So why hasnt congress made English the official language yet?

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: Termagant
Previous waves of immigrants didn't know English but eventually their children learned it. Is this only an issue now because Mexicans have darker skin than say Italians or Poles?

 

[Shortass]

If I apply for citizenship in Iceland and get it, why should I be FORCED to speak Icelandic? If I produced children and only taught them English then so be it, it's our choice. We're only hurting ourselves. By not speaking the obvious native language of a country you only limit what you can do in your lifetime.

Do you think the Spanish speaking fellows are going to secede a few of our states or something?! Seriously, what's the problem? Yeah, it's a little annoying when I look at signs and realize I'm reading the wrong part of it cause it doesn't make any sense, but that's irrelevant. If we want to create signs in English and Spanish, hmm, they're obviously trying to attract residents to live there. I dunno, maybe to boost their economies?

And so yes, it's sooooo horrible that the dirty Spaniards are only speaking Spanish because they'll never be as successful as English speaking people are. OH NOES, THAY'RE INVAZDING UZ. They want to live in a cute little Spanish commune? That doesn't affect me. It shouldn't affect you. Avoid them, ignore them, or god willing learn to TOLERATE people who you don't 100% agree with on every issue.

America: Home of the free, as long as you look, speak, and act just like I do.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Rename the US dialect of English to American and make it the official language.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Q: Why hasn't congress made english the official language yet?
A: Because there are real issues to deal with.

 

[Pacemaker]

I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Shivetya
multiple languages divide a people, they also can keep certain minority groups down. Perhaps thats the real reason, if people get hampered by the language they will turn more to the government for relief.

But wouldn't a law such as this increase that possibility?

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Rename the US dialect of English to American and make it the official language.

That won't work because the U.S. will be renamed Unestados De Mexico

 

[Vich]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
Because it would do nothing but take away rights from people. The government's job is to better the lives of its people. Adding a useless language barrier wouldn't help anyone except for you twats who think you're better than everyone else, yet still probably couldn't find any given country on a map.

I'm confused. Requiring all government business to be conducted in one language is a barrier, but having half of the country unable to talk to the other half is not? You should probably holding off on calling other people "twats" until you've thought about your opinion for a while and realize how stupid it is.

Making English the official languages doesn't magically make those who can't speak English fluent.

Neither will coddling non-English speakers by making everything multi-lingual.

In addition, most of the bilingual stuff featured at the federal level are not required to be bilingual, obviously. They were made bilingual to be generous to those who don't speak English.

Why are we being generous to people who can't be bothered to learn the [unoffical] national language? I'd rather see the government spend the money we currently spend on catering to non-English speakers on providing free English classes.

Living in western Pennsylvania, I don't encounter too many people who don't speak English-- especially in the quantities that those of you living in the southwest do, but if someone approaches me and begins to speak Spanish, I wouldn't have a problem telling him I don't speak it. It's up to him to then find someone who does, or learn enough English to allow me to understand him. It shouldn't be mandated by anyone but himself.

That's all well and good until those people are a significant percentage of the population, which you admit isn't true in PA. Try going to some parts of SoCal or Miami and try to get by without speaking Spanish.

Having a single national language helps to unify a country. Just look at Quebec. Are you ready to let parts of the US secede?

Well put

 

[Vich]

Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

Exactly. Unbelievable.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: Vich

Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

Exactly. Unbelievable.

Why is that not ok? Don't all you right wing people worship the free market? By your own ideology, they are providing a service to meet a market (spanish speaking McDonalds eaters). If what they are doing is bad, they will go out of business.

I have noticed that not one person has provided a SINGLE point in this thread that has not been a repeat of some doom and gloom pronouncement made about one of a half dozen groups of immigrants in decades and centuries past that turned out to be racist lies. They were racist and xenophobic then, and they are racist and xenophobic now. That's right... I'm calling you racists. You can wrap it in the American flag if you want, you can wrap it in the "defense of American culture", or in defense of our hard earned tax money, but we both know what you're really saying is that America is becoming a place where the way of life of all the Decent White Folk is threatened. You know what? If it's that great, it will endure... and maybe we need to relearn that legendary tolerance we always pat ourselves on the back for having.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

The problem is that too many people aren't affected by these types of problems and therefore consider them irrelevant and/or non-existant. But for those who live in the SW or certain parts of FL(among other places certainly), it's a very real problem, that at times elevates itself beyond mere annoyance.

