would not mean translators couldn't be available at government offices or in courtrooms to ensure those who haven't become proficient in English are assisted.
He and other representatives who support the measure do have the support of their constituents, according to one poll. Zogby International, an international public opinion tracking firm, found in its July 2008 poll of more than 800 Texas voters that 78 percent favor making English the official language. The results, according to their study, were consistent across party lines. However, such polls may not encompass the opinions of those less-than-proficient English-speaking citizens who traditionally have been less likely to register to vote than their counterparts.
From a strictly monetary standpoint, Flynn said, he supports the idea because there currently is a significant amount of state spending wasted on printing documents in several different languages that never are seen. Making a blanket policy to print everything in several languages, he said, is just as much wasteful as it is divisive to a state trying to unify its citizens.
The bill would not apply to private sectors, its supporters clarify. Speaking Spanish or another language at home or in one's business would be up to individuals, the government would only require English in government dealings.
"The government doesn't say you can't smoke," Toonkel said. "It just says you can't come into a government office and light up."
Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.
 |
 |
|
| Tech dean wants to replicate diabetes awareness program in Permian Basin | Midlander pleads guilty to stealing oilfield equipment |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of mywesttexas.com.
Donald wrote on Jan 12, 2009 8:08 AM:
" Since Texas fought for and won our independence from Mexico, including the battle at the Alamo, English has been our official language. Why argue about it? "
Ved Vedamanikam wrote on Jan 12, 2009 10:15 AM:
" I fully support legislation making english the sole official language.
Any effort to provide official bi-linguilism is highly divisive. An example is Canada.
The private sector has always provided services in spanish when it suits their commmercial interests. I believe that some state governments and state agencies could provide bi-lingual (english and spanish) services on a limited and temporary basis. To legislate official bi-linguilism is disastrous.
Ved Vedamanikam
Austin, TX "
Any effort to provide official bi-linguilism is highly divisive. An example is Canada.
The private sector has always provided services in spanish when it suits their commmercial interests. I believe that some state governments and state agencies could provide bi-lingual (english and spanish) services on a limited and temporary basis. To legislate official bi-linguilism is disastrous.
Ved Vedamanikam
Austin, TX "
Jeremy wrote on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 AM:
" If you are reading this article right now this issue is not a big deal. It is the ones that can not read the article that it is going to affect. But I support it 100%. "
not in midland anymore. wrote on Jan 12, 2009 4:10 PM:
" and people wonder why the Republi-cons got so little of the Latino vote?.
its insulting to on the one hand beg for votes come election time, then slap us in the face with such childish laws,,, "
its insulting to on the one hand beg for votes come election time, then slap us in the face with such childish laws,,, "
midland tax payer wrote on Jan 12, 2009 4:31 PM:
" LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH OR GO HOME. How many American English speaking citizens would have the government of Mexico catering medical care, housing and free food to them because they only speak English?
If English is the International language of business abroad and in nations of Africa
people speak English why cant immigrants to this country learn to speak English? "
If English is the International language of business abroad and in nations of Africa
people speak English why cant immigrants to this country learn to speak English? "
Bi-polar Stu wrote on Jan 12, 2009 4:56 PM:
" Unless you are speaking Comanche, Navajo, Apache, Cree, Sioux or any number of near dead Native American languages; you are speaking that bastardized crap they brought from the motherland. Gaelic wasn't spoken here to begin with, nor was Spanish or Portuguese. I can't believe the audacity of the white horde that has infected this land with its greed and selfishness. 250 years of history won't soon be forgotten and that whooped dog will have it's day at some point when it will turn on the hand that feeds it and exacts it's revenge. Whether it is through voting, breeding, the pen or the sword; only time will tell; but I think it will come some day and I hope that we can repair our race relations long before it comes to fruition. Embrace your brothers and live in harmony with out fear of a different language. "
gsc wrote on Jan 12, 2009 5:16 PM:
" I believe the Gaelic story is like all the fish tales but "Oh well". I am on the side of this proposal , I'm just not going to stop speaking my language no matter who says what.I will continue to be bi-ligual because I am proud to be bi-lingual. "
Yes wrote on Jan 12, 2009 5:53 PM:
" "If English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for us."
