Thread: What's 'vote' in Spanish?

http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/ ... 1855c.html

What's 'vote' in Spanish?

GOP Assembly members take language classes in effort to reach out to Latinos
By Jim Sanders -- Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, March 4, 2005


More than a dozen Assembly Republicans met Thursday for a weekly Spanish lesson. But there were a few phrases they didn't learn:

"Can't we all get along.?"

"Let's pass a budget.

"Stop the bickering."

Thursday's hourlong session in a Capitol hearing room was part of an eight-lesson program meant to help GOP lawmakers communicate with Latino voters who speak no English.

Assembly Republican leader Kevin McCarthy - labeled "jefe," or chief - took a good-natured stab after class at the Spanish phrase for a state budget deficit projected at $8 billion when the year began.

"Ocho biliano?" he guessed.

Not quite, but close.

"Ocho billón."

The middle-aged class of GOP "asambleistas" - Assembly members - focused on the simplest of Spanish phrases, but their message was politically sophisticated and reinforced by inviting the media.

One word at a time - from "hola" to "buenos dÃÂ*as" - Republicans hope to convey that they care about the Latino community and are willing to do whatever is necessary to serve it.

In a state where nearly one of every three residents is Latino, language lessons could lead to more airtime on Spanish-language TV and help to boost Republican ranks statewide, GOP lawmakers say.

"A lot of Hispanics and Latinos have conservative values," said Assemblyman Russ Bogh, R-Cherry Valley. "They share our values. They don't necessarily share the values of Democrats. So we're trying to reach out to them."

But Assemblyman Juan Vargas, a San Diego Democrat, called the strategy a "tokenistic approach to Latinos."

Learning to say "How's your toast?" in Spanish is not likely to go far, he said.

"(Republicans) think if they learn a little Spanish, people are going to vote for them," Vargas said. "I think they'll learn that 'No votamos por ustedes' " which means, "We won't vote for you."

Nearly two-thirds of Latino voters in California supported Democrat John Kerry for president last November, according to exit polls. Vargas said Latinos, like other voters, choose a political party on the basis of issues, not conversation.

Aside from the political merits of learning Spanish, some GOP Assembly members said the class is just plain fun - even at 7:30 a.m.

Indeed, there was laughter aplenty.

When Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, came late and grabbed a prime seat, colleague Greg Aghazarian of Stockton shot him a good-natured jab.

"Cómo se dice 'teacher's pet?' " he quipped.

Assemblywoman Sharon Runner accidentally told the group that her spouse, George, was her wife. She quickly changed "esposa" to "esposo."

Assemblyman Keith Richman of Northridge was not part of the class, but he quickly became a target for fun when he walked by.

"Let's bring Richman in because he's bilingual," McCarthy suggested.

"Richman doesn't even speak English!" someone said, drawing chuckles.

Teaching the two-month program is Nancy Zarenda, founder and director of the Spanish Language Academy in Sacramento. Cost is $200 per person.

Sabrina Demayo of the Assembly's GOP Caucus said taxpayers are not picking up the tab. Lawmakers are paying with personal or campaign funds, she said.

The curriculum focuses on words and phrases expected to be useful to GOP Assembly members in quick contacts with Spanish speakers.

Phrases practiced Thursday included "no entiendo," (I don't understand), "hable más despacio" (speak slower) and "es muy amable" (you're very kind).

Spanish cultural norms, etiquette and foods also are discussed by the class, which munched Thursday on Mexican sweet bread - "pan dulce."

Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, said that learning Spanish is important because "we as elected officials represent everybody, regardless of race or language barriers."

Not all Republican lawmakers think they need to be bilingual, however.

Of the 32 GOP Assembly members, 13 participated Thursday and 19 did not.

Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, said he feels that Spanish speakers have an obligation to learn English - not vice versa.

"If I go to Mexico, they're not going to speak my language, I'm going to speak theirs. ... Why is California so unique that we have to learn their language?" Mountjoy asked.

For voters who think Republicans and Democrats speak separate languages, GOP lawmakers said tongue-in-cheek that even outreach has its limits.

"I don't know if I'll ever be able to speak Democrat," said Assemblyman Mike Villines, R-Clovis.