I have had the same treatment in Orlando btw.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Rename the US dialect of English to American and make it the official language.

That won't work because the U.S. will be renamed Unestados De Mexico

You are probably right.

 

[Pacemaker]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: Vich

Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

Exactly. Unbelievable.

Why is that not ok? Don't all you right wing people worship the free market? By your own ideology, they are providing a service to meet a market (spanish speaking McDonalds eaters). If what they are doing is bad, they will go out of business.

I have noticed that not one person has provided a SINGLE point in this thread that has not been a repeat of some doom and gloom pronouncement made about one of a half dozen groups of immigrants in decades and centuries past that turned out to be racist lies. They were racist and xenophobic then, and they are racist and xenophobic now. That's right... I'm calling you racists. You can wrap it in the American flag if you want, you can wrap it in the "defense of American culture", or in defense of our hard earned tax money, but we both know what you're really saying is that America is becoming a place where the way of life of all the Decent White Folk is threatened. You know what? If it's that great, it will endure... and maybe we need to relearn that legendary tolerance we always pat ourselves on the back for having.

I'm sure if I wanted to I could have called McDonald's Regional office and complained. I may have even gotten someone fired, but I didn't because I just went elsewhere. The point is that in one country (or state) I should not have to be fluent in two languages to get by. It's bad for the economy and bad for business. I have no problem with spanish speaking people taking non-customer service jobs, but when I have to be able to speak a language that is not the language that most people in the US grow up with it's sad.

The funny thing is that this is the same thing a Philidelphia man got called a racist for. He told people they had to speak english in order for him to serve them. However, if it's done to a white person and the white person gets upset then the white man is obviously the racist. It's a double standard. The point is we need an official language so that this doesn't happen. I don't care if it's German as long as there is one language spoken everywhere.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Even if English is made the official language at the federal level, private businesses (McDonalds) are still able to conduct business in whatever language they want. If they are losing business because of the language they speak, the MARKET will push them to adopt English. It hasn't in Miami, etc. which obviously means it's not hurting them.

My point is, English is already the de facto official language of the US. Government business is all conducted in English. It seems the only things that aren't are private businesses, and if you self-professed "conservatives" are saying private businesses should be forced to adopt English, then you really need to consider changing your political affiliation.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Rename the US dialect of English to American and make it the official language.

That won't work because the U.S. will be renamed Unestados De Mexico

Estados Unidos Mexicanos is the official name of Mexico... so I don't know what you are trying to say there. I am all for making Amerikinsky the official language of USA.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Rename the US dialect of English to American and make it the official language.

That won't work because the U.S. will be renamed Unestados De Mexico

Estados Unidos Mexicanos is the official name of Mexico... so Id on't know what you are trying to say there. I am all for making Amerikinsky the official language of USA.

We should make 'Neck the new national language, after all it's being used for official government purposes now.

Link

 

[palehorse]

the only thing that would bother me are official signs that are only in another language. otherwise, I don't mind it very much at all.

Then again, it doesnt help encourage all immigrants to learn English... but so be it.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: Vich

Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't have a problem when other people want to speak a different language, but when I go to McDonalds and I have to be able to speak spanish to order (happens in Miami all the time) that is not ok. I don't mind if they speak both, but to not speak English at a business is just not ok.

Exactly. Unbelievable.

Why is that not ok? Don't all you right wing people worship the free market? By your own ideology, they are providing a service to meet a market (spanish speaking McDonalds eaters). If what they are doing is bad, they will go out of business.

I have noticed that not one person has provided a SINGLE point in this thread that has not been a repeat of some doom and gloom pronouncement made about one of a half dozen groups of immigrants in decades and centuries past that turned out to be racist lies. They were racist and xenophobic then, and they are racist and xenophobic now. That's right... I'm calling you racists. You can wrap it in the American flag if you want, you can wrap it in the "defense of American culture", or in defense of our hard earned tax money, but we both know what you're really saying is that America is becoming a place where the way of life of all the Decent White Folk is threatened. You know what? If it's that great, it will endure... and maybe we need to relearn that legendary tolerance we always pat ourselves on the back for having.

