Does it really matter anymore what was bothering me in the first place

i couldnt agree w/ you more when i lived in florida i was the only white girl in my town!!!! they called it little mexico now i have alot of mexican friends dont get me wrong but i hated goin to school and not know what the hell everyone was saying and feeling like an outcast in my own country!!! and alot of them were there illegally my best friend was here illagally until is mom gave birth in the states (i wont even get started on that one) i think they should all have to pay state taxes just as we do!

I feel strongly on this subject. One big reason why we won't put our daughter in the public school down the road is because they FORCE them to learn spanish. If it was an elective and she wanted to learn it in a higher grade then by all means, learn it but don NOT force my kndergartener to learn it because they don't want to teach english. Kids that are in grade K are only there for 2 hours and some odd minutes a day and don't need to be forced to learn a foreign language.
We also don't go to Walmart here either. Alot of people give us the death stare because my husband can not and will not keep his mouth shut while we are out and about. Gets old hearing "you're in our country, speak f'cking english". He makes every effort possible to learn other languages while in port in another country because that is the courteous thing to do, why can't they learn it here?

I feel strongly on this subject. One big reason why we won't put our daughter in the public school down the road is because they FORCE them to learn spanish. If it was an elective and she wanted to learn it in a higher grade then by all means, learn it but don NOT force my kndergartener to learn it because they don't want to teach english. Kids that are in grade K are only there for 2 hours and some odd minutes a day and don't need to be forced to learn a foreign language.
We also don't go to Walmart here either. Alot of people give us the death stare because my husband can not and will not keep his mouth shut while we are out and about. Gets old hearing "you're in our country, speak f'cking english". He makes every effort possible to learn other languages while in port in another country because that is the courteous thing to do, why can't they learn it here?


We didnt have this problem before. Yeah there where spanish speaking students in her other classes but the teachers always spoke english. Now that we moved down here to Chula Vista and we are closer to the border its gotten soo much worse.

Oh god.. I dont want to even get started on this topic.. becuase I could go on on ..!!! But Michelle I totally now how you feel!!!

We also don't go to Walmart here either. Alot of people give us the death stare because my husband can not and will not keep his mouth shut while we are out and about. Gets old hearing "you're in our country, speak f'cking english". He makes every effort possible to learn other languages while in port in another country because that is the courteous thing to do, why can't they learn it here?

YES, the Walmart out there is BY FAR the worst I have ever been to. We've lived in a lot of racially diverse areas, but never been forced to learn someone else's language. We live in America. The MAIN language we speak is English. :rolleyes I could go on and on, but I don't want to offend anyone.

it is the same way here Michele
Pisses me off too

We live in America. The MAIN language we speak is English. :rolleyes I could go on and on, but I don't want to offend anyone.


I completely agree :yes

We live in America. The MAIN language we speak is English. :rolleyes I could go on and on, but I don't want to offend anyone.

I completely agree with that.

Oh well get this HERE they have enchiladas, fahitas(sp) Tacos, frito salad, quesidias (sp) ALL the TIME
They get pizza once a month IF they don't change it. I have no problem with them getting that as a choice but don't put Frito salad and quesidias on the same day :rolleyes

Oh well get this HERE they have enchiladas, fahitas(sp) Tacos, frito salad, quesidias (sp) ALL the TIME
They get pizza once a month IF they don't change it. I have no problem with them getting that as a choice but don't put Frito salad and quesidias on the same day :rolleyes


Wow, then you should go to the school board and complain that you feel the menu's too Mexican for you. Forget the fact that they are getting fed period. I don't know, if it's a problem that they don't have pizza all the time, maybe you should try just packing their lunch :dunno :rolleyes .

And here I'm thinking pizza's Italian.

you're definitely not alone in feeling that way....

i, however, feel the same way about ANYONE abusing the system, regardless of race, religion, etc....

And here I'm thinking pizza's Italian.

:hehe Actually, pizza is American.

Damn, I watch WAY too much food network! :lmao

I feel the same way you do Michelle and Jen.

Lol...

That's what happens when you live near the border. We didn't have diversity in my schools in WI. I think that area is different...We have Indians though up there.

Just in response to who posted about the language (I cant remember):
English is actually not the official US language. We don't have one. It seems to be the "unofficial" language, though.

I dont think kids should be FORCED to learn Spanish. I do think it can benefit however.

But I do see how it gets annoying. Just like w/ the Asians speaking in their language, middle easterners, etc. OR THOSE PHILAPINOS (no offense to anyone)...Now those people get on my nerves.

I'm not going to say anymore since this is someones vent b/c it can turn into a debate.

Lol...

That's what happens when you live near the border. We didn't have diversity in my schools in WI. I think that area is different...We have Indians though up there.

Just in response to who posted about the language (I cant remember):
English is actually not the official US language. We don't have one. It seems to be the "unofficial" language, though.




No, reread.

I never said it was the OFFICAL language, I said it's the MAIN language.

Gotcha...others responded about it though, so I was just stating cuz I'm annoyhing that way :hehe

(ETA: I wrote that b/c I used to think that was the official language. So I said that in case someone here had thought that too)

And here I'm thinking pizza's Italian.
I NEVER SAID THAT PIZZA WAS AMERICAN DID I??????
I am just saying that there should be choices!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Virginia we had a lot of oriental foods BUT they had a Normal kids choice as the other.
WHY THE HELL SHOULD I PACK MY KIDS LUNCH????????
we pay taxes just likeMOST fucking people here
OH and just so you know I have said something to the food board THANK YOU!!!!!
And I am not the only person who has complained about it!:banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead

:hehe Actually, pizza is American.

http://www.pizzatherapy.com/historyo.htm

:lmao

Breezy you are one passionate woman!

:hehe

And we aren't that damn close to the border! Close enough but it isn't like SD!
Sorry Michelle I am pissed now though

That would bother me too. It seems like they would learn twice as slow if the teacher would have to repeat everything in spanish. It was a big culture shock when I moved to CA when I was only 19 and heard all the spanish and saw on ads that I had to speak spanish to get a job. I'd never been around that before (spanish, mexicans, or ads like that). I know that companies do it to better serve their customers, but if the spanish speaking would HAVE to learn english, then those of us who have been speaking english all our lives would have even more job opportunities.

http://www.pizzatherapy.com/historyo.htm
Aww, thanks. I guess Mario Batali was wrong and I should write him a letter.

:lmao

Breezy you are one passionate woman!

:hehe
Rach it just pisses me off when everything comes down to being Racist!
My kids should have choices PERIOD just as any other child should.
If i lived in mexico then I would expect to eat MEXICAN food. But BY GOD we are in America It shouldn't be 90% another cultures food and 10% American that is BS!!

I hear ya woman...calm down before you give yourself a heartattack, lol.

Maybe someone should start a debate about this? I sense it could get pretty fun :hehe

That would bother me too. It seems like they would learn twice as slow if the teacher would have to repeat everything in spanish. It was a big culture shock when I moved to CA when I was only 19 and heard all the spanish and saw on ads that I had to speak spanish to get a job. I'd never been around that before (spanish, mexicans, or ads like that). I know that companies do it to better serve their customers, but if the spanish speaking would HAVE to learn english, then those of us who have been speaking english all our lives would have even more job opportunities.
DING DING DING!!!!!
Kevs got it right!!!!
THEY should HAVE to learn English not the other way around.
They force it on my kids here too But we were able to choose JUST HOW much they HAD to learn!! THANK GOD and my rights as an American!

