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Willie,
There seems to be some confusion (and lots of comments) as to why we offer opportunities to train bus drivers and other employees in basic Spanish phrases.
We actually do a tremendous amount of training for all staff members in the school system. Most of the training requests are generated because of a specific need and much is prompted by employee requests.
Please note that SDOC is not trying to require bus drivers to speak Spanish. Our effort is to give drivers a few survival phrases. For instance, the bus driver may need to know some basic phrases when a kindergartener arrives home and no parent is there to greet them. The driver may need to communicate to the child that they are returning to the school. The conversation is simply to assist the driver in communicating with the child. In many cases it is simply a safety issue.
We do the same kinds of training in behavior management, strategies for working with special needs children (for instance, communicating with severely handicapped or deaf children), etc. All of this is done to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the school bus.
Michael Lucas, District Superintendent
Willie says:
Hope this additional information that Mr. Lucas has provided will put aside any confusion folks had about this topic.
Willie,
To those “supposed” ex-smokers who think it’s okay to allow others to breath crap, I have a feeling they are far from former smokers. Every former smoker I know (self included) despises breathing in that second hand smoke. It is also not about their “right” to smoke. It’s about respecting the rights of others around you who are allergic or worse. Smoking is a choice, not a necessity.
Willie says:
Willie’s allergic to cats and tobacco smoke. So far, no one’s ever walked up to me and stuck a cat in my face and said, “Now breathe deeply.”
Willie,
This is a heads up. We have some new entertainment coming to Bountyland. It will start just as soon as the new CVS opens for business. It’s called “traffic circus.” Here’s what to expect. You have a vehicle traveling north on SC 188 that wants to make a left turn into the CVS lot. Both southbound lanes have traffic in them so there’s no way to make the turn. However, the individual wanting to make the turn will wait for however long it takes the southbound lanes to clear resulting in traffic possibly being blocked in both directions on SC 28 and SC 188, as well as Bountyland Road. At this point nobody knows what to do, so it’s show time. Enjoy!
Willie says:
That gives Willie an idea. How about I sell tickets to the “circus”? I could even set up a cotton candy stand on the roadside!
Willie,
Why do vegetarians act so smug? I have a deal for you. You guys can be vegetarians, but you can’t act all high and mighty when I dare eat a piece of sausage.
Willie says:
What’s smug got to do with being a vegetarian? Willie thinks they must
have really good hearing, though, ’cuz they can hear my arteries closing.
Willie,
I have picked out a place that is one mile from where you work every day. I think since you think it is so easy for Clemson employees to park that far away, I would like you to do it for the rest of the year and then report back. And by the way, arguing that the students should get the good parking spaces because the customer is always right is a joke. They aren’t customers and this isn’t a traditional business. When professors are out hiking their way in to their offices, they aren’t there for the students who need them.
Willie says:
Aren’t we a bit testy? One question. Would there be a Clemson University at all if there were no students to be taught?
Willie,
Recently a family member was in a car accident and the first responders and an ambulance were at the scene. Imagine my disgust while in a breakfast restaurant in Westminster, I overheard a first responder laughing and making fun of my family member who was in the accident. I think this is very unprofessional, even if she is a volunteer. Maybe she should think about what people could say about her family before she talks about others.
Willie says:
A public place was absolutely no place for the person to be speaking like that. I’m sure first responders are expected to be discrete and confidential about the people they serve — not to mention compassionate. If you can report the incident to her superiors, you should.
Willie,
My 11-year-old son recently wrote a letter to the Oconee County Council in regards to the poor condition of our road. Our road is a cul-de-sac road that branches off a dead end road. There is virtually no traffic on this road, especially through traffic. In his letter to the council, which by the way took him a long time to put together since he is only 11, he stated that our road is in terrible shape with pot holes and cracked pavement. He stated that riding on our road due to its poor condition causes his go-cart tires to wear out quickly and that the potholes are dangerous to ride through and around. When our son approached us about writing the council, we were very pleased that he understood the process of having your voice heard to your area leaders. Since our road had not been paved in 18 years, we felt like it was not an unreasonable request of him to ask for analysis for re-pavement.