Texas governor, Miriam "Ma" Ferguson "
Texas governor, Miriam "Ma" Ferguson "
National english wrote on Jan 12, 2009 6:16 PM:
" If we were in Mexico we would be expected to speak spanish and learn the language. You came to america, english spoken here get over or go where it is spoken "
Sí wrote on Jan 12, 2009 8:59 PM:
" Yo no se porque la gente de este pas, no quieren una lengua oficial? "
me wrote on Jan 12, 2009 10:35 PM:
" No one said that other languages would be outlawed. It just says that the government would only require English in government dealings. I am sorry, but my tax dollars should not pay for your immigrationary woes. Hire an interpreter (or take your 14 year old out of school to translate for you) and do what you need to do.
Private businesses will do what they need to do to maintain their customer base: hire people who can speak English and Spanish. "
Private businesses will do what they need to do to maintain their customer base: hire people who can speak English and Spanish. "
McCollough wrote on Jan 13, 2009 7:32 AM:
" Gallic? hahahahaha
Right. You'd be stumbling in two languages. "
Right. You'd be stumbling in two languages. "
Guerrero wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:32 AM:
" Some of you are bozos or is that bozo's could be even Bozos with bean bags for brains because you'd be outlawing the law which much of is written in Latin duh "
Guerrero wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:54 AM:
" And again it's amazing that you want people from other lands to be proficient in english (para. 2) but yet this country can't get a great number of white anglo's to be proficient in english.
Your bombarded with the stats concerning Mexican's not able to speak the language yet they are proficient in civics because they have to pass a test that white students in great numbers can't...look it up all you Lou Dobbetts "
Your bombarded with the stats concerning Mexican's not able to speak the language yet they are proficient in civics because they have to pass a test that white students in great numbers can't...look it up all you Lou Dobbetts "
Midland Teacher wrote on Jan 13, 2009 9:20 AM:
" BRAVO to "midland tax payer"...yes, I say, "LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH OR GO HOME!!"
I can also assume that since our public schools are state agencies and state-funded that this will mean the end of that ridiculous crap known as "bilingual education" - a.k.a. "my kid's too stupid to learn English." One can always hope!! "
I can also assume that since our public schools are state agencies and state-funded that this will mean the end of that ridiculous crap known as "bilingual education" - a.k.a. "my kid's too stupid to learn English." One can always hope!! "
Teacherman wrote on Jan 13, 2009 9:45 AM:
" Finally, some common sense from our state government. I am SICK TO DEATH of having to cater to students and their NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PARENTS. Most of these students and their parents pay NO TAXES of any kind, get free medical care at the emergency room, and only contribute crime and drugs to our local communities. It is time for tax paying citizens to speak up and take a stand!!! Having English as the official language in state government dealings is a small step in the right direction. Too bad it will not affect our school policies even more. Bilingual education, which should only last a year or two at the most, has become a money maker for those teachers who keep students for YEARS in this program. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!! "
Como Estan wrote on Jan 13, 2009 10:35 AM:
" MISD seems to be in business to do just the opposite of what the legislature is attempting to reverse. Judging from the trash that accumulates in the yard of an English speaking Midland tax payer, his neighbors children are receiving 100% of their instruction at school using educational materials printed exclusively in Spanish.
hmg teaching Midlanders with eucational material who are miconducting it "
hmg teaching Midlanders with eucational material who are miconducting it "
George wrote on Jan 13, 2009 10:38 AM:
" Bravo "Bi-polar Stu." Will said. As for the teachers, if your so tired of teaching, then QUIT your job and work in private sector and welcome to the real world. How funny the Govt. will take anyones tax money, yet they do not want to recognized them as humans beings. And YES non speaking english parents do pay TAXES. Please do your own research and you will see the buying power of Hispanice in this country. "
City Resident wrote on Jan 13, 2009 11:14 AM:
" Yes. English only please! I'm so tired of having to deal with Mexicans that can't speak English. It's bad enough dealing with uneducated whites who can't speak a complete sentence. But at least you can understand their ignorance. "
not in Midland. wrote on Jan 13, 2009 11:25 AM:
" You guys forget, Spanish was spoken
before english was, Texas has always been a Bilingual State,
Even if you have to pay an exra Dollar
for the Spanish Forms, they should stay in place..
and for those of you who dont like your neighbors,
Move back to Greenwood. "
before english was, Texas has always been a Bilingual State,
Even if you have to pay an exra Dollar
for the Spanish Forms, they should stay in place..