I NEVER SAID THAT PIZZA WAS AMERICAN DID I??????
I am just saying that there should be choices!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Virginia we had a lot of oriental foods BUT they had a Normal kids choice as the other.
WHY THE HELL SHOULD I PACK MY KIDS LUNCH????????
we pay taxes just likeMOST fucking people here
OH and just so you know I have said something to the food board THANK YOU!!!!!
And I am not the only person who has complained about it!:banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead

OOOkay, a bit over the top, you can take it down a notch. So are you guys working on submitting a menu for approval soon. I'm just thinking most people are happy their kids are fed. I mean, that wouldn't be on the top of my things to complain about when it comes to school. I get you though, but like Rach said, it's part of where you live. Maybe you're husband will get transferred to a more "American" part of the country soon so your kids can go back to eaten a more "American" lunch.

I hear ya woman...calm down before you give yourself a heartattack, lol.

Maybe someone should start a debate about this? I sense it could get pretty fun :hehe
I guess I have to stop
Or I will be labeled a racist :rolleyes

OOOkay, a bit over the top, you can take it down a notch. So are you guys working on submitting a menu for approval soon. I'm just thinking most people are happy their kids are fed. I mean, that wouldn't be on the top of my things to complain about when it comes to school. I get you though, but like Rach said, it's part of where you live. Maybe you're husband will get transferred to a more "American" part of the country soon so your kids can go back to eaten a more "American" lunch.
No the people in this district are not worried and "happy" that their kids are being fed
Most people in this district have houses that are 350,000- 1,000,000 homes I don't think they are worried that their kids will starve.
It felt as if YOU were attacking me so yeah I got mad!
And my kids love food from other cultures BUT it shouldn't be EVERY flipping day.
They have Nuggets, pizza, hamburger or hotdogs etc... maybe once a month that is it. That is my compaint!
Cause if we want to get into nutrition ain't none of it healthy! Mexican or not!

I guess I have to stop
Or I will be labeled a racist :rolleyes


Who's called you a racist?You're complaining that your kids get fed nothing but Mexican food and I've responded to that, but I don't remember referring to anybody as a racist. Has somebody accused you of being one in the past?

I understand you Breezy. We've actually had discussions like this before, and I seriously thought you knew me better than that. I don't feel I attacked you. I haven't gone crazy with writing in caps and doing the whole headbanging thing, you did that. I think the whole complaining about school food, regardless of what it is, is just not that big a deal to me.

Who's called you a racist?You're complaining that your kids get fed nothing but Mexican food and I've responded to that, but I don't remember referring to anybody as a racist. Has somebody accused you of being one in the past?
No I have never been called one before and I didn't say that you called me one but the way this thread was going it could certainly be taken that way.

Like Rach said, it all depends on what part of the US you are in. Here, we have a lot of Asians, so we hear alot of Chinese and we also have lots of Middle Easterns so we get to listen to their language. I just don't let it bother me as much I guess.

I understand you Breezy. We've actually had discussions like this before, and I seriously thought you knew me better than that. I don't feel I attacked you. I haven't gone crazy with writing in caps and doing the whole headbanging thing, you did that. I think the whole complaining about school food, regardless of what it is, is just not that big a deal to me.
I put the bang heads cause I was pissed
I type in Caps when I want something seen
I try to bold in caps when I am yelling.
I guess I should TRY to change that

talking in it I have learned to tone it out. i mean we have lived in NC, SC, VA, CA and now TX
But something shouldn't be forced on my child unless I live in THAT country
I really want to live overseas and then I would LOVE to experience the different foods and languages period

Michelle I am sorry I thread jacked
Please forgive me

No I have never been called one before and I didn't say that you called me one but the way this thread was going it could certainly be taken that way.

See, that's the point though, YOU were going in that direction. We've had discussions on this before and I've stated my point before and nobody felt attacked either way. You just assumed that at one point someone was going to call you a racist and I just don't see me doing that. You kinda went off on a simple statement I said. Like I said, I can complain that I don't see enough Mexicans here and that I can't cook what I normally do because we don't have enough Mexican people to provide to but I also know that I'm in a part of the country where we are not the majority, believe it or not.

Here when a job asks you to be bilingual, they actually ask for you to speak english/chinese or english/polish or something like that.

Yeah, sorry for the thread jack Michele, it's kinda entertaining though!

I think that we live in a global economy. The more our kids are taught other languages and exposed to other ways of living, the more opportunities they are going to have in the future. It's much easier to teach a child a new language than it is to teach an adult a new language, so I'm fully in support of schools teaching Spanish to English-speaking children. The schools should also teach Spanish-speaking children to speak English.

When I have visited other countries, I try to speak the native language but when I'm traveling with an English-speaking friend, we speak English to each other. There's just no way I have enough foreign language skills to walk around in a department store in France and have a meaningful conversation with a friend in French. The difference there is that in other countries, they teach more than one language in the schools. If you go to Paris, and you walk in and say "Bonjour", the store clerks, waiters, etc. will often recognize that your accent sucks and switch straight to English. I think it would be wonderful if the US became more like that.

The original post seemed to be more about families who don't pay taxes sending their kids to school here. I think that there are bigger issues at play (the minimum wage here, poverty levels, migrant workers, etc.) that make that whole issue very complicated.

I agree Matty

I put the bang heads cause I was pissed
I type in Caps when I want something seen
I try to bold in caps when I am yelling.
I guess I should TRY to change that


See, I don't think you needed to get that worked up about it girlie and anytime I see caps I immediately picture someone screaming. I was able to see it just fine without it needing to be in caps. But now that I know that, I will def not think you're screaming at me.

ok as for the OP about taxes there are so many "foreigners" here that work under the table so NO they aren't paying taxes either but they get to reap the benefits of a good education.
And at the school my kids attend we picked the best in the CCISD. We wanted our kids to have the best. BUT we would never have thought that they would have been so far behind.
The Northerners say the further south you get the worse the schools are. Well apparently George W did something right in this state. The push the kids extremely to hard but I know I will be greatful for it in the end!!
edited for spelling

I also wanted to add that when I go to Juarez (which is the equivalent to Tijuana) I've also heard Americans demand to speak to a waiter that understands english. They usually do get one and if I thought the same way, I could say, you're in Mexico so how about you try and speak some spanish, BUT it makes sense to have at least someone that speaks english because they have a big American customer base. It would only make sense. So I could be offended that they demand some one in that speaks english seeing how they are in Mexico but it's going to be assumed that some Americans may eventually eat there so it would be more convenient to have someone that speaks english as well.

Well I feel if you go to a foreign country you speak their language period. So if they demand English then they are just being ignorant!

[QUOTE=Breezy]edited for spelling[/QUOTE=Breezy]
:hehe Did you go to school in the south, Breezy?

It goes hand in hand.

Just like when an English speaking person goes to Rosarito or Cancun or somewhere that a lot of Americans go to, the people there tend to speak English b/c they know that will help their business as most Americans that are going there do not speak Spanish.