The letter he received back was from D. Mack Kelly Jr. was nothing short of abrupt. In his letter he proceeded to tell my son that our road was not slated to be paved yet. He then however proceeded to state, “Go-carts and 4-wheelers aren’t permitted on or along the road or right of ways. This is prohibited by Oconee County Code Ordinance Section 26.1.” To me this was a rude letter to a child who had his first encounter with our county government. As he read the letter, his eyes filled with tears and when we asked him what it said, he told us, “I think I am getting yelled at for riding my go cart.” Does Mr. Kelly not know how to send a response to a child? The letter was cold, not only in its words, but also the stating of an ordinance to a child that just knows that it is so much fun to be a boy and ride his go cart on the lake front, in the woods and yes, sometimes on the road for short periods to get back to his driveway. He is always monitored by an adult, he wears a seat belt and a helmet. There was no ‘thank you for taking the time to write us about your concerns. This was a big step for a young child to even feel confident enough to write adults a letter about a problem he perceived to be dangerous for himself and other children in the neighborhood. I can frankly say that my child’s experience with our local government was negative. (Willie’s note: Both other letters were attached to this Willie.)
Willie says:
And government officials wonder why the public is so often skeptical and unfriendly. What goes around, comes around. It seems the longer Willie writes this column the more I become convinced that county government needs to offer a short course in communication and diplomacy to all its employees … on second thought, make it a long course. What a shame that a youngster’s first experience trying to work within the system met with such an abrupt response. Shame on you Oconee County!
Willie,
I hope all Oconee employers will look at the way the councilwoman in Pickens County is working to abolish illegal workers. Our officials should step up to the plate and stop this being afraid to do the right thing for our tax paying born and bred Oconee residents. I am all for our country accepting immigrants, only if they do it the legal way! How much more are we going to take? I urge all who read this to call your local mayor, chief of police (yes police, because they do not know it is illegal to drive on a Mexico license — the S.C. law states you have to get a S.C. drivers license within 30 days of residence) call your U.S. Senator, S.C. House Representative. Any official that will listen needs to know we are tired of this. We can make a change for the better of our county for all who have the legal right to be here. We can and will welcome all who come for a better way of life here in America, but do not cause us to suffer by letting millions in and break the laws that are in place but are being ignored by our government officials.
Enough is enough.
Willie says:
Amen. I’ve said it before, we should welcome folks to our country who are willing to come here legally and be active and contributing citizens. By the way, it’s Clemson councilwoman Margaret Thompson who’s fighting to make employers more responsible for ensuring that their workers are legal.
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Readers are solely responsible for the content of the comments they post here. Comments are subject to the site's terms and conditions of use and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or approval of Eagle Media. Readers whose comments violate the terms of use may have their comments removed or all of their content blocked from viewing by other users without notification.Willie why is it in seneca only, the rec. department lets anyone that is never coached or played sports coach these little kids. I don't have any kids but I have friends that do and it made me mad from what I heard; that the only reason the coaches coach is to make sure their child gets to play quarter back or pitcher or goalie even though kids who had been playing that position, are they're better than the coaches son, or even earned that spot, why does the rec department not notice this and let qualified personal coach, or maybe thats the way the rec department does it, is to hire unqualified personal, example rick lacey has no bach degree for his position. Can you help me understand this?
Most of the coaches at the recreation departments are volunteers. I don't know of a recreation department coach that gets paid with the exception of the directors and their staff. A lot of parents coach out of necessity; without the parent coaches there would not be a team. It takes a great deal of time and effort to coach a team. It is difficult to find volunteers to coach all the recreation teams. Recreation teams ages are 6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under for soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, etc. Many times there are multiple teams for the same age group. As you can see, that is a lot of team to find someone to coach.
My children have been playing recreation ball for over eleven years. Some years my husband has coached the teams. There have been years where he coached only because no one else stepped up to coach.
So with all that being said, more folks should volunteer at our recreation departments. I'm sure most directors would greatly appreciate the help. Without the volunteers who coach there would not be any teams.
Thanks to all of the folks who volunteer to coach our children.