Wow, the racist card. Good argument. That would be true, except that I have no problem with English speaking Mexicans, only ones that can't be bothered to learn our language. I get along just fine with my neighbors and they're Mexican. They also speak English and have jobs and own a business, which goes a long way towards me liking a person.

 

[Skotty]

I'm all for having national languages that are strongly pushed. Having people who can't communicate with each other is an extreme economic and social burden. The more varied it becomes, the worse it will get.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Wow, the racist card. Good argument. That would be true, except that I have no problem with English speaking Mexicans, only ones that can't be bothered to learn our language. I get along just fine with my neighbors and they're Mexican. They also speak English and have jobs and own a business, which goes a long way towards me liking a person.

Ahh, so you don't have a problem with Mexicans as long as they speak the language you want them to. You're right... no problems there!

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Wow, the racist card. Good argument. That would be true, except that I have no problem with English speaking Mexicans, only ones that can't be bothered to learn our language. I get along just fine with my neighbors and they're Mexican. They also speak English and have jobs and own a business, which goes a long way towards me liking a person.

Ahh, so you don't have a problem with Mexicans as long as they speak the language you want them to. You're right... no problems there!

No, you're still wrong. I have no problems with Mexicans in Mexico speaking Spanish. Hell, that's the Official Language there, and if I were to move to Mexico I wouldn't expect them all to speak English just to benefit me. I only have a problem with Mexicans who move to the US and then expect everyone else to accommodate them.

But don't let me stop you from playing the racist card. It makes it that much easier for everyone to see how flimsy your arguments are.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Wow, the racist card. Good argument. That would be true, except that I have no problem with English speaking Mexicans, only ones that can't be bothered to learn our language. I get along just fine with my neighbors and they're Mexican. They also speak English and have jobs and own a business, which goes a long way towards me liking a person.

Ahh, so you don't have a problem with Mexicans as long as they speak the language you want them to. You're right... no problems there!

No, you're still wrong. I have no problems with Mexicans in Mexico speaking Spanish. Hell, that's the Official Language there, and if I were to move to Mexico I wouldn't expect them all to speak English just to benefit me. I only have a problem with Mexicans who move to the US and then expect everyone else to accommodate them.

But don't let me stop you from playing the racist card. It makes it that much easier for everyone to see how flimsy your arguments are.

My argument is that you're racist. Don't worry, it's the same stance that many many generations of past Americans have had, including many of our illustrious founding fathers. So don't worry... you're in good company.

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: BoberFett
My argument is that you're racist. Don't worry, it's the same stance that many many generations of past Americans have had, including many of our illustrious founding fathers. So don't worry... you're in good company.

Wow, the racist card again. Good one. Why don't you call me gay and retarded while you're at it? That would be the trifecta of childish comebacks.

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Wow, the racist card. Good argument. That would be true, except that I have no problem with English speaking Mexicans, only ones that can't be bothered to learn our language. I get along just fine with my neighbors and they're Mexican. They also speak English and have jobs and own a business, which goes a long way towards me liking a person.

Ahh, so you don't have a problem with Mexicans as long as they speak the language you want them to. You're right... no problems there!

No, you're still wrong. I have no problems with Mexicans in Mexico speaking Spanish. Hell, that's the Official Language there, and if I were to move to Mexico I wouldn't expect them all to speak English just to benefit me. I only have a problem with Mexicans who move to the US and then expect everyone else to accommodate them.

But don't let me stop you from playing the racist card. It makes it that much easier for everyone to see how flimsy your arguments are.

My argument is that you're racist. Don't worry, it's the same stance that many many generations of past Americans have had, including many of our illustrious founding fathers. So don't worry... you're in good company.

lol stfu

 

[Kadarin]

So why hasnt congress made English the official language yet?

Because Congress is afraid of the inevitable Hispanic backlash.