Thread: English, SÃ*?

English, SÃ*?
A common language takes more than a resolution.

Monday, August 13, 2007; Page A10

Latinos forman una mayor parte de la populacion en Manassas Park.

IF YOU COULD not read that sentence, you probably aren't one of the many Latinos who helped make that Virginia suburb a place where minorities now outnumber non-Hispanic whites.

And if you're anything like many of the good people of Culpeper County, also in Northern Virginia, you might feel the impulse to pass a resolution making English the official language.

The country and this region are changing dramatically, thanks to an unprecedented wave of immigration from Latin America. A newly released analysis of Census Bureau data shows that 303 counties nationwide have majority-minority populations. This rise in Latinos can bring economic growth but also cultural tension as once relatively homogeneous towns burst with new arrivals who speak a different language, move to different rhythms and season their foods with Sazón Goya -- while also increasing pressures on public schools, medical facilities and other social services institutions.

It's not hard to understand why some communities react to such changes by pushing "Official English" or English-only laws. Who could argue against the benefits of having all members of a community speak at least one common language? As far as these measures go, Culpeper's is restrained and purely symbolic, simply stating that English is the official language of the county. Often, though, such measures can be counterproductive if they explicitly or implicitly prohibit the publication of government documents in a foreign language or discourage government-funded translator services for people who don't speak English.

The answer in the long run comes neither from passing English-only resolutions nor from adding more translators. Learning English is an indispensable part of assimilation and full participation in all aspects of a community. More should be done to ensure that all newcomers attain that skill. The White House announced Friday that the U.S. Education Department would launch a Web portal to help immigrants learn English. That's a good step, but it's far from adequate. Local communities, especially those with rising immigrant populations, should make free or inexpensive English classes available; the federal government should pick up the tab or significantly help defray the cost. Community and religious groups should also step up their efforts in this cause. And new arrivals should seize such opportunities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... newsletter

Often, though, such measures can be counterproductive if they explicitly or implicitly prohibit the publication of government documents in a foreign language or discourage government-funded translator services for people who don't speak English.

...Yup, there it was...the Times slipping in it's bleeding heart opinion.

The White House announced Friday that the U.S. Education Department would launch a Web portal to help immigrants learn English

...what a joke...A web portal to learn English?...yeah, sure...that'll help. How about national legislation that English is the U.S. national language and all government business and documents will be conducted in English. Also, no communities or localities will be required to provide nor will any taxpayer money will be utilized to provide translators to those who cannot speak or read English.

Local communities, especially those with rising immigrant populations, should make free or inexpensive English classes available; the federal government should pick up the tab or significantly help defray the cost.

...Bleeding Heart Alert! Taxpayer money down the drain!!!

The White House announced Friday that the U.S. Education Department would launch a Web portal to help immigrants learn English.

How many illegals do they think own a computer??

Originally Posted by AngryTX

The White House announced Friday that the U.S. Education Department would launch a Web portal to help immigrants learn English.

How many illegals do they think own a computer??

I know alot of them use libraries! Of course there is a Spanish area! Not sure if they use the computers though?

"The federal government should pick up the tab"


It amazes me whenever I hear something like this. As if federal dollars aren't coming out of our pockets as well.

I AM GETTING TO THE POINT THAT I THINK THEY SHOULD NOT LET ANYONE APPLY FOR ANY TYPE OF ENTRY TO USA UNLESS THEY DO IT FROM THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGING.....AND ....IF THEY WANT TO COME HERE THEY HAVE TO LEARN ENGLISH BEFORE THEY COME HERE.