Mexicans fear U.S. immigration plan

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm ready to kick some illegal azz.

Failure to recognize the significant difference between immigrants coming from Mexico illegally vs. other countries will continue to fuel the emotionally charged issue and reduce it to such rhetoric.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Have you decided that I CARE what country an illegal is from?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Have you decided that I CARE what country an illegal is from?

That's the problem. You are like a lot of people who get caught up in the emotionally charged rhetoric, failing to see any difference. There IS a big difference whether you acknowledge it or not. It's like those who refuse to believe in other historical facts - it doesn't make them any less relevent.

Edited May 19, 2007 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Aymerlu 3]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_...8sz1o1rSl8UewgF

Mexicans fear U.S. immigration plan

By TRACI CARL, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 45 minutes ago

MONTERREY, Mexico - Many in Mexico expressed disappointment Friday with the U.S. Congress' immigration reform proposal, arguing it doesn't let enough Mexicans enter the United States legally to work, while focusing on an arduous path to residency for those who have already taken the illegal path.

Mexican news media and activists attacked what they viewed as a measure to limit the number of seasonal workers allowed into the United States — even as the compromise's proponents said it would let in many more.

Migrants as well as U.S. employers who need workers for low-skilled jobs had hoped Congress would streamline and vastly expand the existing guest worker program, allowing more to cross legally, work a few months, then return home with their savings to build homes and businesses.

The new proposal did include a new guest worker program, but it appeared to limit the number of times workers could renew the temporary visas.

At the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, which hands out more temporary work visas than anywhere else in the world, Edmundo Bermudez, a 36-year-old from the northern city of Durango, was especially offended by reports that preference would be given to migrants with degrees and specialized skills.

"The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?" asked Bermudez, who has been working intermittently in the U.S. for the past eight years. In Mexico, he makes about $10 a day, while in the U.S. he earns $8 an hour.

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

[pedroh 21]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_...8sz1o1rSl8UewgF

Mexicans fear U.S. immigration plan

By TRACI CARL, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 45 minutes ago

MONTERREY, Mexico - Many in Mexico expressed disappointment Friday with the U.S. Congress' immigration reform proposal, arguing it doesn't let enough Mexicans enter the United States legally to work, while focusing on an arduous path to residency for those who have already taken the illegal path.

Mexican news media and activists attacked what they viewed as a measure to limit the number of seasonal workers allowed into the United States — even as the compromise's proponents said it would let in many more.

Migrants as well as U.S. employers who need workers for low-skilled jobs had hoped Congress would streamline and vastly expand the existing guest worker program, allowing more to cross legally, work a few months, then return home with their savings to build homes and businesses.

The new proposal did include a new guest worker program, but it appeared to limit the number of times workers could renew the temporary visas.

At the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, which hands out more temporary work visas than anywhere else in the world, Edmundo Bermudez, a 36-year-old from the northern city of Durango, was especially offended by reports that preference would be given to migrants with degrees and specialized skills.

"The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?" asked Bermudez, who has been working intermittently in the U.S. for the past eight years. In Mexico, he makes about $10 a day, while in the U.S. he earns $8 an hour.

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

so you're offended your kid will learn a language that will be helpful for his/her future? #######, besides, learning spanish is not only for communities with a lot of hispanics.. my wife teaches spanish in a very rural town with no hispanic population at all.. is just that spanish is useful, i dont see why get offended for teaching something u can need later..... so you don't like to see a lot of latinos in your town ah.. is it the skin color? or what do you mean 'run over my town'.. are there too many mexicans for your liking? how many u like.. or is it that there are no 'latino only restrooms' and they go to any restroom.. or the mexican kids touch your kids and ur afraid they're gonna catch a disease?

and.. "I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town" and " I don't have a problem at all with mexicans"... is quite contradictory.. so do you have or not problems with mexicans...

Edited May 19, 2007 by pedroh

[pedroh 21]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_...8sz1o1rSl8UewgF

Mexicans fear U.S. immigration plan

By TRACI CARL, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 45 minutes ago

MONTERREY, Mexico - Many in Mexico expressed disappointment Friday with the U.S. Congress' immigration reform proposal, arguing it doesn't let enough Mexicans enter the United States legally to work, while focusing on an arduous path to residency for those who have already taken the illegal path.

Mexican news media and activists attacked what they viewed as a measure to limit the number of seasonal workers allowed into the United States — even as the compromise's proponents said it would let in many more.

Migrants as well as U.S. employers who need workers for low-skilled jobs had hoped Congress would streamline and vastly expand the existing guest worker program, allowing more to cross legally, work a few months, then return home with their savings to build homes and businesses.

The new proposal did include a new guest worker program, but it appeared to limit the number of times workers could renew the temporary visas.