and for those of you who dont like your neighbors,
Move back to Greenwood. "
OMG wrote on Jan 13, 2009 2:11 PM:
" They do not pay taxes, some of them do yes, but most dont. I am soooo tired of "press 1 for English" How about I just call and not have to worry about it? If want to come here and get a better job and a better life or whatever, live off my tax dollars, you could at least learn English out of respect for my money. I do not pay taxes to sit in a waiting room at the ER for 3 hours, then PAY when I leave, while others get to ride my coat tails. Learn it or leave. Welcome to Texas, we speak English and dont care that you cant. "
Bi-polar Stu wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:46 PM:
" Unfortunately, both sides have got it wrong, especially the misguided teachers commenting above. It is expressed in the movie Braveheart best, when Mel Gibson's uncle asks if the funeral service was in Latin and the young William Wallace doesn't know because he couldn't speak Latin. After he comes home to claim his birthrite, he impresses the young French princess married to the obviously gay prince by speaking not only fluent Latin, but French and Italian too!! These days are full of opportunity for anyone willing to better themselves. By learning a second language you are doing just that. Whether it is a citizen here learning Spanish so they can understand our neighbors from the South or an immigrant coming here and learning English so they can cope within our communities, they are better off for being more knowledgable. Case in point, Midland teacher above, who wrote "LOLOL"......laugh out loud out loud?? WTF??? Dumb-arse!! "
Bi-Polar Stu wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:54 PM:
" And I am pretty sure that Jesus didn't speak English, moron!! "
Midland Teacher...again wrote on Jan 13, 2009 3:59 PM:
" Stu...do us all a favor and stay ON your meds. The extra "OL" added to the "LOL" may stand for "on line" or as an added emphasis to the orginial "laugh out loud." And thank you Mr. Ebert, for your insightful movie analysis. Just remember, you can't spell "analysis" without it's first four letters...thus describing yourself. "
Bi-polar Stu wrote on Jan 13, 2009 4:05 PM:
" May stand for or does stand for?? Or maybe you are a moron and just don't know what you are doing and shouldn't be instructing our children. I am not on meds and the nickname is from a different story, but at least I am smart enough to speak two languages and to judge that it is useful to me instead of a detriment. Tengo tu madre aqui, puta!! "
gsc wrote on Jan 13, 2009 5:29 PM:
" To "Midland teacher " and "Stu", I think you two should meet in a boxing ring. Both of you sound so immature. I believe this should be a professional forum and not a place for your ignorance and vulgarity. " TO EACH HIS REACH" There was no need to attack some ones's mother. " IF YOU CAN'T RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS, STAY YOUR POODLE A-- ON THE PORCH'. "
George wrote on Jan 13, 2009 8:03 PM:
" Midland teacher keep on LOL, maybe that laughter will help your chemical imbalance. Its sad to see a Midland teacher being paid by tax payer money and being such a racial person. May God help those children that are in your classroom and my God watch over and change your heart. This world is full of such hatered, everybody needs to start changing there hearts and see the good in EVERYBODY. God created everybody, white, brown, black, yellow, or red. Midland teacher please do some soul searching before its to late for you. May God bless everybody and help those who have written racial comments on this article and not wise enough to know what they have said.
p.s. sorry for my grammar, I'm not college educated. My parents could not afford college for me. They were just trying to food on the table and roof over our heads. "
p.s. sorry for my grammar, I'm not college educated. My parents could not afford college for me. They were just trying to food on the table and roof over our heads. "
Roy V wrote on Jan 14, 2009 2:49 PM:
" As a 5th generation Texan of Spanish decent I enjoy speaking English, however I LOVE speaking Spanish when I have to deal with IGNORANT RACIST and WHITE TRASH folks in West Texas!!! Then if they figure I'm laughing at them I speak French or Italian...shame on you...get an education...you FOOLS! Travel to Texas cities and hear and see the other cultures that are out there...PENDEJOS! "
MRT-Admin wrote on Jan 14, 2009 3:35 PM:
" A friendly note from Reporter-Telegram/MyWestTexas admin:
We understand this is a heated topic, about which many of you have strong opinions. Accordingly, we ask that your comments stay related to the subject and refrain from name-calling and personal attacks on other users. Failure to comply may result in the removal of the comment or even user from the MWT comment boards.
Thanks. "
We understand this is a heated topic, about which many of you have strong opinions. Accordingly, we ask that your comments stay related to the subject and refrain from name-calling and personal attacks on other users. Failure to comply may result in the removal of the comment or even user from the MWT comment boards.
Thanks. "
Nacho wrote on Jan 15, 2009 5:48 PM:
" If spanish is no longer allowed what will we call nachos, tacos, fajitas, and queso?
