Anyone see last night WMUR news? (Manchester, Merrimack: live in, law, legal)

[DareToDream]

I was watching the 11:00 news on WMUR last night and for the life of me, I cannot remember where this is going on, or even the full story, as I only caught part of it....anyway...here's what I did get -

There's a lake (at least I think it's a lake) somewhere in central or southern NH that has its rules and regulations posted in English. Evidently, especially on the weekends, there's a larger Hispanic population that goes there and they "get in trouble" because they can't read the rules. The town is debating whether or not to put the rules up in Spanish as well as English. I *think* it was a selectman who said "No - this is America - you live here, you learn the language, I will vote no on this" (I'm paraphrasing, obviously). To have the news signs made will be costing the taxpayers money. I couldn't find the store on the MUR website this morning.

I have nothing against legal immigrants from any country who come here the correct way. I do, however, have a problem with people from any country coming here legally/illegally and not learning our language. I wanted to stand up and applaud this man for his stance - he didn't give two hoots about what might or might not be "politcally correct" in this day and age! I think the story said the selectmen in the town would be either holding a hearing or voting on the issue soon.

Did anyone else see the story or does anyone know anything about the situation/town? I'd like to be able to follow it and see what the outcome is......

[nicolem]

Yes I saw it. It is in Merrimack and called Wasserman Park. It is ridiculous. If you are here, learn English. If this country did not accomodate things in other languages, people would have no choice but to learn English.

I too have no problem with legal immigrants. They did it the right way. I have problems with people who broke the law and are here illegally.


Yes, in this politically correct day and age, it was great to see that selectman speak out. Unfortunately if you do that in this day and age you run the risk of being labeled a racist. That is what they pull out when they have nothing else to say because they know they broke the law. Sorry this has nothing to do with race. Speak English and come here legally, it is as simple as that.

[nicolem]

Forgot to add, I believe the council is voting on this next week.

[Valerie C]

I did see this on the news last night, and will be following this as well. Here are a couple of links to read up on this issue:
N.H. officials object to printing signs in Spanish - Boston.com

http://www.unionleader.com/article.a...6-f6c8d4dacb87

One thing that has bothered me for quite some time is how can drivers licenses be given to anyone who does not speak the language. I don't care if it's Spanish, Chinese or Swahili... immigrants that can't read the signs in English have no business being behind the wheel. How do these people get to the park? Someone's gotta speak English in their group. I also know that any time myself or my husband has traveled to other countries, the street signs, menu's, and maps are are in their language, not ours. When in Rome, do and speak as the Roman's do!

[DareToDream]

Originally Posted by nicolem

Yes I saw it. It is in Merrimack and called Wasserman Park. It is ridiculous. If you are here, learn English. If this country did not accomodate things in other languages, people would have no choice but to learn English.

I too have no problem with legal immigrants. They did it the right way. I have problems with people who broke the law and are here illegally.


Yes, in this politically correct day and age, it was great to see that selectman speak out. Unfortunately if you do that in this day and age you run the risk of being labeled a racist. That is what they pull out when they have nothing else to say because they know they broke the law. Sorry this has nothing to do with race. Speak English and come here legally, it is as simple as that.

Thanks Nicole - I figured someone else had to have seen it <g>

I agree with you - it has nothing to do with race, but as you said, someone will probably say it does. I'm a NYS transplant and although we did not live in NYC, we were only about 100 miles north of it and we had our share of those who could not (or at least said they could not) read or write English - not all were Hispanic, but the majority were. I never heard anyone in our town government speak against the "dual signs" so it was like a breath of fresh air to hear this gentleman on the television. I'll be very interested to follow this and see what happens....I hope the rest of the concil members see things his way.............

[nicolem]

Also, I heard on the news that they had received 20 or so calls against the sign. I think it would be a good idea to call the town of Merrimack and express your opinion. Just because you don't live in Merrimack or New Hampshire for that matter does not mean you can't express your point of view. I am a pain that way, I have called other states senators and congressman when a bill was coming up because afterall they represent the U.S.. Just a thought.

[DareToDream]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

I did see this on the news last night, and will be following this as well. Here are a couple of links to read up on this issue:
N.H. officials object to printing signs in Spanish - Boston.com

http://www.unionleader.com/article.a...6-f6c8d4dacb87

One thing that has bothered me for quite some time is how can drivers licenses be given to anyone who does not speak the language. I don't care if it's Spanish, Chinese or Swahili... immigrants that can't read the signs in English have no business being behind the wheel. How do these people get to the park? Someone's gotta speak English in their group. I also know that any time myself or my husband has traveled to other countries, the street signs, menu's, and maps are are in their language, not ours. When in Rome, do and speak as the Roman's do!

Hi Valerie - I soooo agree with you and thank you for the links. You bring up a really good point as to how someone gets from point A to point B without speaking the language...and how DO they get a drivers license! As I said to Nicole - I hope the other concil members decide not to put up the "dual signs."

[DareToDream]

Originally Posted by nicolem

Also, I heard on the news that they had received 20 or so calls against the sign. I think it would be a good idea to call the town of Merrimack and express your opinion. Just because you don't live in Merrimack or New Hampshire for that matter does not mean you can't express your point of view. I am a pain that way, I have called other states senators and congressman when a bill was coming up because afterall they represent the U.S.. Just a thought.

That's a good idea! If NH is anything like NYS, once a "precedent" is set in one town, I can see where it would spread to others........

[nicolem]

Here is a link with the members of the town council for anyone that is interested. Some have E-mail addresses if people feel uncomfortable calling. I am going to contact them today.

Town Council




Nicole

[unknown stuntman]

Comprende??? No? Salga de los EEUU! In nicer terms and translation, leave the country.
If this passes, best option is to simply boycott doing any business in Merrimack, particularly if you don't live there in the first place. I won't spend a dime in Portland, Maine when I'm in the vicinity....city officials discreetly declared it a sanctuary city not too long ago. Representative Lily "Whack Job" Mesa wants to do the same with Manchester.