Yes, Margaret Thompson is one of many thousands of us who have had enough. But help has arrived. The new state law on illegal immigration dishes out stiff penalties for the anti-American employers who are causing the problem. Possessing, using or providing false documentation, knowingly hiring, transporting, harboring, concealing, etc will now be punished if we report them, AND if we check to make sure the authorities follow up. Boycott and report known employers. Turn in their pick up sites for known illegal labor. Many of these offenses are now felonies, punishable by fines, imprisonment (years), and permanent loss of business licenses. ANY anti-American employer, with ANY sense at all will now make sure his work force is legally in this country. We will soon have a toll free phone number to report violations to the state for enforcement. To the employers who whine that losing their cheap illegal labor would mean bankruptcy, don't worry about going hungry. They serve meals in jail.
no one’s ever walked up to me and stuck a cigarette in my face and said, “Now breathe deeply.”
Mr. Lucas is accountable to all taxpayers. He needs to answer several questions: How many bus drivers and staff will be attending the Spanish indoctrination? How much time will be lost in these classes when bus drivers could better use their time in safety classes? How much will this course cost, including the materials? Mr. Lucas, what is the cost to taxpayers to this new concession to the bi-lingual agenda? Are these classes state mandated? Have you considered that you are only making it easier to avoid learning English?
To helpdaddy, that is known as "DADDYBALL" I endured it for twelve years. It will never change because they can't afford to pay an outside party to coach. You just have to grin and bare it and teach your child to do their best no matter where they play. Sometimes we had entire seasons where we never won a game because the coaches son was either the pitcher or the catcher and in little league you can't win if the ball hits the backstop sixty percent of the time. You and your friends will survive.
It is also a HIPPA violation for any medical personnel to discuss anyone situation whether volunteer or not. HIPPA codes are in place to stop these actions. It needs to be reported.
I hear you okelley, no ones ever stuck a cigarette in my face and said "now breathe" either...that's funny. I don't agree with the anti-smoking ban either. Also I am allergic to a lot (most actually) perfumes/colognes. I have left restaurants,etc...because I was literally choking to death on "someones" perfume close by. So, I think it should be illegal/banned to wear perfume in public places! I am serious! Wearing perfume/cologne is also a "choice". Just be clean, use deodorant, you are good to go. I actually go out of my way to not enter a department store anywhere near the perfume/cologne section. So, you see, different strokes for different folks - if smoke bothers you, leave like I do when it's perfume/cologne to the max! Anyway, most smokers I know are curtious; if you tell them it makes you ill, they will put it out - you can't take off that danged perfume!!!!!!
If that kindergartener in Superintendent Lucas' example would otherwise be left abandoned if no one is home, would this parental negligence be reported to Child Protective Services? If so, would CPS personnel also have to learn Spanish to deal with the parents? What would happen to the kids who are returned to school because of absent, negligent parents? How would they get home later? How many more school personnel, now thrust into the role of after school baby sitter, would also have to learn Spanish? No one blames that kindergartener for the actions of his or her parents, and we know the school system can't solve the parental neglect problem in Superintendent Lucas' example. But rather than creeping further and further toward a bi-lingual school system, let's go after the problem. Let's find out why that hypothetical kid can't speak or understand English. If it's because his or her parents are here illegally, deportation would solve the problem. Then the child mentioned would be understanding every word the bus driver said, in his or her native language, and our school personnel could once again educate and transport kids using the common language of this country. If that sounds harsh, I really couldn't care less. I've also had enough.
A Modest Proposal:
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.
A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
-- Jonathan Swift, 1729
Cowboy...so you think non-smokers don't have any rights and we are the ones to have to get up & leave the restaurants. I was once a smoker but I DID NOT disrespect people enough to expect them to evacuate the building while I endulged. It's just a matter of being courteous....which a lot of people don't do even with the health endangerment! With the cost of health care, I look very soon for all establishments to be smoke free and I say can't be to soon.
NonSequitur, you sure do live up to your name. (-:
I really not sure what NonSequitur is saying here. Can someone help with this interpretation?
I invite anyone with any concerns to contact me to share their opinion (886-4500 or mlucas@oconee.k12.sc.us). I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue; however, no citizen has contacted me (or the district office) regarding the issue.