At the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, which hands out more temporary work visas than anywhere else in the world, Edmundo Bermudez, a 36-year-old from the northern city of Durango, was especially offended by reports that preference would be given to migrants with degrees and specialized skills.

"The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?" asked Bermudez, who has been working intermittently in the U.S. for the past eight years. In Mexico, he makes about $10 a day, while in the U.S. he earns $8 an hour.

Christ almighty, who CARES what people in Mexico think about this? What makes them think we should care? The United States is OUR country, and that means WE get to run it. Not Mexico.

Personally I'm against the new program; I'm against amnesty, and I'm against guest workers. The United States is going to be overrun with low-skilled migrant workers even more than it is now. Yeah, it's EXACTLY what we need. The Chinese and the Indians aren't pumping out engineers and scientists by the tens of thousands every single year...no, not at all.

well.. after decades of USA setting internal policies for Mexico and other Latin American countries (also putting dictators in power), I thing Mexico or other latin american country are entitled to an opinion on this issue.. is not that we asked for USA to set policies on our countries.. or had an option to

Edited May 19, 2007 by pedroh

[JoeMama 0]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

[Fandango 1,440]

This really turns my stomach to think we're handing out amnesty to millions of lawbreakers, yet putting immigrant widow-s -ers thru deportation hearings because their USC spouses have died before AOS.

Just focking sickening.

[pedroh 21]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

dumb themselves down? for learning spanish? so is spanish an inferior language? or being bilingual is for ignorant people? wow, first time i've heard that... so, which language should they teach that doesn't dumb you down? german? french? Italian?... so all the people who speak english and spanish are dumb? wow.. gonna tell my wife that.. that she's very stupid for getting certified as a bilingual teacher in english and spanish..

[JoeMama 0]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

dumb themselves down? for learning spanish? so is spanish an inferior language? or being bilingual is for ignorant people? wow, first time i've heard that... so, which language should they teach that doesn't dumb you down? german? french? Italian?... so all the people who speak english and spanish are dumb? wow.. gonna tell my wife that.. that she's very stupid for getting certified as a bilingual teacher in english and spanish..

You're making assumptions. I never said "Spanish-speakers" were dumb. Read carefully at what I have originally said. I have 3 daughters in school, I don't belittle Spanish if they choose to learn it. I could tell them that it is wrong. But I don't. It is their choice to learn it. My point is valid that US society is being forced downward to accomodate those that arrive here without knowing a word of the official language. I would never assume going to another country without learning a good amount of that country's language. I would never expect them to accomodate me by assuming or telling them they have to learn or know my language. Certainly, it is not right that having to conduct public school in 2 different languages is taking away from other students who only speak English. How many times do you make a call an get an automated message, "Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish"? That's twice the amount of time wasted for a person who only knows the official language of the country they were born. That is what I am talking about. I have no problem with anybody coming from another country that makes a good attempt at trying to speak English. Regardless, of how badly spoken it may be by most standards. I can respect that person and I am more than willing to help them.

Just for the record, if you think I'm picking only on Mexicans, you're wrong. One of my best friends and his family are Mexican. I personally dislike people that are from all different races for whatever reason or encounter I've had with them! I'm 1/2 Filipino. There are Filipinos I don't like!

[pedroh 21]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

dumb themselves down? for learning spanish? so is spanish an inferior language? or being bilingual is for ignorant people? wow, first time i've heard that... so, which language should they teach that doesn't dumb you down? german? french? Italian?... so all the people who speak english and spanish are dumb? wow.. gonna tell my wife that.. that she's very stupid for getting certified as a bilingual teacher in english and spanish..

You're making assumptions. I never said "Spanish-speakers" were dumb. Read carefully at what I have originally said. I have 3 daughters in school, I don't belittle Spanish if they choose to learn it. I could tell them that it is wrong. But I don't. It is their choice to learn it. My point is valid that US society is being forced downward to accomodate those that arrive here without knowing a word of the official language. I would never assume going to another country without learning a good amount of that country's language. I would never expect them to accomodate me by assuming or telling them they have to learn or know my language. Certainly, it is not right that having to conduct public school in 2 different languages is taking away from other students who only speak English. How many times do you make a call an get an automated message, "Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish"? That's twice the amount of time wasted for a person who only knows the official language of the country they were born. That is what I am talking about. I have no problem with anybody coming from another country that makes a good attempt at trying to speak English. Regardless, of how badly spoken it may be by most standards. I can respect that person and I am more than willing to help them.

Just for the record, if you think I'm picking only on Mexicans, you're wrong. One of my best friends and his family are Mexican. I personally dislike people that are from all different races for whatever reason or encounter I've had with them! I'm 1/2 Filipino. There are Filipinos I don't like!

well I dunno how the schools work in Cali, but here you don't have to choose spanish classes, you can choose something else... again, I don't see the problem with learning another language that businesswise is very popular in the US.. but, taking away? from what.. from not learning somethng that can help them?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

well I dunno how the schools work in Cali, but here you don't have to choose spanish classes, you can choose something else... again, I don't see the problem with learning another language that businesswise is very popular in the US.. but, taking away? from what.. from not learning somethng that can help them?