One thing I don't get though: I dont know if it's like this anywhere else w/ immigrants, but how can an ILLEGAL immigrant qualify for Medi-Cal but a low income woman whose a citizen can't?

It goes hand in hand.

Just like when an English speaking person goes to Rosarito or Cancun or somewhere that a lot of Americans go to, the people there tend to speak English b/c they know that will help their business as most Americans that are going there do not speak Spanish.

One thing I don't get though: I dont know if it's like this anywhere else w/ immigrants, but how can an ILLEGAL immigrant qualify for Medi-Cal but a low income woman whose a citizen can't?

i often wonder that myself (about the health care)

its all political Rach
Yes I went to school in NC :D

Just to clarify, not everyone who is here illegally is avoiding paying taxes. Lots of illegal immigrants obtain ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) and pay taxes just like the rest of us.

Believe it or not, even though, I'm Mexican, that doesn't mean I think we do no wrong, I guess whenever we've had these debates they are always geared towards Mexicans but like I said, in my part of the country, we don't have that problem. I think everybody knows that not only Mexicans cross over illegally.

About the health care, I also don't get it. I know that some states even allow them to get legal driver's licenses so I don't understand how they qualify. I was told that immigrants on WIC qualified because they're kids were americans but I don't know how you qualify just because you're pregnant. You could have gotten pregnant in Mexico.

Just to clarify, not everyone who is here illegally is avoiding paying taxes. Lots of illegal immigrants obtain ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) and pay taxes just like the rest of us.

That's also true.

Aww, thanks. I guess Mario Batali was wrong and I should write him a letter.

I think there is something about pizza that was invented here, like the type of dough or the way they make it so maybe the kind that we make here is more American :dunno Kinda like when you eat Chinese, Mexican in the US, it's going to be completely different from how it's really prepared.

Just to clarify, not everyone who is here illegally is avoiding paying taxes. Lots of illegal immigrants obtain ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) and pay taxes just like the rest of us.

That was my case, go ahead and flame me now. I was an illegal here for many years, working my ass off, paying taxes (which I even though I was entitled to returns, I never did get them back). I also paid for insurance for myself, which cost a small fortune. I never had to use a govt. program. *shrug* not all illegals are created equal, but the majority of people just see them as vermin, its sad really.

I lived in Chula Vista for a while, when DH was stationed at NASNI. I had to hear him constaly complain about all the Mexican drivers, and all the people who spoke Spanish. The border is just down the freeway, its to be expected to a degree. I guess I should be greatful that I learned to speak fluent English within a year of moving to the US, so I didn't have to be a annoyance to any of my English-speaking school mates.
And for the record, I went to a school that was Caucasian and African Americans, here in So. California. We ate greasy American food everyday.

That was my case, go ahead and flame me now. I was an illegal here for many years, working my ass off, paying taxes (which I even though I was entitled to returns, I never did get them back). I also paid for insurance for myself, which cost a small fortune. I never had to use a govt. program. *shrug* not all illegals are created equal, but the majority of people just see them as vermin, its sad really.

I lived in Chula Vista for a while, when DH was stationed at NASNI. I had to hear him constaly complain about all the Mexican drivers, and all the people who spoke Spanish. The border is just down the freeway, its to be expected to a degree. I guess I should be greatful that I learned to speak fluent English within a year of moving to the US, so I didn't have to be a annoyance to any of my English-speaking school mates.
And for the record, I went to a school that was Caucasian and African Americans, here in So. California. We ate greasy American food everyday.

Thanks for sharing your POV! It's nice to see things from somebody that's actually had to deal with it.

Just to clarify, not everyone who is here illegally is avoiding paying taxes. Lots of illegal immigrants obtain ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) and pay taxes just like the rest of us.
Yeah we know that SOME do:D

I'm sending my kids back to the UK to be schooled - you lot have scared the hell out of me! :scared

I'm sending my kids back to the UK to be schooled - you lot have scared the hell out of me! :scared

To tell you the truth, I wish I could afford to send my children out of the country to be schooled. The education system here in the US has deteriorated a great deal. Not blaming all the immigrants either, mostly the way it's managed, the curriculums, and the funding problems. State govts. often cut school budgets before cutting budgets for other things.
I'm homeschooling my girls, lol.

I just want to thank you all for taking MY vent and turing it into a debate. I did not want this to be a debate it was my oen frustrations with the san diego school districts and my feelings towards my hispanic daughter being felt the minority becuase she doesnt want to learn in another language.

:sigh I should have known better.

sorreeeeeeee :hugs

and for the record i have no problem with foregin languages being taught in the schools but they should be ELECTIVE only not in the general classroom. That is my complaint. Im sick of everyone saying just cuase i live in chula vista I need to accept that is how the schools are down here. BULLSHIT I expect no different down here or up north for my daughter to recieve her education in a ENGLISH speaking school in ENGLISH. and for the record my duaghter went to school in mira mesa for 2 yrs where the population is 90% asian. NEVER ONCE did she have to sit in class and listen to anything other then english there so why should it be any different down here in chula vista.

:tears I give up obviously a vent cant be a vent regarding certain topics.

Michelle, I can move it back for you if you'd like. I just moved it because it looked like it was going more in that direction. Sorry.

Write another vent - we wont interfere, we promise!!

Michelle, I can move it back for you if you'd like. I just moved it because it looked like it was going more in that direction. Sorry.

No it's fine. just tired and frustrated I guess. I really should have known better though.It's my own fault

I had the chance to learn Spanish in school, but I refused. Why the hell should I have to learn their language in my own country? Did my ancestors expect everyone to learn Polish? No! Did they expect everyone to learn Hungarian? No! My ancestors learned English!
Put down that wellfare check and learn English!
In NJ we have the equivalent to Mexico tags, they're Pennsylvania tags. Mexicans come up here, buy a car, and register it in PA so they don't have to pay for insurance. I was nearly run off the road once by a van with PA tags. I hate the sight of them. In South Jersey, a PA tag equals a Mexican. If they learned English they could get a decent job and pay for insurance.

Ok I'm on my way out, but I feel VERY STRONGLY about this subject, because I WAS one of those kids for several years. And I'm sorry but many of you are grossly uniformed on the reality of the situation. My parents paid taxes, my parents were not some freeloaders, just because we lived in Mexico did not give me less right now get an educaiton in the US. And NO my parents were NOT on welfare, they were NOT abusing the system, who give any of you the right to generalize when you don't know and have not been in that situation. Anywho, I'll be back later to elaborate.

Put down that wellfare check and learn English!


I find that quite offensive. I learned English within a year of being in this country, my entire family speaks English. We're Mexican, we've never nor will we ever be on Welfare or any other such program.
Also, not all Spanish speaking people are Mexican. My entire youth I felt like people just wanted me to drop dead because I was Mexican, even though I spoke perfect English.
When I was in high school we had to take a language, it was a requisite for graduation. Those choices were Spanish, French, and German.
Forcing kids to learn any language is wrong, I wouldnt want my daughter to be forced to learn any of them. Not even Spanish. Learning of a language should be completely optional. I get aggravated when I go somewhere and want to order food and the people turn around and talk in Chinese, or Philipino, or whatever too.
But I find it to be quite offensive that people think that ALL Mexicans are just lowlifes living off Welfare, not paying taxes, not learning English, etc.

