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Letters, 10/3: Americans speak English

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Wednesday, Oct 03, 2007 - 12:11:44 am CDT

I want to say first that I am all for equal treatment for everyone. I am also proud to be an American, and I am not happy about a Sept. 28 Lincoln Journal Star article being repeated in a foreign language. I don’t care what language.

If you want to live in America and be an American, learn the language. The language of America is English.

We are leaning over so far backward to please other nationalities that we are forgetting who we are. There have been calls to have the national anthem sung in Spanish.

It is required in some states that some teachers be bilingual and teach in both English and Spanish. I do not believe that if you go to Mexico they will do the same for you. You would have to buy an English newspaper and send your children to an English-speaking private school. 

It is high time that we reclaim our country. We are Americans, and we speak English.

Marguerite H. Lehr, Lincoln

Not happy with Spanish

I don’t know if it was a mistake that could have possibly gotten through all the editors and page layout people, but on page 7B of the Sept. 28 Lincoln Journal Star, there was an entire article written in Spanish.

I do not appreciate paying for a paper that I can’t read … and if you wish to continue to publish articles in a language other than English, I will be discontinuing my subscription and wanting a refund for what I have already prepaid for the year.

I do not live in Mexico, Guatemala or any other Latino country; I live in the United States of America and did not sign up for a Spanish newspaper. I speak a foreign language (German), but I don’t want a newspaper written in German, either. … I paid for English, and I want an English-written paper.

Teresa A. Liesemeyer, Unadilla

Do math on beer sales

Nebraskans for Peace tell us, with the help of unlimited press coverage, that almost 4 million cans of beer a year are sold in the liquor stores near the Pine Ridge reservation. They say there are 16,500 residents who live on the reservation. They want the stores closed.

Let’s analyze these numbers. Let’s assume 30 percent of the reservation population doesn’t drink because of their young age  and that 10 percent of the rest abstain. That leaves 10,395 who drink. Let’s also assume that when they say “almost” 4 million  cans of beer are sold, that this figure is “actually” 3,850,000.

Let’s finally assume that people who do not live on the reservation buy 5 percent of the 3,850,000 cans of beer sold, which leaves 3,657,500 cans of beer being consumed by the 10,395. That calculates to 0.96 beers consumed by each person, per day. Such depravity!

Next press conference, maybe they could drop the 4 million beers sold figure, which is not put into context, and use the 0.96 figure, which is more informative. I’d wager that a few members of Nebraskans for Peace drink at least 0.96 beers a day.

I say, “Let’s help these unfortunate souls who live right in our city, by closing the evil liquor outlets near their homes.” Seems to me we should rename this group the “Nebraskans Without Calculators.”

Brian Kamler, Lincoln

Camp’s in it for himself

Jon Camp, I’m sure, again is laughing all the way to the bank. After taking the taxpayers’ money to enhance the Haymarket area where he owns several commercial properties, he has now voted to blight an area that will again, over the long run, increase his property values tenfold.

Talk about conflict of interest. Camp should never be able to vote on any project like this.

We owe this man nothing, and almost everything he has done has been for his own enhancement.

Camp shows little interest in the rest of the downtown area. I wonder why?

Let’s get rid of this master manipulator now. Oh, did I mention that the city rents his commercial spaces? I wonder how that happened?

Michael L. White, Lincoln


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Even though I am not a math whiz... wrote on October 3, 2007 1:22 am:
" but you missed the point there. Point is that the alcholism rate at Pine Ridge is among the highest per capita in the nation! And that doesn't bother you?! You should go to an AA meeting. "

 Dan V. wrote on October 3, 2007 5:48 am:
" Mr. White is right on. Camp continues to use his position on the City Council to make more money while constantly trying to reduce city services that us "average" people depend on. He has abused this position and has not represented the average citizen. He should go. "

 Laura wrote on October 3, 2007 6:37 am:
" To Ms Lehr: Yes, there are people in the US who do not speak English or who are not yet fluent enough in English to be able to read the newpaper. Passing along information that is very relavent to the Hispanic community in Spanish is a service that I am very glad the Journal Star provided. And to truely reclaim this country, we should be speaking one of the many Native languages. To Ms. Liesemeyer: One article repeated in Spanish, with the original article on the front page in English, and you're whining about it. That is very sad. Personally, I thank the Journal Star for caring about the Spanish-speaking community here in Lincoln. Keep up the good work. "

 No Habla Espanol wrote on October 3, 2007 7:32 am:
" Marguerite and Teresa, you are right on! My husband and I both were pretty ticked at seeing the spanish article in the paper. We keep hearing how the immigrants want to assimilate - do they really? If so, they need to learn the language of their new home, which is ENGLISH. We too will discontinue our subscription if articles written in Spanish continue to appear. "

