wmw999 2,589 #26 January 20, 2006 There's nothing official and legislated other than the citizenship requirements. My dad used to to get lots of solicitations from an organization called US English which was trying to get English to be the language of the land. As a common tool, I think it's a great idea. As a 2X4 with which to beat people over the head, I hate it. And I'm afraid there are a lot of people who would rejoice in having yet another 2X4 to beat others over the head. After all, if you kick the guy standing next to you in the knee so he goes down, you become taller and better-looking. Right? Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GTAVercetti 0 #27 January 20, 2006 Here ya go Wendy. the one thing I see is that having a common language really takes the wind out of arguments to make every damn thing bi- or tri- or whatever, lingual. Most other countries have a national language and work just fine. I don't see it as a 2x4, but as a basic common ground we all have to start on. I mean, if you have to speak English to immigrate, why not just make it the national language. As it is now though, with NOT being the official language, I will continue to argue against those who say, "Speak English or get out."Why yes, my license number is a palindrome. Thank you for noticing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #28 January 20, 2006 You could have added "defacto NATIONAL language"."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #29 January 20, 2006 QuoteYou could have added "defacto NATIONAL language". I'm signing up for a class in speaking "DeFacto" Why Yi Oughtta!! C'mere aminnit! Ged oughta M-face! practice practice practice Edit: I'd comment, but GV's last post really says it. It's not a 2x4, it's an established common baseline for communication. easy enough to require on a go forward basis, but the retroactive aspect is a bit daunting in terms of implementing and current political climate and potential cost (as many would consider it not THEIR duty to then be fluent in the common language, but rather the Government's duty to make it happen FOR them). In reality, we'll establish a national language likely the day English falls second to some other language. Then it'll be PC to do it. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #30 January 20, 2006 Simmer daun nah!. IT's friday. Go get some ice cream."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #31 January 20, 2006 >We're a melting pot, and in some pockets of the nation, other >languages have been around as long as, if not longer than, English. I agree! In New Orleans, a lot of people speak french as their primary language. In San Diego, it's spanish. And there's nothing wrong with that. But if they can't communicate with the Post Office guy they might not get their package right away - and that is their fault, not the fault of the Post Office. >There seem to be many countries in which the residents are > generally at least bilingual, and I wonder why we have this idea that > it's everyone else's responsibility to learn English, but not ours to > learn at least one other language. Like I said, they have no such responsibility. But if they want to talk to people in the Post Office, or at the airport counter, it would behoove them to learn it. If they don't want to, that's fine too - but they might not get that cheap flight to Boise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,151 #32 January 20, 2006 Quote And yet, it may be a requirement, but I know some citizens who can barely speak English. The interview must be pretty damn lenient. George W. Bush was born here, he wasn't required to have the interview.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
easyglider 0 #33 January 31, 2006 Quote... you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution... Some fool had this to say: "No, I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God,"...... George Bush (spit). And he refuses to apologise for that nasty statement. More details here: http://bennyhills.fortunecity.com/hardy/203/nonbeliever/page50.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
