Both wrong on changes in America
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September 18, 2008 - 10:07PM

I read the response to the Aug. 24 letter by Charlene Fernandez. Gregory Gardner stated that Fernandez was wrong when she stated. "We are the majority, this is the face of America, it has changed, I think it's wonderful because we are the majority."

Fernandez and Gardner are both wrong. According to the U.S. Census reports 1990 to 2000, the Mexican/Mexican-American population increased by 58 percent. This does not take into account the legal and illegal immigration of Mexicans citizens (and their descendents born here) coming to the United States between 2000 and 2008, which may or may not be reflected entirely on the 2010 census

To correct both articles, the census report stated that the Hispanic population has surpassed the black American population, making the Hispanic population in the "majority minority."

It was reported several years ago that the tortilla was outselling sliced bread until recently. The tortilla popularity most likely was due to the increase in the rising population of Hispanics and the new popularity of the Mexican restaurant and fast food industry.

I sadly recognize that both Fernandez and Gardner want their ethnic backgrounds to be in the majority. This is where I see "America changing." Every ethnic group wants their people to be in charge and promote their ideals and customs.

If you want to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multi-bilingual and bicultural country. History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. I acknowledge that it is a blessing for individuals to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. History shows that bilingual and bicultural societies that do not assimilate have histories of turmoil, tension and tragedy.

I am a staunch believer in looking back at history to see where we've been and try to see where we are going. Unfortunately, our educational system seems to be more and more trying not to teach it in fear that it might offend a particular ethnic population.

The same can be said about our immigration laws. We hear that mantra "immigration has been good for America, it must always be good." America once took pride when immigrants came here and wanted to be American citizens.

Remember "The Melting Pot"? That has been replaced with a "Tossed Salad" as each new ethnic group wants to keep their language and culture instead of assimilating to become "One America."

CLAY O. JONES
Yuma, AZ
http://www.yumasun.com/opinion/america_ ... wrong.html