I completely agree with about the spanish friggin speaking people ALL OVER THE PLACE.... It just drives me nuts.. Whenever I go to Wal-Mart my husband is always worried that i will piss some of them people off cause I have NO problem telling them to learn friggin english....That's why alot of times he'll stay home with the kids....

See that's just the thing though Michelle, you blatantly said you were tired of seeing Mexican plates and even just hearing Spanish as a language. So you knew it was going to be turned into a debate girl.
Ok, first of all, not ALL Mexicans are illegals, not just because they have Mexican plates and live in Mexico does it mean they come here illegally, there is such a thing as green cards and working permits. Second, I'm not saying all Mexicans do no wrong, because yes there are some that abuse the system, BUT there are MANY and I mean MANY US Citizens who abuse the system as well and even worse, so targeting Mexicans and blaming Mexicans basically for everything thats wrong is VERY ignorant. HELLO if you live anywhere within a state's distance from the border is OBVIOUS there is going to be a lot of Mexicans. Just like there is TONS of Dominican's and Puertoricans and Cubans in New York and Florida. Just like there is a lot of Canadians and French speaking people in Northern states. Second of all, even if someone gets paid under the table and might not always pay taxes through a paycheck, ANYTHING they do in the US they have to pay taxes on and sometimes even more. If they buy a meal, they pay taxes, if they get any type of service, they pay taxes. You all swear that when someoen crosses over illegally all of a sudden they are on easy street and get everything for free, PLEASE PEOPLE. If anything these people have to work 10 times as hard just to be able to have a decent living. They also get taken advantage so much because of who they are. My stepfather came here illegally 30 years ago, and BUSTED HIS ASS from day one to make a better life for his family. He eventually was able to get his green card and have a normal life. Now him and my mom own a home, 3 cars, he makes a good living, pays taxes, all that good stuff and is an exemplary citizen.
As for speaking Spanish, what you all fail to realize, is that most of the time when an employer requires a new employee to be bilingual its all about CAPITALISM, the great ideal the US is founded on. Business know that they need to target certain groups if they want their business, if they can't get someone who speaks their language then they won't get their business. So its not a 'mexican's' fault that a business wants someone who speaks spanish, blame it on good old corporate America. third, I'm sorry but are you all Linguists? Its not exacltly easy to learn a language overnight. You all asume that everyone that doesnt speak perfect English is because they chose not to. You all really thing people from Mexico who come here to live WANT to go around in a country where they can't understand what's going on half the time? You REALLY think they expect to be catered to? Do you all think they really want to die in a high speed car chase after they paid like 2000$ to a Coyote to try and just get a chance at a better life because even if they sat in an office at the border for YEARS they still would be able to get the paperwork necessary to come over Legally?
I'm sorry but many of the statements made here sound very closed minded and ignorant to me. Its all the mob mentality. Has anyone actually tried to put themselves in one of these people's shoes?
And just as a reminder, this country is supposed to be about diversity, and just as a history lesson reminder, NOONE in this country but the Indigenous people were originally in the country. So technically everyone in this country is an immigrant, and anyone who has an ancestor who came over on a boat through Ellis Island is an imigrant as well. And the borders were open, back then so it wasn't really an issue. So what is everyone so afraid of, diversity? Cultural differences? ENGLISH is NOT the official language of this country, so is everyone afraid Spanish may become the 'main' language one day? So what if it did? English is the language from Europe, so what's the point? What's going to happen when Latinos become the majority in the next 25 years? Are you all going to leave the country?
I could go on and on...

I had the chance to learn Spanish in school, but I refused. Why the hell should I have to learn their language in my own country? Did my ancestors expect everyone to learn Polish? No! Did they expect everyone to learn Hungarian? No! My ancestors learned English!
Put down that wellfare check and learn English!
In NJ we have the equivalent to Mexico tags, they're Pennsylvania tags. Mexicans come up here, buy a car, and register it in PA so they don't have to pay for insurance. I was nearly run off the road once by a van with PA tags. I hate the sight of them. In South Jersey, a PA tag equals a Mexican. If they learned English they could get a decent job and pay for insurance.

Are you saying that Pa doesn't require insurance? Your post was very ignorant. I can tell you that I have Pa plates, I'm often in south Jersey and I'm not Mexican!

I had the chance to learn Spanish in school, but I refused. Why the hell should I have to learn their language in my own country? Did my ancestors expect everyone to learn Polish? No! Did they expect everyone to learn Hungarian? No! My ancestors learned English!
Put down that wellfare check and learn English!
In NJ we have the equivalent to Mexico tags, they're Pennsylvania tags. Mexicans come up here, buy a car, and register it in PA so they don't have to pay for insurance. I was nearly run off the road once by a van with PA tags. I hate the sight of them. In South Jersey, a PA tag equals a Mexican. If they learned English they could get a decent job and pay for insurance.
All this coming from the woman who vented in French the other day?!! What's the difference between choosing to learn French and choosing to learn Spanish? Why is it so offensive to you? And do you hate the sight of PA tags or Mexicans? Just wondering.....

And no renee I didnt. I honestly thought that someone can bitch about whatever and it be just that a bitch. People bitch about their dead beat exs, their whinniess of being pregnant and not liking it, people bitch about their husbands not paying attention, people bitch about their husbands commands, sea duty, pay issues, health care problems and everything else under the sun and it doesnt get turned into a debate. and if you read about 5 posts above your first one you would have seen that i was venting and what my frustrations really are. So im soo sorry i thought people would really just over look me and realize i put a VENT in VENTING becuase I DIDN"T nor DON"T want to debate over this.

and as for GM's post bout welfare checks that was very ignorant

Breezy, I'm curious what school your kids go to? My son goes out here in Portland & they definately don't serve mexican food everyday. Actually every Friday is pizza day, Thursday is hamburgers, I don't remember what Wednesday is, Tuesday is nuggets & Monday I forget as well.

I personally send DS with his lunch just because school food is not that nutritionally sound nor is it that tasty.

I am thrilled that my son will be learning spanish! I love the culture & have no complaints about the hispanics here in Corpus Christi or my hometown of San Antonio. And I look forward to moving to San Diego. It sounds a lot like home! :D

sdshorty & Brialee~I agree with you both completely!

I can PM you the school but Portland ISN'T CC two differernt fundings!
I had no complaints with SD whatso ever but then my kids weren't in school there.
As for learning Spanish a little is one thing but they shouldn't have to learn the whole days lesson in spanish which was an option!

Michelle I really am sorry that I helped turn this into a debate Apparently from now on when anything that revolves around Mexico/spanish I will have to bit my tounge and refresh my page :hehe

Apparently from now on when anything that revolves around Mexico/spanish I will have to bit my tounge and refresh my page :hehe

Why would you have to bite your tongue? Is it because you can't find anything good to say about it Mexicans/Spanish? I think we could talk about lots of things concerning Mexicans and Spanish and not turn it into a debate.

Michele, I apologized for thread jacking and I'm still sorry about it but you have to know that it was something that wasn't going to be left alone. Especially when there are people on this board that feel really strongly about it and I'm obviously not the only one. This is a public forum after all.