Don't look now, pedroh, but this sword cuts both ways. If those that chose to come here had taken your advice, we wouldn't have a debate on this matter.

Edited May 19, 2007 by ET-US2004

[Aymerlu 3]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_...8sz1o1rSl8UewgF

Mexicans fear U.S. immigration plan

By TRACI CARL, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 45 minutes ago

MONTERREY, Mexico - Many in Mexico expressed disappointment Friday with the U.S. Congress' immigration reform proposal, arguing it doesn't let enough Mexicans enter the United States legally to work, while focusing on an arduous path to residency for those who have already taken the illegal path.

Mexican news media and activists attacked what they viewed as a measure to limit the number of seasonal workers allowed into the United States — even as the compromise's proponents said it would let in many more.

Migrants as well as U.S. employers who need workers for low-skilled jobs had hoped Congress would streamline and vastly expand the existing guest worker program, allowing more to cross legally, work a few months, then return home with their savings to build homes and businesses.

The new proposal did include a new guest worker program, but it appeared to limit the number of times workers could renew the temporary visas.

At the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, which hands out more temporary work visas than anywhere else in the world, Edmundo Bermudez, a 36-year-old from the northern city of Durango, was especially offended by reports that preference would be given to migrants with degrees and specialized skills.

"The United States already has enough people with college degrees. Who is going to cut their tobacco?" asked Bermudez, who has been working intermittently in the U.S. for the past eight years. In Mexico, he makes about $10 a day, while in the U.S. he earns $8 an hour.

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

so you're offended your kid will learn a language that will be helpful for his/her future? #######, besides, learning spanish is not only for communities with a lot of hispanics.. my wife teaches spanish in a very rural town with no hispanic population at all.. is just that spanish is useful, i dont see why get offended for teaching something u can need later..... so you don't like to see a lot of latinos in your town ah.. is it the skin color? or what do you mean 'run over my town'.. are there too many mexicans for your liking? how many u like.. or is it that there are no 'latino only restrooms' and they go to any restroom.. or the mexican kids touch your kids and ur afraid they're gonna catch a disease?

and.. "I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town" and " I don't have a problem at all with mexicans"... is quite contradictory.. so do you have or not problems with mexicans...

No because they HAVE to learn the language. When I was in school we had an option on what language we wanted to learn, no language was forced upon us. If I were to go to another country to live I would make sure my family knew the language of the country. I would actually feel bad if say I decided to move to Egypt, brought my kids to a school that spoke completely arabic and then expect the other children to learn english. I have many hispanic friends ( here legally I might add) that actually feel the same as I feel so I don't feel I'm at all out of line for voicing my opinion on that. I don't have a problem with any race, culture, etc....BUT if you want to come to the U.S, get here the legal way.

[Alex+R 0]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

dumb themselves down? for learning spanish? so is spanish an inferior language? or being bilingual is for ignorant people? wow, first time i've heard that... so, which language should they teach that doesn't dumb you down? german? french? Italian?... so all the people who speak english and spanish are dumb? wow.. gonna tell my wife that.. that she's very stupid for getting certified as a bilingual teacher in english and spanish..

You're making assumptions. I never said "Spanish-speakers" were dumb. Read carefully at what I have originally said. I have 3 daughters in school, I don't belittle Spanish if they choose to learn it. I could tell them that it is wrong. But I don't. It is their choice to learn it. My point is valid that US society is being forced downward to accomodate those that arrive here without knowing a word of the official language. I would never assume going to another country without learning a good amount of that country's language. I would never expect them to accomodate me by assuming or telling them they have to learn or know my language. Certainly, it is not right that having to conduct public school in 2 different languages is taking away from other students who only speak English. How many times do you make a call an get an automated message, "Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish"? That's twice the amount of time wasted for a person who only knows the official language of the country they were born. That is what I am talking about. I have no problem with anybody coming from another country that makes a good attempt at trying to speak English. Regardless, of how badly spoken it may be by most standards. I can respect that person and I am more than willing to help them.

Just for the record, if you think I'm picking only on Mexicans, you're wrong. One of my best friends and his family are Mexican. I personally dislike people that are from all different races for whatever reason or encounter I've had with them! I'm 1/2 Filipino. There are Filipinos I don't like!

