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I didn't used to care but now, with the influx of people coming to the US from all over the world speeding up, I think it's necessary to set some accepted American standards that people wanting to become citizens must agree to. Starting with language and levels of assimilation. Unbridled multiculturalism isn't possible anymore because there are too many people with too many conflicting ideas. Unless we want to set up separate areas for each group to live in this can't work. And with the trend of forcing all manner of people at all income levels to live amongst each other in peace and harmony well...we need to stop dreaming and start facing facts. Only with a semi-common culture can we do this without constant war. And it all starts with being able to talk to each other.
These are my thoughts, as well.
I also, at one time, did not care. That has changed over the years for the reasons you state.
I lived in Germany for 3 years. At no time did I ever demand signs in English, or request everyone speak to me in English. I learned as much German as I could, and I used it as often as I could. What happened was that with my accent, and some fudged up German, (I was trying but still made some mistakes), THEY would guess I was not German and would start talking to me in English. Nonetheless, I took every opportunity to learn new words whether in stores, restaurants, in a taxi, wherever. That's what you do when you live in a different country. I knew I wasn't staying there forever, it wasn't going to be my "new home" for the rest of my life, but I still made the attempts.
It's time that those who choose to move here also make the attempts. It is economically wise for them to learn English, if nothing else.
Puerto Rico has 2 official languages, why shouldn't Pennsylvania be allowed to have 1?
Puerto Rico is not a state. There are many differences between territory's and states.
English, along with Spanish, is an official language of the Government of Puerto Rico. Spanish has been an official language in Puerto Rico since it was colonized in the 15th century. English, on the other hand, was first introduced as an official language when the United States occupied the island during the Spanish–American War.
Puerto Rico is not a state. There are many differences between territory's and states.
English, along with Spanish, is an official language of the Government of Puerto Rico. Spanish has been an official language in Puerto Rico since it was colonized in the 15th century. English, on the other hand, was first introduced as an official language when the United States occupied the island during the Spanish–American War.
I already know this. Perhaps you should read the exchange again, and maybe you can figure out what I meant. (hint...hypocrisy)
But either way, a state with an official language is not new ground here. Many (maybe most?) states have an official language, why shouldn't PA?
Quote:
Originally Posted by marigolds6
As long as all Puerto Ricans are US Citizens, English-Only laws should not exist.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnesthesiaMD
Puerto Rico has 2 official languages, why shouldn't Pennsylvania be allowed to have 1?
As long as all Puerto Ricans are US Citizens, English-Only laws should not exist.
All federal level English Only legislation has included special provisions for Puerto Rico, primarily to encourage bilingualism. If we won't let Puerto Ricans speak Spanish how are we supposed to foster the learning of English?
Bear in mind that even the "commonwealth party" supports certain features of statehood such as a "permanent union" with the US, the presidential vote, voting representation in Congress, and a sort of federal income tax but at a lower rate than the states to accommodate Puerto Rico's lower income.
95% of Puerto Ricans want permanent union with the US .... the same as people in Nebraska or Maine. The debate revolves around what form that union should take: statehood vs a sort of improved hybrid status that would also have some features of statehood but still subject the Territorial Clause.
They reject it every time. They even rejected it in 2012. If they so support it, why do they keep rejecting it?
It wasent rejected, did you even read the link?
Blank ballots don't count. They mean nothing, they voted for nothing.
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