Also, yeah, that was pretty ignorant ignorant post by GM but this is the same person that went off in French when we weren't replying to her posts to her liking.

Besides, why are you so offended by having your children learn a language that will benefit them in the future? Is it just because it's Spanish? I just don't see the disadvantages of that. I know I'm blessed to know both languages. So can you tell me what the downside of knowing Spanish is.

I can PM you the school but Portland ISN'T CC two differernt fundings!

Sure! Please PM me with it! I am so curious about that now!

I got to say, I am hurt because we are all supposed to be friends and you guys know that there are some girls here (me included of course) where this is a sore subject. You know there are Mexicans on this board. How many of ya'll have thought that I'm probably all defensive because I'm a Mexican? That I would probably agree with all of you if I wasn't.

I guess for the sake of debating, then you have to look past who's a part of this board but hearing, God, I hate seeing Mexican plates or I hate that all my kids eat is Mexican food, I just don't see the point of saying that other than to offend Mexicans.

Debra, it's nice to hear that someone is actually open minded enough to embrace a culture and reap the benefits of being surrounded by one instead of getting offended because God forbid we have to open our minds a bit.

Debra, it's nice to hear that someone is actually open minded enough to embrace a culture and reap the benefits of being surrounded by one instead of getting offended because God forbid we have to open our minds a bit.

Not a problem at all! I'm sorry that this world works like this sometimes! I know it can be difficult but I think you have handled yourself with dignity & class! You spoke your words without being hateful towards anyone! That does show a lot about your character! :hugs

I understand being frustrated about something, but like Brialee said, its like when it comes to 'Mexicans' or 'Spanish' all of a sudden everyone turns into a mob. Maybe all the Mexicans or everyone who speaks spanish shouldn't be on the board? Its like if I came on saying, oh I hate the Irish and their accent or I hate Black people and their ebonics or something like that (PS I DONT feel this way, just using it as an example). I mean, no it wasn't said that way, but pretty much, saying that someone hates Mexican plates and the Spanish language, that is VERY offensive especially to those of us that DO come from Mexico, that DO speak spanish, that DO have family members with Mexican plates. I don't say hurtful for me because I'm used that kind of talk, but it could very well be very hurtful to several girls here. Just like you ladies don't like people coming on here talking crap about Navy wives, or people with military stickers on their cars or whatever, why does that make this ok? Because its not a "mexican' board? Again I understand frustrations and I failed to realize this was initially a 'vent' that was my fault, I saw it in debate board and that's how I took it. People are often ofended or whatever by what people post in a vent board. If I went and posted like I hate those fucking crackers all white people should die, you bet someone would get upset and turn it into a debate, because I'd be blasting people on this board indirectly.

When I went to visit Aruba one of the things that impressed me the most is that most people there speak more than 5 languages. They are actually forced to learn all this languages in elementary, junior and high school. What dammage does it make to them that they speak spanish or french or english or patua or any other languages? I would support 100% for my kids to learn other languages in school. I speak spanish and english. If I'm at the store and I'm talking in spanish, is anyone going to come up to me to tell me to speak english??? I still have to see that one.
My best guy friend is Mexican and nope, he doesnt have any papers. Has been here for over 7 yrs. He works his ass off probably more than any one of us here. If I have to say how proud I am of someone in this world he would definitley be one of the top ones. He does pay taxes unfortunatly not for him but for someone else. His english is very poor but I've seen how badly he has been trying to learn the language, unfortunatly not everyone learn the same pace. Does it makes them any less?

I've also forgotten to say that because I use the "new posts" feature, I didn't bother to look over and see that this was posted in the vents section, I just assumed that because of what was said, it was going to start a debate. Sorry Michele, I'll look over next time :D .

i feel the same way about illegal immigrants abusing the system as i do american families abusing WIC and welfare... so i guess don't discriminate between races...but rather ignorant, incompetant people... LOL :)

Here's a few fun facts for those of you who are complaining about having to learn foreign languages and eat foreign food at school:

The American Language:

Believe it or not, the English language was not always the 'main' language of America - it was brought over by a bunch of immigrants in the 1600s. If the native Americans had protested as much as some of you, you'd all probably be speaking some form of Amerindian today.

American food:

Here are the origins of some typical American foods:

Pizza - Italy

Hamburgers - Hamburg

Hot Dogs - Frankfurt

Bagels - Eastern Europe

French Fries - (any guesses?!!) France :D

I find it highly ironic that the descendants of a long line of immigrants, who import the majority of their foodstuffs from countries all around the globe, can complain about having to learn other languages and eat 'non-American' food!!

I know it can be difficult but I think you have handled yourself with dignity & class! You spoke your words without being hateful towards anyone! That does show a lot about your character! :hugs

I couldn't agree more! :yes After reading this thread I was appalled at the disrespect/ignorace some of these girls showed towards Brialee and any other hispanic women on this board. Shameful! :no

As for the original post it looks like it was edited so I can't comment on that.

Other than one particular post i dont see where ANYONE was disrespctful to the hispanic women on this board:dunno they voiced their opinions and i think thats what this "vent turned debate" thread was about.:yes I live in florida..talk about diversity...try going down to Miami. :P I can understand why some are aggrivated that its hard to go anywhere and just hear english. at times i find myself aggrivated that i cant even go to walmart and talk to the cashier because they barely speak english. I believe that if you are going to work in a field that puts you in direct contact with a majority of english speaking people..than its your responsibilty to learn their language..not the other way around. If i was in mexico..why would i expect them to know english..or when i was in france..they spoke portuguese and french. There is nothing wrong with learning a new language, the problem is when a CHILD IS FORCED to learn because of the schools demographic location. I want gaven to learn spanish..and german because that is his heratige. This country is built on immagrints, but at the same time..why come to a country and expect it those people to learn your language and ideas. You came to america..where we speak english. Thats JMO:yes


Edited for spelling..i grew up in a hick town where we all wore coveralls and barefoot walking to school 5 miles up hill both ways... :))

Well, I guess you would have to put yourself in our shoes and go back and reread some of the things said. I know they are "voicing their opinions" but I think people sometimes hide behind that comment to say things that are going to offend someone. I mean, we all have our right to voice our opinions but there is also something called "courtesy" and maybe showing some of it to some members of this board. I don't think I'm the only one that felt that way.

Another thing, since you guys don't want to be forced to learn another lanuage, have you tried? When you guys say that they need to "learn some freakin enlish" are you 100% sure that they're not trying? Do you also know that it takes more than stepping foot in the US to learn it? That's another thing that I don't get, how do you KNOW that they're not doing everything in their power to learn it? Do you go around and check to see if they're enrolled in any classes or just how long do you think it takes an adult to learn a language? Some of you make it sound like it's something that happens overnight. I'm also an American along with my family, Derrick's family so I also have the right to speak whatever language I feel like speaking. Lucky for me, I have 2 to choose from. I also have courtesy and don't speak it in front of people that don't know Spanish and vice versa. So I can go on and on in Spanish in front of a bunch of white people and it's my right as an American, so nobody should get offended but I have the "courtesy" to think of them before I do because I know the feeling.

