“Why Aren’t You Speaking English?”

[MrPeabody]

My grandparents were the first generation in my family to be born in the United States. I never heard them speak a word of German. They said their parents didn't allow it in their house. 100 years ago speaking English was a requirement to be successful or even survive in this country.

My great grandparents who were immigrants were successful businessmen who would not have done well without speaking English.

[LATB]

Originally Posted by MrPeabody

My grandparents were the first generation in my family to be born in the United States. I never heard them speak a word of German. They said their parents didn't allow it in their house. 100 years ago speaking English was a requirement to be successful or even survive in this country.
My great grandparents who were immigrants were successful businessmen who would not have done well without speaking English.

and also was a voting requirement.

we are fu@ked

[99 pewtercoupe]

Originally Posted by R.Zaragoza

Houston News
Friday, June 17, 2011
“Why Aren’t You Speaking English?”
A Texas Senator is receiving praise and criticism.
By KTRH STAFF

During committee testimony this week in Austin, a Texas senator interrupted a Spanish speaker and telling him he should "be speaking in English" during a committee hearing.

Antolin Aguirre of the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition was testifying against Senate Bill 9 that would help crack down on illegal immigrants in Texas. Aguirre spoke through an interpreter even though he had been in the U.S. since 1988.

Two minutes into Antolin Aguirre’s testimony, Sen. Chris Harris, a Republican from Arlington, interrupted asking Aguirre’s interrupter, "Did I understand him correctly that he has been here since 1988?" Harris asked. "Why aren’t you speaking in English then?"

Through his interpreter, Aguirre said Spanish is his "first language and since it is his first time giving testimony he would rather do it in Spanish."

"It is insulting to us," Sen. Harris fired back. "It is very insulting. And if he knows English, he needs to be speaking in English."

The fiery exchange happened on Monday during a Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee hearing. Law makers were hearing testimony on the purposed Senate Bill 9 – The so-called sanctuary cities bill. The bill would allow local law enforcement officials to check a suspect’s immigration status.

Supporters of Senate Bill 9 have said it would help crack down on illegal immigrants. Opponents argue that it will do little to help border security and that it’s instead based on racism.

Despite the blow-up The Texas Senate passed the bill Wednesday. It now goes to the House with a vote expected in the next few days.

Read more: “Why Aren’t You Speaking English?” | Houston News - KTRH NewsRadio 740 Houston News, Weather, Traffic

Mr Harris has displayed far more testicular fortitude than is the norm for elected officials today.
If I lived in Texas I would want to buy the man a drink and shake his hand

[ft laud mike]

Originally Posted by NB2K

If I lived in Mexico (through some penalty from God) I sure as hell would speak Spanish.

This numb-nutted **** has the gall to be here 23 years and dares to speak before a governing body in his native tongue and bitch about how 'Merica was effing him?

F him.

Pretty much the same here in Ft laud/Mia. I have been brow beaten at gas stations for not speaking spanish. Years ago I would process new arrestees, get demographic info. Jackazzs would stare at me smile..."no english" was their response to every question.
Until I would tell them their bond and send them back to the holding cell. Invariably, in english, they would ask for the telephone. I was amazed at how they had suddenly mastered the English language..
Especially after I told them- answer the questions this time, and then use the phone
Bunch O' a holes

[ChasC5]

Originally Posted by ft laud mike

Pretty much the same here in Ft laud/Mia. I have been brow beaten at gas stations for not speaking spanish. Years ago I would process new arrestees, get demographic info. Jackazzs would stare at me smile..."no english" was their response to every question.
Until I would tell them their bond and send them back to the holding cell. Invariably, in english, they would ask for the telephone. I was amazed at how they had suddenly mastered the English language..
Especially after I told them- answer the questions this time, and then use the phone
Bunch O' a holes

I know what you mean ... I have 3 Town Houses there in Pembroke Pines by the CC. The one thing they pick-up real quick, is how to Drive like Blue Haired Old Ladies.

WFT ... does anyone Speed in Lauderdale?