Immigration and English-Only

On January 22nd, residents of Davidson County in Tennessee will vote on an English-only policy for Davidson County employees and officials.

Opponents of an English-only policy stand behind Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and that it violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and First Amendment free-speech protections. They claim that this referendum would prohibit fire and police personnel from speaking to crime victims in any language other than English and translators would be forbidden in parent-teacher conferences and courtrooms. This is their scare tactic. They don't want Davidson County voters to know that exceptions will be made in regard to health, safety, and other key issues. What school would not want a parent to understand what they are trying to communicate regarding a child's education which ultimately affects our nation's future? It is a ridiculous argument by those against an English-only policy.

Opponents reach even further by arguing that American Sign Language is not English. They question if signers will be allowed to translate during public hearings and court proceedings. Sign language is not spoken, it is signed. It is used for communication for those with a disability and not for those who refuse to speak English. But what about non-English-speaking tourists? Will they not be able to report a crime or a fire? Once again, exceptions will be made in regard to health, safety, and other key issues.

Not enforcing an English-only stance, along with government benefits for illegal immigrants, employers looking for cheap labor with no apparent ethics or scruples, and sanctuary cities, in this country have contributed to our constant flow of illegal labor. U.S. citizens are required by law to speak, write, and understand English. Why isn't this being enforced? New Haven, CT; San Francisco; New York City; Washington D.C.; Los Angeles; Chicago; Salt Lake City; Portland, Maine; Santa Ana, CA; San Diego; Phoenix; Dallas; Baltimore; Miami; Detroit; Minneapolis; Jersey City; Houston; and Denver have ordinances banning city employees and police officers from asking people about their immigration status. Come on in! We make it easy for you to obtain employment and benefits without even proving you're a citizen!

To succeed in this country, you need to be fluent in English. Name one immigrant who didn't learn English that was or is successful here. When immigrants came through Ellis Island they wanted to assimilate through a common language. Why are we so against it today? Governments across the world conduct business in their native languages. If you choose to live in a foreign country, and you want to be successful you need to learn their language. You don't expect them to meet your first language needs.

Global Economy

Are we on the fast track to losing our sovereignty? Will financial meetings with European countries result in a one world currency further pushing us towards a one world government? If so, our nation will no longer be able to set itself apart from other nations and our super power title will be taken away with devastating consequences. Maybe I'm getting way ahead of myself and thinking the worst but I don't believe a one world currency is completely unthinkable. Corporations and citizens of this nation want the economy fixed and fast. This just may be part of that quick fix. But at what cost?

Two Sides To Every Story

Since when is it not okay to defend one's country and the people within its borders? I ask this question because every time I turn on the news the media is telling me about the atrocities that Israel imposes upon its neighboring countries. I don't see or read with the same fervor by the media the attacks on Israel. I don't see the bleeding hearts out on street corners with their signs protesting the terrorist acts against Israel.

If one of our neighboring countries were attacking us on a regular basis, wouldn't we want our military forces to protect us? Why shouldn't Israel be allowed to do the same without the world tsk tskng them for their actions? But they've killed innocent civilians you argue. When Hamas fights from the mosques and hospitals of Palestinian civilians they are putting civilians at risk. Where is the tsk tskng of Hamas for putting their civilians in harms way?

Lest, you've forgotten like the media: http://www.adl.org/Israel/israel_attacks.asp

Hope You Had A Merry CHRISTmas and Blessings For the New Year!

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it doesn't bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
- Ben Stein (read it in its entirety at http://www.benstein.com/121805xmas.html )

You And Me Both

Is it just me or does everyone with a facebook account have a tingle running up their leg for Obama? I'd say more than half of my friends with facebook accounts are Obama supporters and will unabashedly chastise you if you tell them you did not vote for Obama. They all have joined the "Yes We Did" group on facebook and I just roll my eyes everytime I see it.

Barack Obama Day

That's right. A National holiday already in the works for the One. My question is, doesn't one have to earn a national holiday by actually DOING something? Or at least be dead?