And, come on, if my husband didn't want to be seen in public with me because of the things that came out of my mouth, then I don't see me being much of a riot to my friends either.

Besides, why are you so offended by having your children learn a language that will benefit them in the future? Is it just because it's Spanish? I just don't see the disadvantages of that. I know I'm blessed to know both languages. So can you tell me what the downside of knowing Spanish is.

What the downside is is that SHE is not being given a choice in school of what she wants to learn. SHE has already made it known that she wants to learn German, Russian, and Latin (My side of the family's dialect) I do teach her some spanish that I know and her father's family teaches her some as well. But SHE doesn't want to learn nor speak spanish. I am not offended that she wants to learn another language. She needs to be fluent if she wants to go to college anyways. Now days to get into UCSD or SDSU you need at least 3 yrs of foregign language to attend straight out of high school. So I am all for her learning what she WANTS to learn. I however like I said earlier once I was able to get my thoughts out is that my daughter should not be forced to sit through class and be taught in spanish becuase other students don't speak english. When I was growing up there was a thng called ESL and students went there to learn english fluently to suceede in mainstream classes. Now days ESL is being done in the classroom and forcing my daughter and other students to be taught spanish whether or not we as parents want that. Its ridiclous that I am told if I don't like it either get over it or pull her out of the school. Why should i be forced to pull my daughter out of a PUBLIC school because her teachers feel it's easier for the spanish speaking students to speak spanish. That is my complaint. Im tired of being told to suck it up, deal with it, what else should i expect living where I live, etc. SO what. How would you feel if your daughter went to school everyday and was forced to sit through Russian 90% of her day? Would yo just roll over and force your daughter to learn Russian becuase that is what is being spoked in a PUBLIC school or would you be upset becuase in America we are allowed to have our choices of what we want out children learning?

An yes I have taken spanish for 5 yrs on my own free will but only because as a nurse in san diego county you need to be at least 25 - 50% fluent in order to work in the hospitals. Who cares now days if I know Russian or parts of German. :sigh

I personally think that learning a different language is beneficial, however; I do think that a person or a child for that matter should not be forced to learn another language. Choice is what makes America, America. If a person wants to learn Spanish, German, French, etc... let it be their choice.

Well, I guess if the majority of the people around me were Russian than I guess learning Russian would be of a benefit to me so bring on the Russian. Like they've told you in the past, if you don't like it let her go to public school. I know you said that you shouldn't HAVE to pull her out because it's a public school but it looks like that would be your best option since it doesn't look like Spanish is going to be phased out of there anytime soon. I remember going to school in Kansas, we had a huge German population and we were taught simple phrases and it was okay by me. It was actually kind of fun. Now I could have been upset because I was an American and I shouldn't have to be forced to learn German but I just saw it as a learning opportunity and nothing else. I certainly didn't feel they were attacking me with their German.

Well, I guess if the majority of the people around me were Russian than I guess learning Russian would be of a benefit to me so bring on the Russian. Like they've told you in the past, if you don't like it let her go to public school. I know you said that you shouldn't HAVE to pull her out because it's a public school but it looks like that would be your best option since it doesn't look like Spanish is going to be phased out of there anytime soon. I remember going to school in Kansas, we had a huge German population and we were taught simple phrases and it was okay by me. It was actually kind of fun. Now I could have been upset because I was an American and I shouldn't have to be forced to learn German but I just saw it as a learning opportunity and nothing else. I certainly didn't feel they were attacking me with their German.

Simple phrases not 90 percent of your day in german though right?

and now that i think about it why should i be forced to move my daughter becuase of spanish. i shouldnt have to conform to your language or anyone elses becuase of the majority. you expect other people to learn spanish but yet its not okay for me to want people or even for her class to be taught in english. brialee im sorry but you make no sense. i should conform to spanish becuase that is what is being taught in an ENGLISH school but yet who gives a rats ass about my daughter being given the CHOICE that is america to be taught in what she feels comfortable. get off your high hourse and see that im upset about choice here. I cant even speak to you its like speaking to wall right now. and i really honestly dont care if you like me or not anymore.

There is a school in Seattle that has been named the 2005 Best of the Best school (an award given by Intel and Scholastic). It's a foreign language immersion school. Instead of looking at foreign languages from a standpoint of ethnocentricity, it's more educationally sound to look at them as a benefit to our children:

John Stanford International School focuses on international education and foreign language immersion, and is dedicated to forging partnerships that foster high academic achievement and a strong sense of global citizenship among its K-5 students. The school sets ambitious curriculum goals in the areas of language, culture, academics and citizenship, emphasizing community involvement as an integral part of the school’s plan for success. A partnership with the University of Washington Language Learning Center provides curriculum development support for the mandatory Spanish or Japanese language immersion program, as well as bilingual student interns, tutors, and guidance from the International Faculty Council. The business community in Seattle has provided funds to support students’ foreign language proficiency assessment and has contributed to the purchase of books for the Japanese language program. JSIS students also consistently score above district standards in reading and math, which is taught in either Spanish or Japanese.

Simple phrases not 90 percent of your day in german though right?

and now that i think about it why should i be forced to move my daughter becuase of spanish. i shouldnt have to conform to your language or anyone elses becuase of the majority. you expect other people to learn spanish but yet its not okay for me to want people or even for her class to be taught in english. brialee im sorry but you make no sense. i should conform to spanish becuase that is what is being taught in an ENGLISH school but yet who gives a rats ass about my daughter being given the CHOICE that is america to be taught in what she feels comfortable. get off your high hourse and see that im upset about choice here. I cant even speak to you its like speaking to wall right now. and i really honestly dont care if you like me or not anymore.

Michelle, what I'm saying is that I KNOW that you're wanting your daughter to have a choice but it looks like the school system in California isn't going to be phasing out Spanish anytime soon so the easiest way to change that is to take her out. It's really unfair I know, but if you're worried about your daughter, that seems like the easiest solution. Nobody's forcing you to move your daughter, but it sounds like she's unhappy at the school she's at and I don't see them changing the way things are so, even though it's really unfair, it looks like it's your only option. I understand why you're upset, so I guess I'll "get off my high horse" and again tell you that it's not fair, it sucks but it looks like it's your only option. So because there's a difference of opinion, you think I don't like you anymore, come on girl, we've never had any kind of disagreement in the past so why would I instantly stop liking you. I'm not in highschool anymore and I can look beyond this. I'm pretty sure you can too.

The MAIN language we speak is English. :rolleyes I could go on and on, but I don't want to offend anyone.

To be blunt, The United States is the ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD that doesn't have a "National Language". We are the smelting pot. This is how schools can get away with teaching whatever language they want. Local government has their fingers in that just as much as the schools.

This could be posted later on, I just wanted to get it written down in case I forget in the next 8 pages :)

I took Spanish in high school and college. I don't have a problem with kids learning different languages. My family speaks french. I'd love to have them learn french. I'd like to learn more of spanish and have my kids learn it because it will benefit them and me with jobs in the future.

I wanted to say more, but I lost my train of thought after reading all this. I'm here to answer questions in case I missed something.

To be blunt, The United States is the ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD that doesn't have a "National Language". We are the smelting pot. This is how schools can get away with teaching whatever language they want. Local government has their fingers in that just as much as the schools.