I'm sorry, but I think Pedroh is right in calling you on the "dumbing down" remark. I have no idea how you can claim that a culture that now speaks two languages is less rich, or even "dumber" unless you have serious prejudices that you've just revealed. From your condescending description of how "it's too bewildering to them!" I can see you are completely prejudiced and are somehow getting off on feeling better than latin-american immigrants. My teacher friend tells me that she always conducts class in English and offers extra help to the kids who don't speak it yet. Seems fine to me. I'm sorry you are gravely inconvenienced by sometimes being mistaken for Mexican or having to press 1 for English, and I'm sorry you are terrified about your children being exposed to the dangers of Spanish, but there's nothing dumb about Spanish. Do we as a country need to be able to communicate with each other? Yes. And you're not going very far in America without learning English.

PS although I found your whole post ridiculous, the part I bolded was the most funny to me. "Some of my best friends are black..."

[pedroh 21]

Poor baby! Quite frankly I don't care what Mexico thinks. I'm offended because Mexicans are starting to run over my town. I'm offeneded that my 6 year old has to learn spanish because there are 2 kids in her class that cannot speak english. I'm offeneded that my tax dollars are going to support illegals with healthcare when I myself have a difficult time paying for it. So there....I'm offended too Eddie! I don't have a problem at all with mexicans, I just have a problem when the wrong measures are taken to get to the U.S

I'm with ya on this one and agree completely. American-born children in American public schools should not be forced to learn another language to accomodate people who took no inititive to learn anything, except how well wages are, in a country they have taken an illegall residence. US citizens are being forced to "dumb" themselves downward to accomodate outsiders who don't believe they have to learn the official language. How are we as a nation to progess by dumbing our society downward? Obviously, we are not. Look at the downward spiral of our government, education, economy, and health care. You see by my photo I have a fairly good tan going on. I'm 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Dutch. But living in California, I am mistaken for being Mexican. All the time I have people who walk up to me and start speaking Spanish to me. I respond right back to them in Russian. Though, not completely fluent yet. It is a language I choose to learn. I love watching their reaction! It's too bewildering to them! Then, those who do speak English whenever I do this, will ask if I speak English. I will tell them, "Of course, it is the official language of the USA". I also tell them just because my skin is brown, that doesn't mean I speak Spanish either.

dumb themselves down? for learning spanish? so is spanish an inferior language? or being bilingual is for ignorant people? wow, first time i've heard that... so, which language should they teach that doesn't dumb you down? german? french? Italian?... so all the people who speak english and spanish are dumb? wow.. gonna tell my wife that.. that she's very stupid for getting certified as a bilingual teacher in english and spanish..

You're making assumptions. I never said "Spanish-speakers" were dumb. Read carefully at what I have originally said. I have 3 daughters in school, I don't belittle Spanish if they choose to learn it. I could tell them that it is wrong. But I don't. It is their choice to learn it. My point is valid that US society is being forced downward to accomodate those that arrive here without knowing a word of the official language. I would never assume going to another country without learning a good amount of that country's language. I would never expect them to accomodate me by assuming or telling them they have to learn or know my language. Certainly, it is not right that having to conduct public school in 2 different languages is taking away from other students who only speak English. How many times do you make a call an get an automated message, "Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish"? That's twice the amount of time wasted for a person who only knows the official language of the country they were born. That is what I am talking about. I have no problem with anybody coming from another country that makes a good attempt at trying to speak English. Regardless, of how badly spoken it may be by most standards. I can respect that person and I am more than willing to help them.

Just for the record, if you think I'm picking only on Mexicans, you're wrong. One of my best friends and his family are Mexican. I personally dislike people that are from all different races for whatever reason or encounter I've had with them! I'm 1/2 Filipino. There are Filipinos I don't like!

I'm sorry, but I think Pedroh is right in calling you on the "dumbing down" remark. I have no idea how you can claim that a culture that now speaks two languages is less rich, or even "dumber" unless you have serious prejudices that you've just revealed. From your condescending description of how "it's too bewildering to them!" I can see you are completely prejudiced and are somehow getting off on feeling better than latin-american immigrants. My teacher friend tells me that she always conducts class in English and offers extra help to the kids who don't speak it yet. Seems fine to me. I'm sorry you are gravely inconvenienced by sometimes being mistaken for Mexican or having to press 1 for English, and I'm sorry you are terrified about your children being exposed to the dangers of Spanish, but there's nothing dumb about Spanish. Do we as a country need to be able to communicate with each other? Yes. And you're not going very far in America without learning English.

PS although I found your whole post ridiculous, the part I bolded was the most funny to me. "Some of my best friends are black..."

yeap.. as Chapelle said.. ' if you know how many black dudes are in your house, you are a fukcin racist'.. that's the dumbest thing to do.. oh yeah.. them mexicans are bad.. but hey! I got mexican friends.. as if that entitled you to something..

but thanks for pointing it out Alex.. yes.. He is fukcin prejudiced.. cuz spanish is somehow inferior and dumb.. and he's so OMGLEETZORZ that he 'bewildens them'.. pliz..