 Voice of Reason wrote on October 3, 2007 7:35 am:
" Yea Marguerite and Teresa! My great grandparents came to America about a hundred-odd years ago from Germany. They felt it was disrespectful to speak the native tongue in public and stressed the importance of learning english to their children. They asked for nothing more than an opportunity to make a better life for themselves. Now, we have people who come in here, and they want want want. Why should those of us who are already here have to accomidate their lack of desire to learn OUR language. My son is in third grade and has mandatory spanish classes this year. If he has to learn a foreign language, I'd much rather he learn German as that is at least his heritage. "

 I Agree wrote on October 3, 2007 7:43 am:
" I think everyone has been thinking this for years and just now with all the tention people are finally saying it. I have no problem with a family keeping their heritage and making their kids speak spanish at home. But when you have lived here for a couple of years and there is still no effort being made to try and learn English something is wrong. I also see a big differnece between migrans parents and kids now days. The parents are very hard working and happy to be here. They came for a better life for their children. But their children do not appreciate this and i can see major problems with the next generation once the families have been here a while. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on October 3, 2007 7:51 am:
" Do the English-only people object to all foreign languages being spoken, or just to Spanish spoken by Mexicans? In Miami we have Spanish-speaking Cubans. In Wilber NE the store signs are in Czech. In parts of Louisiana French is spoken. In New York City there are sections where one hears a lot of Yiddish, Italian, Polish, etc. Here in Lincoln, we see store and church signs in Vietnamese. "

 JMK wrote on October 3, 2007 7:57 am:
" I will have to say 'Quit complaining about Camp". No, I don't like him or his ways. I did vote against him in the last election. But to many 'sheep' followed the leader and voted for him. And now you are complaining about him. It is time for the voters to think for themselves and remember stuff like this. "

 I agree wrote on October 3, 2007 8:06 am:
" My great-aunt came from Mexico and she told us how when they crossed the border, her father stopped the car and said to the family, "We are in America now. We speak English." And that's what they did. They didn't lose their heritage, but they assimilated into their chosen new country. No one made them come here, they wanted to and they wanted to be Americans. There are certain stores I won't shop at in this town because I can hardly find the English mixed in with all the Spanish on the signs and packages. I can't even make mac & cheese without flipping the box every which way to find the English directions. I don't know how, but there has to be a way to stop this nonsense. "

 Josh wrote on October 3, 2007 8:08 am:
" The letters by Marguerite and Teresa sadden me so much. Marguerite - there is no official language in America. Get over it. Teresa - You were able to read that article, it was on the front page that day. Whether you agree with it or not, the Journal Star was trying to perform a public service by printing the article in Spanish. How can anyone condemn an organization for trying to do something good for the community? "

 It's just Ralph wrote on October 3, 2007 8:27 am:
" Muchos americanos hablan español. ¿usted? Learning a new language is a good way to keep the mind healthy as we grow old. At least learn a few words, and have some fun with it. And by the way, if you encounter one Spanish article in the LJS in your lifetime, does it really hurt you to just skip over it? That's a lot easier than taking all that time and effort to shoot off a hot letter to the editor. "

 Ryan wrote on October 3, 2007 8:31 am:
" Has anyone complaining ever left the country? If so, were you forced in anger to speak only the language of that nation? Or did they allow you to speak in English while you were there? Is it just me or are a lot of countries pretty darned lenient when it comes to English? We are spoiled. We are also becoming increasingly and dangerously nationalist, with many considering this a white, christian nation - two things it never was. When we look around at the entire world and how we ALL treat each other I make a comparison reagarding ourselves and I don't see a true desire to formulate a national identity... I see racism with a little comment about German to throw it off. "

 American wrote on October 3, 2007 8:39 am:
" I'm a proud American too, but I would like to commend the Journal Star for doing what was appropriate to get the word out to our Spanish community that a murderer (alleged, I suppose) had been captured and they could now rest easy. It's not like the paper was entirely written is Spanish, not even 5% of it was. Those of you who want to read English could read the rest of it that day. And if you wanted to be truly informed you would have read Sunday's paper as to why one (and only one) article was written in Spanish. It is not like the Journal Star is going to make a habit of printing articles in another language. Calm down everyone and quit overreacting. "

 SB wrote on October 3, 2007 8:41 am:
" give me your tried, your poor, your English speaking, Christian, meat packing huddled masses "

 NS wrote on October 3, 2007 9:04 am:
" Thank you Michael!! I agree totally. I find it very suspect that John Camp has such an interest in the Haymarket being the location of the new arena, and I don't think he should be able to vote on anything in the Haymarket due to his conflict of interest, but I always feel like I am alone in this thought! "

 CG wrote on October 3, 2007 9:08 am:
" I'm proud of the LJS for doing the right thing by printing that article. I'm sure it was not a decision that they took lightly. Given the same horrible circumstances, I hope they will do the right thing again. How does it hurt any english speaking person to have one measely little informative article in someone else's native language? We should be proud that our paper cares about us all - and that they care about getting the stories to the people that need them most. There are certainly parts of the paper every day that I could care less about - but that doesn't mean they don't have value to someone else. Really - how did it hurt you? "

 kk wrote on October 3, 2007 9:14 am:
" Gee Brian, I guess you have it figured out. All the people passed out drunk and some freezing to death must just be figments of everyones imaginations. It must be the drinking water making everyone intoxicated since they only drink 0.96 beers a day. Can I try the assumption game too? Let's assume there is one person drinking all 4 million cans of beer, we get rid of that person and problem solved! You know what they say about people who assume... "

 Sylvia wrote on October 3, 2007 9:26 am:
" ¿Por qué son los americanos tan estúpidos a veces? "

 Jonny Boy wrote on October 3, 2007 9:29 am:
" Well, Jon, where's all those rocks you've been throwing at other city dept.'s? Guess it's time we pick them up and start throwing them back at you. This do as I say, not as I do attitude has got the average taxpaying Joe fed up. When your mouth opens, our ears close, as we no longer wish to hear your snide drivel as you attempt to explain this situation away. Bet you're thinking that if you can get poppy mallows to grow in the haymarket, all will be forgotten!! Thanks Michael for pointing this out! "

 joe vocht wrote on October 3, 2007 9:36 am:
" Marguerite...At first reading I thought you were Indian because they are the only people who have a right to your views!! Be that as it may, the people you are concerned with do learn the English language, so really, whats your beef? Or are you part of the racist undereducated who, speak only one language, and hate all those who speak two or more? For your information, this government gave billions of dollars to the Cuban people who fled Castro's revolution for 'bilingual' education, small business startups etc...oh yeah , and terror training for the 'omega' group. But for Puerto Rican people (who are American citizens by the way) and Mexicans they gave nothing!!And Mexicans and Puerto Ricans fought very bravely in our wars...even the illegal and immoral ones, so 'before you accuse, walk a mile in someone elses shoes' "

 APE wrote on October 3, 2007 9:49 am:
" I'm guessing the writer of Americans Speak English has never been to Mexico. In Mexico, pretty much everyone speaks English in addition to Spanish. Guess they aren't so narrow minded. . . "

 dtw wrote on October 3, 2007 10:00 am:
" I have never had the chance to say this, so here it goes. I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE LETTERS TODAY. "

 CSS wrote on October 3, 2007 10:04 am:
" Ms. Lehr, for your information Americans also speak Spanish. Americans speak German and Japanese and Chinese. The list goes on--so try not to conflate one's nationality with the language they speak, as the two are unrelated. Americans can speak any language they want, and if the LJS chooses to publish an article in a different language, you can ignore it (something that should be easy, considering you probably have never learned another language). I'd also like to note that your argument about schools in Mexico not teaching in English is way off base. Schools abroad place an incredibly high emphasis on knowing a foreign language, whether it is English, French, Chinese, etc. In my experience as a teacher overseas, I found that not only were the countries I lived in accommodating for English speakers with their signs, legal forms and newspapers, but that the population--and nearly all of my coworkers--had an incredibly high level of English fluency. If you traveled a little more this would all be apparent to you, but it seems like you'd rather keep your xenophobia at home. "

 CS wrote on October 3, 2007 10:09 am:
" Good grief-the editor already discussed this a few days ago in the paper and explained why they put an article in Spanish, in the interest of reaching as many people as possible. Dead horse-let it go. Ms. Lehr, the United States does not have a 'language'. It has a commonly accepted language spoken by the majority, but that may soon change, considering that white, anglo-saxon, protestants, etc, are soon going to be the minority in this country. If you and your ilk want to cancel your subscriptions based on one article then its your loss that you choose be be ignorant by limiting your exposure to information. My wife speaks Spanish, by the way, and she is white, and from western NE, and her dad and grandparents and uncles have ranched in NE for decades. White Americans speak Spanish, too. "

 Kristine wrote on October 3, 2007 10:31 am:
" I am sickened, appalled and any other word that describes my disgust with the narrow-minded, bigoted attitudes of these 2 letter writers and all those that are complaining about one little article about a HISPANIC woman being MURDERED in our city written in Spanish.! If you don't like it, don't read it...period! I don't play the stock market, but there is the stock page...I don't cry about it, I just don't read it. Get over your holier than thou attitude just because you were born white. I was proud of LJS for printing this particular article in Spanish-I can even read and understand at least some of it! I also do not see in our Constitution anywhere that you are given the right of speaking English exclusively, now does it? Hmm? NO! You are entitled to your opinion, however bigoted it makes you seem to be. GET OVER YOURSELF! "

 MN wrote on October 3, 2007 10:35 am:
" While Mr. Kamler’s calculations are thought provoking I think he needs to take a trip to the Pine Ridge and see if he really believes that drinkers on the reservation are just having a beer a day. Anyone who takes even a cursory look at life on the Pine Ridge can easily tell that alcoholism is rampant and has an extremely destructive effect on their community. That being said one would also have a hard time believing that closing the liquor stores in White Clay would result in alcoholics on the Pine Ridge quitting drinking. Alcoholism is tough thing for anyone to deal with regardless of where you live. Alcoholics have to want to quite, no one can for them to. If the liquor stores in White Clay were closed what would happened is that alcoholics travel further to get their “fix.” The logical result of this would be even more alcohol related traffic accidents than they already have in the area (which are quite high in number). As a person with family who live northern Nebraska adjacent to the reservations I can only see what Nebraskans for Peace want to do putting my family’s lives in greater danger. The impression I have always gotten is that Nebraskans for Peace are a bunch of liberals from Southeast Nebraska who have not thought through the consequences of their unrealistic ideas. "

 JT wrote on October 3, 2007 10:37 am:
" Seriously people, it was one article. People are multi-lingual all over the world and you can't deal with one article in Spanish? "

 patio wrote on October 3, 2007 10:40 am:
" Actually, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese are all common languages in the Americas. Which is odd because Amerigo Vespucci and Christopher Columbus, two well known "discoveres" of America, were Italian... "

 I love it. wrote on October 3, 2007 10:47 am:
" Someone calling Americans stupid. Way to go. Sure hope you are online from an overseas country and not living in this country with us stupid people. I fully agree with the above letters, and would never expect the Journal to publish anything in my German language. I am an American...LEARN THE LANGUAGE! "

 M wrote on October 3, 2007 10:53 am:
" Sylvia: Porque algunos americanos son fanáticos. "

 Jeff wrote on October 3, 2007 11:01 am:
" If more Americans could be bilingual, nothing but benefits would accrue. Yes - it is in the best interest for imigrants to learn English as quickly as possible. But in the meantime - they are here, they are human beings, and we need to communicate with them, encourage them, etc. It was interesting to hear recently how much money federal, state, and local non-profit entities, as well as private businesses are starting to spend on interpreters. But what are you going to do? If you are a non-profit hospital, you have to do what is necessary to provide good care. Most other countries around the world are making teaching their young the English language. It wouldn't hurt if we could be a little flexible. Routinely singing the Star Spangled Banner in another language is odd, but occasionally what would it hurt, if it promotes some patriotism amongst our newest immigrants. Some flexibility seems to be in everyone's benefit. For schools who have populations of kids who can't speak English e.g spanish speaking areas - you are going to bring them along in the English language as fast as you can - but in the meantime - a teacher who is bilingual is going to be a lot more effective. "

 What's wrong with learning? wrote on October 3, 2007 11:09 am:
" Why is there such a violent reaction to the prospect of learning Spanish? Are people "too busy" to learn a language that will create job opportunities for them? I don't understand the complaints. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on October 3, 2007 11:13 am:
" A lot of Spanish is spoken in Puerto Rico. And Puerto Ricans are American citizens by birth. "

 Reality wrote on October 3, 2007 11:21 am:
" An article in the LJS is small potatoes compared to what the real reason there should be a national language. The cost of gov. documents written in different languages is enormous. Secondly, road signs are written in English. I would hate to have a fatality accident because the driver could not read the sign. Thirdly, the US is not like European countries. Those countries are the size of most states. Imagine having different languages for people from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dak. and Iowa. What type of nightmare would the federal gov. be in with that situation. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the other documents written to start this great country were written in English. So let's just have one comon national language of English and if people of other cultures want to speak their native language in their homes, then they should have that right. "

 CSS wrote on October 3, 2007 11:34 am:
" Also, I should mention that buying a newspaper doesn't guarantee that it is written in English, only that it reflects the community that it serves. This happens to be the Lincoln Journal Star, covering Lincoln, and guess what--our community has a ton of Spanish speakers! The article that was published in Spanish happens to be big news for the many Spanish speakers living here. It is the newspaper's duty to inform, and they did so. You got your article in English, the Spanish speakers of our community got theirs as well. It was one article. Get over it--a woman is dead here. "

 MLK Jr. wrote on October 3, 2007 11:44 am:
" ¡Debemos aprender a vivir juntos como hermanos o fallecer juntos como tontos! - We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools! "

 Hans wrote on October 3, 2007 11:45 am:
" Lernen Sie die englische Sprache "

 Anonymous wrote on October 3, 2007 11:49 am:
" Does it dawn on anyone that maybe the reason that the article was published in Spanish is because the people they intended to reach are not multiligual like most of the comments are saying. If everyone thinks that people south of the border are multiligual, then why are the people that actually come up here, not able to speak any language other than Spanish? We may not have an official language but most people in their countries PREFER to speak their language and not english. "

 peb wrote on October 3, 2007 11:53 am:
" Imagine how much better the world would be if instead of making rude, derogatory, uncaring comments about our non-English speaking neighbors, we would see what we could do to help them learn English? There are dozens of volunteer opportunities available-try Lincoln Literacy Council. Remember our current president's father, George H. Bush's "1,000 Points of Light?" That was all about volunteering. "

 TLM wrote on October 3, 2007 12:08 pm:
" Wow...I can't believe the response to something so profoundly unimportant as one newspaper article in Spanish. Would you really cancel your subscription over a little article you can't read? Because you pay for an English paper? I would be shocked if everyone reads every single article in the paper anyway. You may skip over an article on knitting, or skip the business or sports section all together, maybe someone else doesn't like the horoscopes. I hate all the adds. To say that an article in Spanish is somehow different from any other article you are disinterested is unconvincing. Aside from the time all of us are wasting to write letters to the Editor and to post on this comment section, that article will have absolutely no negative effect on anyone's life. Get over it. "

 Theresa wrote on October 3, 2007 12:08 pm:
" To the two people who complained about the newspaper being in Spanish: you have way too much time on your hands. GET A HOBBY! A good one would be learning a new language. "

 Tara wrote on October 3, 2007 12:11 pm:
" To compare one article in Spanish in the LJS to having to put traffic signs and government documents in other languages as well is an unrealistic stretch. The two are in no way related and one will certainly not lead to the other. The irrationality in the comparison astounds me. "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on October 3, 2007 12:23 pm:
" Ms Lehr. You may not be forced to learn English if you grew up in Mexico, but English is often a requirement in many European and Asian countries, depending on the school the student is attending. The idea that we're supposed to insulate ourselves is ridiculous. Its a matter of social order and economics! That's it. There is no dark conspiracy taking place to convert the dominate language to Spanish. Anyone who wants to climb the success ladder in the U.S. must absolutely learn how to speak English. Spanish is taught in schools, used in government forms, and used in marketing by private companies when its convenient for the English speaking powers that be. Get a grip and learn some history. During the 1800's German was commonly spoken in "public forums" depending on the circumstances. Also, quit with the scare tactics...you act as though the U.S. is in danger of having a spanish national anthem!! That is simply not the case. Once in a while the national anthem is given in spanish...there is a big big difference! "

 Ignorance wrote on October 3, 2007 12:28 pm:
" Well Theressa, based on your uninformed and insulated view of the world, I would say that there is plenty in the paper that you don't understand. So, why are you so upset that a section was in Spanish?? Do you think that English has never been printed in a foreign newspaper?? I mean seriously. I swear people just make up excuses to puff their chests and claim, "this is America...do as I do or get out..." "

 Dan wrote on October 3, 2007 12:53 pm:
" I am 100% pro-English, but that does not mean that I am English-only. The paper can write in any language it wants. If I don't know the language, I'll skip it. But when people start demanding that government documents be printed in languages that a mere 15% of the population can read, then I have a problem. Again, I think monolingualism is stupid, ignorant, and lazy, and in goes both ways. European countries certainly cater o English-speakers, as do many Asian countries as well. I don't see how one article in the newspaper is a problem, nor do I see how private businesses should be required to use English only. "

 Wm. Morris wrote on October 3, 2007 12:58 pm:
" Interestingly, the native language of North America is not English. That was imported from England. I would actually like to learn Spanish better as it is a rich language which is actually more practical than English in many ways. However, since the U.S. is a product of the immigration of a diverse group of peoples, I find the divisiveness of some of the opinions in today’s letters unsettling. We are by nature a country of diversity and this is arguably our best quality. We should stop fighting each other (and the world) and work to learn better how to live side by side as neighbors. "

 K. wrote on October 3, 2007 1:29 pm:
" All of the letters today were dead on. I personally don't mind that an article in LJS was written in spanish but Teresa/Marguerite are entitled to their opinions and can choose to unsubscribe if they want to. RE: Ryan - I would say that if I were planning a trip to another country...even JUST a vacation for a week I would try to learn their language. I wouldn't expect everybody else to adapt to me (a tourist visiting). I would carry around my little converter dictionary and do the best I could with the language skills i practiced before arriving. Now if I was planning a move to france? I would learn the language as soon as i knew i was leaving. This is America. We speak english, if you don't-fine, don't expect the rest of us to have to learn spanish/german/french etc. just because you are to lazy to learn the native language. Reality-DIDDO. "

 John wrote on October 3, 2007 1:37 pm:
" What a lazy, egotistical, paranoid and entitled society we live in these days! Marguerite and Teresa feel they are entitled to everyone thinking and speaking exactly like they do. Or worried they might have to get off their asses and learn some conversational Spanish in two months before the non-English speaking people force us to switch to Spanish. Maybe they are concerned that all those Spanish speaking folks out there are secretly talking about them! Poking fun at Marguerite's and Teresa's limited language skills *GASP!* something was printed in the newspaper that they couldn't read or understand! Somebody get them a lawyer! Get over yourselves people. America isn't about you, its about us, all of us. You don't see the atheists complaining about the religious material in the Sunday paper or the vegans complaining about a printed meatloaf recipe. I don't read the sports page so now the Journal Star should be forced to skip printing of the baseball scores? Nobody is forcing you to learn Spanish, so why should anyone be forced to learn English? They can get along just fine without it. "

 arghh! wrote on October 3, 2007 1:44 pm:
" Most people learn a language other then their native language because of economic reasons. In other words, it is financially beneficial for that community to do so. I know of no economic reason for the average person living in Nebraska to learn anything but the American language. In fact, since I've moved here I have come across many who should improve their american grammer before attempting another language. I've lived in Europe, North America and Asia. I speak Tagalog, German, Spanish and American English. It takes a lot of effort to learn a language and I think one who doesn't need it is intelligent not to waste their energy learning a language they may not use. . . unless they have nothing better to do with their time. American English is essentially THE international language language. However, for those of you who think one must speak another language, Esperanto is what should be encouraged, since it IS the true International language, NOT Spanish! "

 Josh B. wrote on October 3, 2007 1:54 pm:
" I get sick of reading the narrow minded, xenophobic opinion articles in the LJS. The beauty of them is that they are that persons’ opinion and they have the right to voice it. The part I have a hard time figuring out is the fact that there are so many Nebraskans that are so closed minded as to faithfully think that America actually has an official language. Sorry to break it to you, but we don’t. It really disgusts me to know that there is so much closed mindedness in this state, and country as a whole. Like everyone else has said, is it really that hard to just skip past the article since you can’t read it anyway? "

 Ripper wrote on October 3, 2007 2:01 pm:
" Okay, must be a bunch of people that only think they know what it is like in other countries but haven't really been to the underbelly of any of them. In Mexico, they speak English in areas that cater to the US tourism not all across the country nor do they teach it in their schools as a matter of eduction, they teach English as an option in Germany, France, Spain, Japan, China and Russia. On the other hand they do not print their voting ballots, their cooking instructions, or their common everyday items in English. I fought in Vietnam and Cambodia (yah, I know we were never really there), I lived in Germany, the Ukraine and Egypt as well as Peru. I did not expect to find nor did I try and have them speak English. I learned enough in each of those Languages to get done what I needed to do. This all springs the need for political correctness and the fact that we have lost our swagger as a nation and are so afraid we will offend somebody else. On the other hand, I salute the LJS for printing that article in Spanish-to me the two things are mutually exclusive-that article was a service. The need for immigrants to meld into this culture is still there. "

 not only self-engrossed English, please wrote on October 3, 2007 2:41 pm:
" All languages form rich sources of new knowledge and human expression." English Only" policies close the door on important cultural resources and new ways of thinking and feeling. All should ideally be multi-lingual. The more the merrier. "

 ovr 60 wrote on October 3, 2007 2:47 pm:
" Hey Edgar I have been in all the mentioned place and they do have their own language, but, they speak english first. If you had talked to them you would have found out they do. I work with people from all over th u.s. and I have found they all speak english. I have seen also some who say they don't but if you say something loud enough in english they will look and answer. Marguerite and teresa are right absolutely. If they want to be here learn the language. And do it fast. The illegals just need to go back to wherever they came from. "

 To Ovr 60 wrote on October 3, 2007 2:54 pm:
" I beg to differ with you. My company works with schools in Puerto Rico. We specifically hired someone who speaks Spanish to be our rep in Puerto Rico. No, English is not their first language. "

 On the mark wrote on October 3, 2007 3:00 pm:
" While I believe that the purposed arena would be best suited in the area west of the Haymarket in the area bounded by Ost. 1st to 4th I would have to agree that Mr. Camp’s obligations are not of his constituents. Take for example the purposed change of ordinance to the littering laws. Spurred by the fact the councilman didn’t like having sidewalk chalk and handbills posted on street signs for local concerts in front of his beloved Haymarket office. How about his great idea of privatizing the library system, I guess education and learning should only be afforded to the ones with the means. And the dreaded ambulance service, if the non-tax supported service isn’t making money, raise the rates. Surely wages and goods cost more money since the service was taken over by the fire department. Just look at the fuel increases in the last 10 years. Besides, anyone who is so callous to make the statement “Life is fatal” therefor is the reason we should have to wait longer for medical care just to save a few pennies year has only his self interests at heart. Granted, I understand that everybody dies, but as a public servant I would expect a little more empathy and compassion considering you are supposed to represent everybody within your district, Not just LIBA. Please don’t believe that are not complicit in the matter either. One just has to look at the thousands of dollars they are dumping into campaigns. "

 To Ryan and others wrote on October 3, 2007 3:19 pm:
" I have been to many other different countries and if you can't speak their language they ignore you or just smile and walk off, don't lie. Lets not forget we didn't invent English, the English did! Ever been to Europe? Other countries conformed to the English first. When I travel I read up and learn important words and bring my language dictionary. Besides most spanish speaking immigrants here CAN SPEAK english, they just choose not to. I know because I can speak spanish and here them talking about it. Learn english not hard to do. But I don't condem LJS for printing the article.And to people who say people speak english in Mexico, no duh!! because they all want to come here illegally and that is the only way to get a decent job!! Duh!! "

 Ryan wrote on October 3, 2007 4:10 pm:
" Well, I have been to other countries. Even though I made an attempt to learn their languages they made a lot of allowances for me to speak English. Possibly even *GASP* putting some stuff in their paper in English! "

 Why kick Camp? wrote on October 3, 2007 4:34 pm:
" It would appear that Jon Camp’s major flaw, according to this letter and some others recently published by LJS, is being a successful business man. The city needs to rent office space so they prepare an RFP. Camp along with other competitive office space providers responds to the rfp. The rfp responses are evaluated, rated and a best value is selected by the city. It is then voted on by the council and signed by the mayor. Camp does not vote or participate in the public hearing and in fact left the council chamber when this occurred. Apparently only the slackers and cynics seem to have problem with the fact that an elected official can also be a successful businessman. Terry Werner sold the city airplane tickets from his travel agency with less public scrutiny than Camp seems to be getting. Must be a slow day in the firehouse. "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on October 3, 2007 4:52 pm:
" I am puzzled as to why certain people get so defensive about other languages being spoken in the U.S. English is the modern day Latin. It is the global language of commerce, science, and the arts. The language in which Shakespeare, Dickens, Faulkner and Twain produced their great books does NOT need defended by near-sighted isolationists. "

 Nina wrote on October 3, 2007 5:39 pm:
" Well, the language of America was once Lakota in this area. But immigrants arrived (including my own European ancestors, who arrived in America in 1723), took over everything, and converted the area to their own language. Some must be afraid that what our ancestors did may come back to haunt us. Meanwhile, I don't worry about those speaking their former country's language. In another generation, it will be a non-issue. When we moved to Nebraska, all the old ladies on our rural party line spoke German to each other on the phone. Their children (my parents' generation) understood some German, but couldn't speak it well. In turn, their offspring (my generation) don't know German at all, except for a few choice words they remember their grandparents using. They know their heritage, but have assimilated into the melting pot. Too bad in a way - bilingual people command very good jobs all over the world these days. This current phase of speaking Spanish (or various Oriental languages one also hears among shoppers, etc.) will fade out, too. Don't sweat the small stuff. "

 DownEducated wrote on October 3, 2007 5:39 pm:
" I would rather have a successful business man with personal and public interest/concern with the city as a councilman rather than someone with no business/life experience and no interest in the city they choose to represent and live in. "

 sally mae wrote on October 3, 2007 5:41 pm:
" I hope that Ms Lehr and Ms Liesemeyer take a long relaxing trip to France and experience snotty waiters, unhelpful shop assistants and taxi cab drivers who don't understand what they want to say. Over there - the non-native speaking population are called ugly americans. "

 Hey I love it! wrote on October 3, 2007 9:40 pm:
" Did you grow up in Germany speaking only German before you moved to the states? Didn't think so. So you saying that you don't expect the journal star to print things in German is really not relevant. Why do peple assume that the second immigrants get here that they should be able to speak english in a matter of weeks. Studies show that it takes the average person 7 YEARS TO BECOME FLUENT in a foreign language when they move to a new country. cut these people some slack. Have any of you ever been to a foreign country? Everyone is bilingual or trilingual in European countries and they laugh at the ignorance of people from the united states. Even in latin America, a large percentage of people speak english. If you ever travel to large cities any where in the world you will find signs, menues, newspapers etc. printed and offered in several different languages. I know when I traveled through latin america, at first I was very uncomfortable and intimidated because I spoke little to no spanish. People there were so patient and kind to me, and they did their best to help me even though I didn't speak their language. Thank god I don't ever have to experience what it's like to travel around the US (particularly a state like nebraska) as a non-english speaker. I don't know if I could put up with all of the hate. "

 Chris wrote on October 3, 2007 9:51 pm:
" I think most people misunderstood Brian's point. Nebraskans for Peace were manipulating facts to shock the public. If you want support from the public, you have to respect the public. Manipulating them does you no good. When I first heard the "4 million" statistic, I wondered in comparison to what? It's an empty figure that flies over your head. Now, the alcoholic rate is more important. And there are other important facts to use. This? Not one of 'em. Don't treat the public stupidly, be honest and respectful with them and they will be respectful with you. This issue should not be made into a knee-jerk reaction based drive--it should be done with honesty and desperate need, which there is. "

 Peace Frog wrote on October 3, 2007 10:26 pm:
" To Ms. Lehr... Amen. "

 Not Me wrote on October 3, 2007 11:28 pm:
" Does anyone really care what Nebraskan's for Surrender are saying to get another headline? "

 Ruth wrote on October 4, 2007 12:14 am:
" I was twice saddened today, both for similar reasons. The LJS decided to do a good deed last week by reprinting a front page article back on 7B (and yes, the English version on the front page told where and why it was being done), so that readers whose first language was Spanish could get a better understanding of what had transpired in the murder case. (Yes, I can read some Spanish, but if I wanted to be sure I had all the facts, I would appreciate being able to read an article in my first language, English.) Today's paper contained two quite venomous complaints about this one little story. I can hardly believe it detracted from your whole reading experience that day. Yes, we subscribers pay to read the paper, and advertisers pay to advertise in it, but the owners and editors should be able to decide what is in it. It is, after all, their paper. Then when I got online I read about the wonderful new scholarships that had been created to help low-income students attend SCC. Scholarships are given by generous and education-minded individuals and organizations. The scholarship donors usually have quite a bit of say about the qualifications of the recipients, and those qualifications could very well include location and income level. And wouldn't you know, some also complained about that generosity. People, endow your own scholarship and you can decide who can apply for it! I am constantly amazed at how self-centered people are becoming! True happiness comes only through serving others. Now quitcherbellyachin' & start serving! "

 nitemare wrote on October 4, 2007 6:54 am:
" I don't care who you are, or what you are, or even what clolr you are. This is Amercia, and we speak, read and write ENGLISH here. If you don't like it, leave. The Australians have already stood up to this. I think it's time that we Americans do the same! "

 ml wrote on October 4, 2007 7:33 am:
" I speak english, german and spanish fluently. Yet I still don't agree with printing the article in spanish. If people really cared, they would learn to read english. I wouldn't agree with an article in any other language than english. While we are covering printing stuff in other languages, why are there driver's education books printed in so many different languages? Street signs aren't in all of those languages. "

 EAH wrote on October 4, 2007 7:45 am:
" Marguerite, your opening sentence reminds me of a joke. How does every racist joke start? "You know I'm not a racist but...." Grow up. There is no national language in America. "

 Rachel wrote on October 4, 2007 1:28 pm:
" If you really care about people learning English, care about the lack of funding going to programs that encourage and help people learning English. When the Lincoln Literacy Council lost funding, were you complaining then too? Or is it just when ONE article is translated into Spanish that contains important information for the Latino community? There is no rational reason to get so worked up over this. It is alarmist and uncalled for, unless you have some prejudice against others who are not exactly like you. You can not write a letter like this, about something so insignificant and truly care about equal opportunity for all. It's equal opportunity to all, as long as they're like me, eh? "

 truth wrote on October 4, 2007 7:58 pm:
" silly mae, you could not be more wrong about the people of france. having myself actually been to france multiple times, i find the people interesting and polite. the just dont like to deal with americans that have no sense of tradition and culture. "

 Julie wrote on October 5, 2007 6:50 am:
" English is the American language. let's not bad mouth the ethnic festivals. These people (czech,germans ,french polish) have learned english and use it on a daily basis. When the other ethnics groups do the same they can complain. I am of Czech /German decent and enjoying people knowing the other languages but i speak english. These people come to our country and want us to change to suit them ...it'e wrong. "

 Language wrote on October 5, 2007 7:57 am:
" If you REALLY want to speak the language of our country, go out and learn a Native American language. English is the language of ENGLAND, folks. How quickly we forget that our ancestors were illegal immigrants, too. No one can lay claim to this country except for the Native Americans. But, I don't see anyone advocating a change to make Sioux or Cherokee the "official" language of the U.S. Interesting.... "

 Amanda wrote on October 5, 2007 10:32 pm:
" To all of you saying ignorant things such as "Americans Speak English" and "You're in America - learn the language" If you would take the time to crack a book and learn your facts you would no that there is NOT a national language. The language became dominant here after the country was stolen by Europeans, but that does not mean that if you don't speak the language fluently you are stupid, lazy, or uncivilized. Maybe if you made the effort you could learn some Spanish and become a more well rounded communicator. Give people some time to learn the dominant language and in the meantime don't belittle them just because you have a narrow minded view of the world. "

 Dave wrote on October 7, 2007 8:58 am:
" I don't know what the big problem is,the LJS already prints a weekly Spanish Newspaper. "

 Dave wrote on October 8, 2007 2:40 pm:
" What language are the U. S. Constitution,Declaration of Independence,Bill of Rights and The federalist papers written in? What language is the Naturalization test for American Citizenship written in? . The "rule of law"? is question # 12 on that test: A: Everyone must follow the law. A: Leaders must obey the law. A: Government must obey the law. A: No one is above the law. (Can anyone read this and tell me how its OK to hide or support illegal aliens?) There was a article in Sundays paper about Luis Ramirez an illegal alien who has been in our country for 18 years,but had to have an interpreter at his interview.My point is this,the LJS (The weekly Spanish newspaper)and others do a disservice to both legal and illegal aliens when you print anything in their native language.At some point if they want to become American Citizens,they will have to take the test in English! Go to the web site for the naturalization test for citizenship,look at the questions and tell me how anyone that's not fluent in English can pass it. "

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