This could be posted later on, I just wanted to get it written down in case I forget in the next 8 pages :)

Wrong! The UK doesn't officially have a language either. If we had Engllish as an official language, it would really piss off the Welsh or Gaelic speaking population! Schools over there make you learn French, but I dont know anyone who has had a problem with it. I personally wanted to learn Sinhala, but it's obviously not going to be as useful to the nation as French so I just taught myself. :dunno

Michelle, I have to agree with Brialee - if you daughter's really miserable doing lessons in Spanish, then it might be best to look past personal principles and just take her out. JMO

i WANT z to be bilingual. i speak french pretty well (as i chose to take it in K - 12 grades... butttt i wish i had chosen spanish)

when she's 4, i'm enrolling her in spanish lessons.

i have nothing against peopel of other races, i have a lot against those who abuse the system to get wht they want.

Wrong! The UK doesn't officially have a language either.
True statement. Sweden doesn't, either. Allow me to rephrase. 99% of the globe has an official language (rough estimate, based on population, not landmass,) so forgive me for lumping everyone up and leaving out the 1%. That's a mistake I won't make again.

If we had Engllish as an official language, it would really piss off the Welsh or Gaelic speaking population!
And by not having one, you're upsetting the pure blood Americans. This point isn't relevant.

Schools over there make you learn French, but I dont know anyone who has had a problem with it.
So do Canadian schools, but that's primarily because they are of French descent, and a mingle of the two languages still exist, not unlike Creole.

The argument is about teaching a "foreign" language in a school belonging to a country that has never identified an "official" language. By means of reason, there can be no "foreign" language. Since there is no governing principle over what language HAS to be taught, schools have the right to choose what they deem to be "required" in way of language. Region plays a huge part in this decision.

People want the US to have an official language for a simple, single reason: Pride. We're American, we speak English. Truth is, a large chunk of our dictionary is comprised by bastardized versions of, and translations of, other countries words. Even our dictionary, if you read between the lines, indicates that America is the smelting pot of the globe - just by researching the words we use.

Whether or not I agree with mandating a language that isn't inline with my families heritage is irrelevant. The schools are not mandating this rule to appease the Spanish speaking citizens; they do it because in their region of the US, Spanish is the common tongue. A child who doesn't know Spanish in that area will find life more difficult than one who does. It's a judgment call by the school (or it's governing entity, whoever that may be this week).

Think of it like this: Your child will learn a language that you haven't been exposed to. Use this as a tool NOW. Have your child teach you the language as he/she learns it, and I will play the odds that your child will come to you in the future when it's time to learn, and be a lot more receptive to what YOU have to teach them.

JMO.

True statement. Sweden doesn't, either. Allow me to rephrase. 99% of the globe has an official language (rough estimate, based on population, not landmass,) so forgive me for lumping everyone up and leaving out the 1%. That's a mistake I won't make again.


And by not having one, you're upsetting the pure blood Americans. This point isn't relevant.


So do Canadian schools, but that's primarily because they are of French descent, and a mingle of the two languages still exist, not unlike Creole.

The argument is about teaching a "foreign" language in a school belonging to a country that has never identified an "official" language. By means of reason, there can be no "foreign" language. Since there is no governing principle over what language HAS to be taught, schools have the right to choose what they deem to be "required" in way of language. Region plays a huge part in this decision.

People want the US to have an official language for a simple, single reason: Pride. We're American, we speak English. Truth is, a large chunk of our dictionary is comprised by bastardized versions of, and translations of, other countries words. Even our dictionary, if you read between the lines, indicates that America is the smelting pot of the globe - just by researching the words we use.

Whether or not I agree with mandating a language that isn't inline with my families heritage is irrelevant. The schools are not mandating this rule to appease the Spanish speaking citizens; they do it because in their region of the US, Spanish is the common tongue. A child who doesn't know Spanish in that area will find life more difficult than one who does. It's a judgment call by the school (or it's governing entity, whoever that may be this week).

Think of it like this: Your child will learn a language that you haven't been exposed to. Use this as a tool NOW. Have your child teach you the language as he/she learns it, and I will play the odds that your child will come to you in the future when it's time to learn, and be a lot more receptive to what YOU have to teach them.

JMO.

Sorry honey - most people know I'm British, when I was referring to the Welsh and Gaelic speakers I was talking about the ones in Britain!! I dont think the UK is upsetting any pureblood Americans by not having an official language, but maybe I should have been a little clearer in my post :D

Apart from that, I agree with what you're saying

uhh...burrito.

Ahhhhh...

Well, that clears up the Welsh and Gaelic statement.. I was wondering how many Welsh folks would be mad IN the U.S. I don't know everyone here, obviously, and did the ultimate message-board no-no and assumed that Americans were posting about someone being "unamerican".. Sorry for the assumption!

Looking forward to seeing some outside-the-US outlooks in the Debates!!

Looking forward to seeing some outside-the-US outlooks in the Debates!!

And my point of view didn't count up to now? ;) Anyway, unlike the US most if not all European countries require students to learn at least 1 foreign language besides their own. For example Germany actually requires 2 foreign languages. English is started in 3rd grade and then usually in 7th grade the second language is started. I don't see what is wrong with making it a requirement. In the situation described originally I can somewhat understand why the OP is upset as it isn't really part of the curiculum. But what negative effects will having to learn Spanish have to your daughter?


Edited for spelling

i have nothing against peopel of other races, i have a lot against those who abuse the system to get wht they want.

I couldn't agree more ;)

Ok hatetank, here's your 1% (sorry, but that comment pissed me off a little!)

Afghanistan
Akrotiri
American Samoa
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Bolivia
Burundi
Canada
Chad
China
Comoros
Djibouti
East Timor
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Finland
French Polynesia
Greenland
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Haiti
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Ireland
Isle of Man
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Luxembourg
Malta
Mozambique
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Palau
Paraguay
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Rwanda
Singapore
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Switzerland
Tanzania
Uruguay
Vietnam
West Bank
Western Sahara

Germanchick,
Is it possible to get three black eyes in one night?

I JUST told Kaymara/Kristi that I'd love to see your views in debates for the same reason! 20 seconds later, she points out that you did post.. 20.1 seconds later, You post again... I'm gonna go over here and cry in the corner.

Ok hatetank, here's your 1% (sorry, but that comment pissed me off a little!)

Afghanistan
Akrotiri
American Samoa
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Bolivia
Burundi
Canada
Chad
China
Comoros
Djibouti
East Timor
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Finland
French Polynesia
Greenland
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Haiti
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Ireland
Isle of Man
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Luxembourg
Malta
Mozambique
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Palau
Paraguay
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Rwanda
Singapore
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Switzerland
Tanzania
Uruguay
Vietnam
West Bank
Western Sahara




Norway (two official written forms - Bokmål and Nynorsk)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_official_languages
I am sure there are more there to that list...

Norway (two official written forms - Bokmål and Nynorsk)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_official_languages
I am sure there are more there to that list...
There probably are! I was trying to make the point that it's well more than 1% and I'm sure they'd all object to being 'clumped together' :D

Why should i be forced to pull my daughter out of a PUBLIC school because her teachers feel it's easier for the spanish speaking students to speak spanish.