Also someone mentioned they don't pay taxes, while the first document to no longer be produced is deeds. I am no tax professional, but if someone has a deed, do they not pay property taxes? "
Also someone mentioned they don't pay taxes, while the first document to no longer be produced is deeds. I am no tax professional, but if someone has a deed, do they not pay property taxes? "
sam houston wrote on Jan 15, 2009 9:24 PM:
" MRT-Admin is being very generous in allowing Spanish speaking commenters to use profanity. Admin has demonstrated that it does not tolerate from its English contributors but it does from those who claim Spanish proficiency. This proves a point...the official newspaper of the City of Midland will now have to advertise for an interpreter, and hire only those who are bilingual which is the whole point of the official language of Texas debate.
At the Alamo...Mexico won.
Dejavu. "
At the Alamo...Mexico won.
Dejavu. "
por ejemplo wrote on Jan 15, 2009 9:47 PM:
" PENDEJOS es bueno
A$$HOLES no es bueno
Is Roy laughing...quien sabe? . "
A$$HOLES no es bueno
Is Roy laughing...quien sabe? . "
Bi-polar Stu wrote on Jan 16, 2009 12:41 PM:
" The people elected to our state congress can pass which ever goofy law they want. However, God gives us free will and no man-made law may take that right away from us. I will continue speaking, reading and writing Spanish, French and Gaelic. I will conduct whatever business I chose in whichever language I chose, and if Whitey/Nigel/Paco isn't smart enough to educate himself, then he can sit in his ignorant undies and scratch his head.
As gsc squeeked, To Each His Reach! "
As gsc squeeked, To Each His Reach! "
Polaroyd wrote on Jan 17, 2009 6:24 AM:
" "I will conduct whatever business I chose in whichever language I chose."
And if you chose to conduct business with the revenue guru, you will chose a language that masquerades as English. Maybe that is why those who only speak Spanish don't pay taxes. "
And if you chose to conduct business with the revenue guru, you will chose a language that masquerades as English. Maybe that is why those who only speak Spanish don't pay taxes. "
dannyglides wrote on Jan 18, 2009 6:45 AM:
" Why does this type of language not surprize me from the mexicans on here? This just proves beyone doubt that they are stupid and can't carry on a debate without resorting to stupidity. It's well past time to make all language in this country english, and quit quibbling about stupid issues of this sort. Got bigger things to deal with instead of trying to accomidate idiots that can't speak english. "
Roy V wrote on Jan 18, 2009 12:16 PM:
" dannydlides you're another ignorant undeducated fool who limited yourself to learn just one language...its your own fault you look stupid! "
dannyglides wrote on Jan 18, 2009 7:46 PM:
" Ignorant? No. Uneductated? No. Never limited myself in any way. Don't need more than one language to function in society and suceed. Don't need vile, vulgar language to express myself either. A fool? Maybe you got me on that one. And on the looking stupid, you may have a point there too! What language would you suggest as an official language, Einstein? "
Roy V wrote on Jan 19, 2009 1:27 PM:
" We don't need an official language...read a book on Texas history or attend The Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio or travel to a large Texas city and see and hear about all the cultures that make up Texas. While your at it study on how the US was made up of different cultures. Sorry to disappoint you but there's alot more than just Spanish being spoken... "
FAIR IS FAIR wrote on Jan 19, 2009 4:40 PM:
" IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT THEY LEARN HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH. IF THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE THEM GO BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM. WHY SHOULD WE ALL HAVE TO SUFFER. "
Roy V wrote on Jan 19, 2009 7:24 PM:
" FAIR IS FAIR...suffer? Give me a break...no wonder Europeans think so bad of Americans! Guess you've never travelled overseas either...how sad! "
dannyglides wrote on Jan 20, 2009 2:17 AM:
" Every country should have a official language, and anyone living there should learn to speak the language. This is America, not Mexico, so go with the flow, brother. So who cares what the rest of the world thinks? You are right, I have never traveled overseas, but I'm thinking if I did that they would expect me to learn their language. "
Bi-polar Stu wrote on Jan 20, 2009 7:58 AM:
" Let's make Latin our nation's official language. It is the base that Spanish came from (as well as a few other Romance languages) and English is waaaaay overrated. That way we could appease both silly sides of this arguement. Besides, I like togas. TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! "
FAIR IS FAIR wrote on Jan 20, 2009 9:48 AM:
" WHAT I MEANT BY SUFFERING IS THAT OTHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU SUFFER FROM YOUR LACK OF KNOWING HOW TO INTERACT WITH OTHERS. IF YOU CAN'T SPEAK WHAT WE SPEAK STAY WHERE YOU ARE AT. AND FURTHERMORE I HAVE NOT HAD A REASON TO GO OVER SEAS MAYBE YOU NEED TO GO BACK OVER THERE AND STAY BETTER YET GO LIVE IN MEXICO IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE SPOKEN ALL THIS TIME SO WHY CHANGE TO SUIT PEOPLE THAT DON'T WANT TO ADAPT TO WHAT'S GOING ON OVER HERE. WILL THEY CHANGE THE LANGUAGE OVER IN MEXICO? AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY ROY V "
Roy V wrote on Jan 20, 2009 10:26 AM:
" Fair is Fair...ok stay DUMB! While you've chosen to stay ignorant I've excelled in 4 languages, 2 degrees, and an MBA...and proud to be a 5th generation TEXAN and from Spanish descent...that's from Spain not Mexico...Not all Spanish speakers are from Mexico...IDIOTA! "
k wrote on Jan 21, 2009 3:08 PM:
" I love what City Resident wrote, that couldn't be more true!
