PLFXpert

First, I appreciate the clarification. Regarding this statement, do you feel then you might be biased when reviewing all the facts from both sides b/c too often you've seen the unfortunate "public forefront"? Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Again, I'm quite open to understanding other points of view and perhaps altering my own. But I haven't read many responses that weren't making assumptions or playing defense. I grew up in Florida. I spent a summer in 8th grade with my very close friend Margarita at her family's home in Puerto Rico. I briefy dated a Puerto Rican pro surfer. One of my best friends in high school wasn't a citizen; her family moved here from Columbia and w/in a year she spoke perfect (American) English. She was an honor student and won homecoming queen all four years. Another very good friend of mine in high school was not a citizen. His family moved here from Spain. His dream was to continue swimming competively for our school and our college (UF) and then go back to represent SPAIN in the Olympics; he also spoke perfect English w/in a year of moving here. With these friends (and more) I've had this discussion--and it wasn't even something I brought up. At the time (high school mostly) I really didn't think much about it. They all felt very strongly about setting an example for others with their same background. You could even say it was my culturally diverse group of friends that played a heavy role in my current views on such topics. And frankly I don't feel it's really necessary to mention my friends or this or that b/c it holds little weight in an arguement or discussion. I mention it anyways b/c what I've received is assumptions on my opinion on immigrants, rather than thoughtful reasons why one might oppose such a declaration. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Pratically have one and not-so-much, well both are indefinite. My point (and I'm still quite open to other points of view on this particular topic) is that if there is no definite, then what reason do immigrants have to learn English? Certainly I can think of a million reasons, but I also can't deny the many, many immigrants who do not speak it and seem to have no desire to learn it. I go back (again) to what I said previously: Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Or I'm guessing the words they must read, write & understand are something along the lines of: Please. Thank you. Hello. Goodbye.

While I don't disagree the paint was non-toxic and likely able to be rinsed with water---Yes, let's just assume those suspected of animal abuse would never use harmful chemicals. While we're at it, let's assume anyone who works with animals for profit would never, ever harm them. Yes, there. Now I can sleep at night. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Well, since you know for certain all is well for me then. Ever researched elephant handlers in Thailand? You know--other than going to see Dumbo paint a cool picture with his trunk and admiring the sweet display? Sure, the handlers at Barnum & Bailey also seem to love & cherish their animals when surrounded by visitors w/ pockets full of money to donate for a ride on the elephant. Or, forget actually having to read---just watch Jeff Corwin or old episodes of the Crocodile Hunter on their adventures in Thailand and other parts of the world. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Not since I was little and learned to read. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I agree.

Yes, of course. Why didn't I think of that. Please research Tai's training (or any other elephant used in entertainment, please). Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I love, love, love that you care about the elephant.

Do you believe an animal can feel happy or sad or mad? Certainly they can. My cat hisses when mad. Purrs when happy/content. My doggie wags his tail, jumps up and down and licks my face when he's happy. Why not then other emotions? A dog has a measured & proven level of intelligence. It must then understand enough to know it is happy when it gets a treat. Pigs have a measured & proven level of intelligence at the same level as a dog. I wish I could stay and provide links (to those who seem to be less research-inclined) but I haven't the time today. The science is there though, proven & waiting to be read. Of course, if one doesn't believe in science than I have no argument for such a person (except perhaps on a sheer moral level in many cases), but then I hope such a person has never taken antibiotics for that nasty virus they once had either. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

A dog, unlike an elephant, has been known to form simliar bonds to humans. Of course, my dog still loves other dogs, too. He goes to doggie day care where he plays all day w/ other dogs twice/week. The other days we usually take him to dog park and we ALWAYS play with him.

According to the article, Tai is both female and used often in movies. Humiliation? I don't know; seems the elephant would need to understand what it looks like to others for that. Depression? Absolutely. From Wikipedia: I already knew this and many other reasons from legitimate sources why elephants used for art and entertainment is cruel, but well, everyone here seems to love their Wikipedia. One doesn't need to be an animal psychic to understand years of research, observation and logical deduction. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I have.

So b/c I would support such an ammendment, I must be an "immigrant basher"? Yowza. I better go---many relationships to end and years of lost antagonist-work to make up for. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Hopefully you don't believe establishing an official language would be equal to "cultural homegenization". I both appreciate how this country was built & based upon as well as believe we would benefit from an officially established language.

That SO reminded me of my Oma, who's now passed. She's german and of course and always sounded like Zsa Zsa Gabor to me. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Excellent! Muuuaaah. Ha. Ha. Haaaaa. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I'm not mad at ya--I don't even necessarily disagree with you (excellent 34/38 detail!

Of course you can't--or any other "poll" on DZ.com That wasn't the only relevant fact omitted--and your chosen excerpt leads one to believe 38 Senators did NOT vote against an ammendment; thus something is still left out. Of course the source has an agenda (Laughing b/c I know who sent me the e-mail and I, too, checked Snopes first.) But, I know what you mean and certainly I am not one to worry about such irrelevances. I chose to post that in addition to my question for a reason. Certainly I haven't "accepted information blindly" but I definitely did pass it on.

Interesting analygy as I support gay rights/marriage and at the present time, (though Tonto gave me something to think about) also support English as an official language. I've already stated my reasons for such. None of which fall into this category: Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I read that, too. What are you thoughts? Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

You know, I didn't think about declaring such might open up further official language declarations...Hmmm.... Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

In my opinion, for this reason: Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I think it's important for any immigrant to learn an official language of their new country. Communication is so important. It's important to me every citizen understand our laws, their rights and the issues to vote on. In my line of work, I often come across companies in need of my product, yet no-one speaks English and thus we mutually loose. Let's not even go into the logistics of what it would take our company to set-up a department to accomodate non-English speaking business (and I work for a multi-billion dollar company). We already have paperwork in Spanish, and a few customer service reps that can translate---but frankly no-one wants to handle it b/c it takes about 10 x as long to sign up a new client going through a translator for the same commission as a client in which you do not need to translate. So, I understand both sides. Certainly I'll do it should the business come my way b/c it's the right thing to do. But that doesn't mean even I don't roll my eyes and feel a bit insulted. I always try to put myself in other people's shoes. And there is no way if I moved to another country I would not attempt repeatedly until successful to learn their language. It's just respectful, imo.