Have you looked into other schools in San Diego. My dd is in 1st grade and she doesn't have any spanish involved in her ciriculum. They do have an after school option, along with dance, basketball, crafts, and karate. I love her school and I'm so glad I did the choice program to get her into it. Her home school was fine, but they lacked money so there were no after school programs.

There is also a new Charter school.

http://www.explorerelementary.org/index.html

Afghanistan -Pashto is the official language (1 other)
Akrotiri
American Samoa -90% population speaking Samoan.
Austria - German, Official
Bahrain
Belgium -Dutch, Official
Bolivia -Spanish, Official
Burundi - Kurundi
Canada - English and French official.
Chad - French and Arabic Official.
China -
Comoros - Arabic and French Official
Djibouti - French and Arabic Official
East Timor -Tetum, Portugese Official
Equatorial Guinea - Spanish, French Official
Ethiopia
Finland - Finnish, Swedish Official
French Polynesia - French, Polynesian Official
Greenland -
Guam -
Guatemala -
Guernsey -
Haiti -French/Creole official
Hong Kong - Cantonese and English Official
India - Hindi
Iran -
Ireland - English/Irish Official
Isle of Man
Kenya - English/Kiswahili
Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyz/Russian official
Luxembourg - Luxembourgish
Malta - Maltese/English Official
Mozambique - Mozambique is the official language
Nepal - Nepali is the official language
Netherlands - Dutch is the Official Language
New Zealand - Has 2 official languages
Norway - Has 2 official written languages
Pakistan -
Palau - (None official, except on 3 islands)
Paraguay - Spanish/Guarani (official)
Portugal - Portugese (Mirandese Official)
Puerto Rico -
Rwanda - Kinyarwanda, Universal Bantu vernacular (French), English.
Singapore
South Africa -
Sri Lanka - Sinhala
Switzerland - German, French, Italian
Tanzania - Kaswahili or Swahili
Uruguay
Vietnam - Vietnamese
West Bank - (defining a single language here would take another 2000 years.)

I got my information from http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2098.html, a CIA fact file. What I think I may have misconstrued is that these are the official SPOKEN languages, perhaps not the official language, recognized by the country. Checking into these, just for the sake of thoroughness. :)

Afghanistan -Pashto is the official language (1 other)
Akrotiri
American Samoa -90% population speaking Samoan.
Austria - German, Official
Bahrain
Belgium -Dutch, Official
Bolivia -Spanish, Official
Burundi - Kurundi
Canada - English and French official.
Chad - French and Arabic Official.
China -
Comoros - Arabic and French Official
Djibouti - French and Arabic Official
East Timor -Tetum, Portugese Official
Equatorial Guinea - Spanish, French Official
Ethiopia
Finland - Finnish, Swedish Official
French Polynesia - French, Polynesian Official
Greenland -
Guam -
Guatemala -
Guernsey -
Haiti -French/Creole official
Hong Kong - Cantonese and English Official
India - Hindi
Iran -
Ireland - English/Irish Official
Isle of Man
Kenya - English/Kiswahili
Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyz/Russian official
Luxembourg - Luxembourgish
Malta - Maltese/English Official
Mozambique - Mozambique is the official language
Nepal - Nepali is the official language
Netherlands - Dutch is the Official Language
New Zealand - Has 2 official languages
Norway - Has 2 official written languages
Pakistan -
Palau - (None official, except on 3 islands)
Paraguay - Spanish/Guarani (official)
Portugal - Portugese (Mirandese Official)
Puerto Rico -
Rwanda - Kinyarwanda, Universal Bantu vernacular (French), English.
Singapore
South Africa -
Sri Lanka - Sinhala
Switzerland - German, French, Italian
Tanzania - Kaswahili or Swahili
Uruguay
Vietnam - Vietnamese
West Bank - (defining a single language here would take another 2000 years.)

I got my information from http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2098.html, a CIA fact file. What I think I may have misconstrued is that these are the official SPOKEN languages, perhaps not the official language, recognized by the country. Checking into these, just for the sake of thoroughness. :)

ok, I'm confused - what point are you trying to make?

I'm making a rebuttal to the information you posted. Still checking to see if these listings are nationally recognized as official, or spoken official.

I'm making a rebuttal to the information you posted. Still checking to see if these listings are nationally recognized as official, or spoken official.
ok, so you're sticking to your post saying that 99% of the globe has an official language?

I took the 'an' in your quote to mean one; this formed the basis of my argument.

And the Sri Lankan one I know for a fact is wrong - Sinhala, Tamil and English are the official languages in that country.

Ah ha! I see what you're saying, now. "An official language" wasn't meant to mean "a single official language." Not sure if this is a communication gap between our own native tongues, an oversite or an assumption. I did not mean to portray (nor had it crossed my mind) that some countries only have more than one single official language, stating that Canada had two.

The point I was trying to make was that a very large sum of the planet had an (meaning one and/or more) official language. In my ignorance, I used the general number of 99%. Statistically, this number is more than likely inaccurate. I couldn't possibly find an exact number, since it'd take both of our lifetimes combined to track down every country in the world, recognized or not.

Sorry for the confusion :) "99%" is a catch-all statement, leaving 1% for chaos. To me, that is. I have a tendency of writing my debates as if they're spoken. This statement would have been made with a grand head nod, arms spread wide and look of puzzlement, indicating a large number that is difficult to calculate.

About Sri Lanka, since I've never been there, I have to believe what I read. Call me naive, but Sinhala is the official language and Tamil is the national language.

Ah ha! I see what you're saying, now. "An official language" wasn't meant to mean "a single official language." Not sure if this is a communication gap between our own native tongues, an oversite or an assumption. I did not mean to portray (nor had it crossed my mind) that some countries only have more than one single official language, stating that Canada had two.

The point I was trying to make was that a very large sum of the planet had an (meaning one and/or more) official language. In my ignorance, I used the general number of 99%. Statistically, this number is more than likely inaccurate. I couldn't possibly find an exact number, since it'd take both of our lifetimes combined to track down every country in the world, recognized or not.

Sorry for the confusion :) "99%" is a catch-all statement, leaving 1% for chaos. To me, that is. I have a tendency of writing my debates as if they're spoken.

About Sri Lanka, since I've never been there, I have to believe what I read. Call me naive, but Sinhala is the official language and Tamil is the national language.

Okeydokey! I think we're arguing from the same corner anyway :)

Sri Lanka - my uncle's a supreme court judge there - that's who I got my facts from.

Is anyone else sick of this thread? :hehe

Becca- where's that DIE THREAD DIE pic? :P

I'm enjoying it - I like a good argument! :D

No one is arguing but you and Hatetank about speaking words in dfiferent languages :hehe

yeah.... but it's fun!! :p

:nobody :blabla :deadhorse

The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one's opinion, but rather to know it.
* André Maurois

If beating a dead horse is the only way to close a communication gap between people, then beat away!

**LOCKED THREAD**

Original poster intended this to be a Vent. It was moved to debates because, well, it was a topic for avid debate. Opinions have been expressed, and the debate has changed direction. If you wish to continue with the CURRENT string of debate, please start a new thread!

Have a MilitarySOS day!