Why? Just. Why?

http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/ ... 1855c.html

What's 'vote' in Spanish?

GOP Assembly members take language classes in effort to reach out to Latinos
By Jim Sanders -- Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, March 4, 2005


More than a dozen Assembly Republicans met Thursday for a weekly Spanish lesson. But there were a few phrases they didn't learn:

"Can't we all get along.?"

"Let's pass a budget.

"Stop the bickering."

Thursday's hourlong session in a Capitol hearing room was part of an eight-lesson program meant to help GOP lawmakers communicate with Latino voters who speak no English.

Assembly Republican leader Kevin McCarthy - labeled "jefe," or chief - took a good-natured stab after class at the Spanish phrase for a state budget deficit projected at $8 billion when the year began.

"Ocho biliano?" he guessed.

Not quite, but close.

"Ocho billón."

The middle-aged class of GOP "asambleistas" - Assembly members - focused on the simplest of Spanish phrases, but their message was politically sophisticated and reinforced by inviting the media.

One word at a time - from "hola" to "buenos dÃÂ*as" - Republicans hope to convey that they care about the Latino community and are willing to do whatever is necessary to serve it.

In a state where nearly one of every three residents is Latino, language lessons could lead to more airtime on Spanish-language TV and help to boost Republican ranks statewide, GOP lawmakers say.

"A lot of Hispanics and Latinos have conservative values," said Assemblyman Russ Bogh, R-Cherry Valley. "They share our values. They don't necessarily share the values of Democrats. So we're trying to reach out to them."

But Assemblyman Juan Vargas, a San Diego Democrat, called the strategy a "tokenistic approach to Latinos."

Learning to say "How's your toast?" in Spanish is not likely to go far, he said.

"(Republicans) think if they learn a little Spanish, people are going to vote for them," Vargas said. "I think they'll learn that 'No votamos por ustedes' " which means, "We won't vote for you."

Nearly two-thirds of Latino voters in California supported Democrat John Kerry for president last November, according to exit polls. Vargas said Latinos, like other voters, choose a political party on the basis of issues, not conversation.

Aside from the political merits of learning Spanish, some GOP Assembly members said the class is just plain fun - even at 7:30 a.m.

Indeed, there was laughter aplenty.

When Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, came late and grabbed a prime seat, colleague Greg Aghazarian of Stockton shot him a good-natured jab.

"Cómo se dice 'teacher's pet?' " he quipped.

Assemblywoman Sharon Runner accidentally told the group that her spouse, George, was her wife. She quickly changed "esposa" to "esposo."

Assemblyman Keith Richman of Northridge was not part of the class, but he quickly became a target for fun when he walked by.

"Let's bring Richman in because he's bilingual," McCarthy suggested.

"Richman doesn't even speak English!" someone said, drawing chuckles.

Teaching the two-month program is Nancy Zarenda, founder and director of the Spanish Language Academy in Sacramento. Cost is $200 per person.

Sabrina Demayo of the Assembly's GOP Caucus said taxpayers are not picking up the tab. Lawmakers are paying with personal or campaign funds, she said.

The curriculum focuses on words and phrases expected to be useful to GOP Assembly members in quick contacts with Spanish speakers.

Phrases practiced Thursday included "no entiendo," (I don't understand), "hable más despacio" (speak slower) and "es muy amable" (you're very kind).

Spanish cultural norms, etiquette and foods also are discussed by the class, which munched Thursday on Mexican sweet bread - "pan dulce."

Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, said that learning Spanish is important because "we as elected officials represent everybody, regardless of race or language barriers."

Not all Republican lawmakers think they need to be bilingual, however.

Of the 32 GOP Assembly members, 13 participated Thursday and 19 did not.

Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia, said he feels that Spanish speakers have an obligation to learn English - not vice versa.

"If I go to Mexico, they're not going to speak my language, I'm going to speak theirs. ... Why is California so unique that we have to learn their language?" Mountjoy asked.

For voters who think Republicans and Democrats speak separate languages, GOP lawmakers said tongue-in-cheek that even outreach has its limits.

"I don't know if I'll ever be able to speak Democrat," said Assemblyman Mike Villines, R-Clovis.

Why? Just. Why?

The irony is unbearable.

--
Keith

The irony is unbearable.

--
Keith