As for the pushing 1 to proceed in English, it doesn't help much when the person on the other end of the line cant even SPEAK English when we do!!!! "
As for the pushing 1 to proceed in English, it doesn't help much when the person on the other end of the line cant even SPEAK English when we do!!!! "
Another teacher wrote on Jan 25, 2009 10:55 PM:
" A United States requires a united language. As we see immigrants from not only Spanish-speaking countries, but from hundreds of other countries it is ever more crucial we be united in one language because we can not fairly educate students or produce government documents in every language of every country represented by every immigrant in Texas. If we become segregrated by our languages, we will cease to be a strong nation. "
uliveulearn wrote on Jan 26, 2009 11:28 AM:
" Once again the ignorance of Midland comes out. I can't believe my tax dollars are paying teachers that complain about teaching.
Bilingual eduacation is NOT crap and it will not be going anywhere until the entire world speaks English.
Immagrants all come here to live a better life. Telling them to go home is childish and disrespectful. I, for one, embrace diversity. We are all God's children. "
Bilingual eduacation is NOT crap and it will not be going anywhere until the entire world speaks English.
Immagrants all come here to live a better life. Telling them to go home is childish and disrespectful. I, for one, embrace diversity. We are all God's children. "
CONFUSED wrote on Jan 26, 2009 2:07 PM:
" ?SHOULDN'T ALL THESE TEACHERS ON HERE COMMENTING BE TEACHING OUR STUDENTS AT THE MOMENT? HOPE YOUR NOT MY KIDS TEACHER.NO WONDER OUR STUDENTS ARE NOT LEARNING,TEACHERS ARE SPENDING THE TIME THEY SHOULD BE TEACHING POSTING COMMENTS, YOUR PROBABLY CHECKING YOUR MYSPACE TO! GET OFF AND TEACH OR GRADE PAPERS OR SOMETHING! IS'NT THAT WHAT YOUR PAID TO DO? "
Hoosier wrote on Jan 28, 2009 12:04 AM:
" I logged on to get the take on the dropping oil prices, and stumbled onto this article and related comments.
I live in Indiana, am familiar with West Texas and New Mexico (had relatives there), and I'll say this to you:
My community is full of people of Irish, Polish, Hungarian, Italian and German descent. After a generation or two they and their children assimilate into society, speak English, and are as much a part of the community as us "English" Americans are.
We're dealing with the Hispanics up here, too, and guess what? They are becoming part of the community, as well.
From reading the comments I would suggest that the state leg throw more money at the school systems, so that they can teach your citizens how to spell and write. Based on what I've read a lot of you aren't fit to be in this country. "
I live in Indiana, am familiar with West Texas and New Mexico (had relatives there), and I'll say this to you:
My community is full of people of Irish, Polish, Hungarian, Italian and German descent. After a generation or two they and their children assimilate into society, speak English, and are as much a part of the community as us "English" Americans are.
We're dealing with the Hispanics up here, too, and guess what? They are becoming part of the community, as well.
From reading the comments I would suggest that the state leg throw more money at the school systems, so that they can teach your citizens how to spell and write. Based on what I've read a lot of you aren't fit to be in this country. "
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, however we reserve the right to delete any post we see that may be considered slanderous, excessive and/or foul language, or any post that we may deem inappropriate.
You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here: |
Become a Registered User |
News
Sports
Business
Entertain
Life
English-Only Tax Hike wrote on Jan 12, 2009 6:18 AM: