BY David Ortez on March 15, 2008 - 11:13am.
This is the type of America that conservatives have created. A divided America is a bad America and unfortunately Bush has failed to unite it as he promised in 2000. The video covers what exactly happened so I will not dwell on that aspect. Instead, I shall offer my commentary as a Hispanic-American that speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
My country has made feel ashamed to speak Spanish in public and although it is my fault for letting those feelings overcome my dignity. I am slowly becoming more comfortable speaking in public without paying much attention to those small minded individuals that look in dismay. You see, this is my country as well and as a free country I can speak whatever language I wish to. The United States does not have and should not have an official language. That does not mean that I do not believe in cohesion and using one practical language for administrative purposes. It is quite obvious that English is the main stream tongue of choice so those nationalist that feel that it is imperative that we create a law dictating the official language should hold their horses.
First off, upon seeing that video . . . the owner claims to have been concerned about the problem of immigration so he asked the individuals for proof of citizenship based on the fact that they did not speak English well. Coincidentally, apparently he does not have a firm grasp of English or at least grammar when he stated "good English" but that is a side note.
What amazes me is that this type of rhetoric was practised by the Nazi in Germany against the Jews. When the economy was failing and jobs were lost the Nazi's scapegoated the Jews. It seems eerily familiar. What will it take for Americans to reject this culture war of scapgoating. Do Hispanics have to all be rounded up and placed in camps for their protection against ICE or radical groups before we become outraged. Perhaps, it will happen once all Hispanics have to wear identification that dictates their immigration status. If it happens though will you stand up against the injustice. Individuals are only shifting the problem to a minority that can not defend themselves. Those same individuals are the ones responsible for this actual mess we are currently in.