The training provided to drivers is part of their regular job requirements. The transportation receive training as part of their employment as a state bus driver.
Everyday we have children who have parents who may not be at home when the bus arrives (nothing to do with language skill or socio-economic factors). There may be a very legitimate reason (a car accident or a problem at work) for not being present. The protocol for very young children is to return them to the school. This is a safety and liability issue for the district.
I am accountable to the citizens of the community, and, as a result, must follow all laws and regulations established by our state and federal governments ... to do less would be negligence on my part. Schools are forbidden by federal law (and case law) from inquiring about a parent’s legal status. We enroll all children if they live in the community. In many cases the child is actually a US citizen.
The school system does not offer bilingual education. We offer an English-immersion program for non-English speaking students, but it is helpful to have some knowledge of the language.
Again, I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue with anyone in our community. Our focus is on educating children so that they can become productive citizens.
Michael Lucas, District Superintendent
With comments like this I think this person needs to be observed very closely. A person like this could be dangerous.
Gotta love those non smokers who make it a point to approach you while you are courteously off in a corner smoking, just to preach to you on the evils of 2nd hand smoke.
The point is Mr. Lucas, why should it even be part of the job description?
This statement got my attention also, "We enroll all children if they live in the community. In many cases the child is actually a US citizen." Many? What about the rest of them? Sounds to me like you knowingly enroll students who aren't legal.
I come from a part of the country where there are a lot of French speaking people, NEVER was it required that any one of us learn to speak French to accommodate them, it is an elective 2nd language in school.
To relate a story relevant to this, I worked for the State Dept of Veteran Services, the commissioner was from Quebec, Canada and had immigrated to the U.S., he was fluent in French. One day a Canadian came in for services, he could speak English but refused to, the Commissioner refused to speak to him in French, the man left, came back a few minutes later and spoke English, albeit broken English. The man learned very quickly that if you want to get along in this country, speak English.
Speaking foreign languages in this country isn't foreign but as long as we cater to those who wish not to speak English or even attempt to learn English then we have a problem. It should be up to the parents to teach their children the phrases they need in English, not for us to learn the phrases they need in Spanish.
If you have noticed, this was not an issue until George Bush became president, I wonder if his next job will be Presidente of Mexico.
I-95N, take it.
Don't you just hate it when you think someone is intelligent then they have to say something stupid and prove you wrong.
No.
What comes around, goes around:
Posted on June 19 at 9:58 a.m.
On Tell Willie: 6/19/08
If you have such a loyalty to Africa, move there and let us know how that works for you.
Mr. Lucas, you still did not answer my questions. You simply skirted around them.
I applaud you, you know how to research. My comments today was in no way a "how we do it up north" comment, it was a countrywide language issue, you were the one who made it a North/South issue, which I previously thought would be beneath you. I do not have a loyalty to the North and I do not have a loyalty to the South, I have a loyalty to my country as a whole.
Whether you like it or not, it wasn't until Bush became President that we started being forced to acclimate ourselves to the Mexicans not the other way around. We never had and still don't have that pressure with regards to the French, Germans, Italians etc, just the Mexicans.
You need to amuse yourself in a different manner, as much as you would like, there's no fight here.
After reading the comments on bus drivers' requirements to learn some amount of Spanish, and reading Mr. Lucas' statement, "The training provided to drivers is part of their regular job requirements", and "...receive training as part of their employment as a state bus driver", I decided to go straight to the source. At 1:25 this afternoon, I called the State Department of Education in Columbia, and asked if bus drivers in this state were required, as part of their job requirements, to learn any amount of Spanish. I was told there is NO state law, and NO SDE rquirement mandating any foreign language knowledge for bus drivers. The SDE spokesperson told me, he could "unequivocally" (his word) assure me there is no state law or requirement mandating this training. The state does require in-service training for drivers ("a minimum of ten hours of annual in-service training...."), five hours of SDE required training, and five hours of "district-chosen subject matter". If this Spanish requirement is the creation of our local school district, and is NOT required by state law or the State Department of Education, let's put kids riding buses in that "English-immersion" status Mr. Lucas just mentioned.
I hope someone smarter than I am can tell me how something works. If we have (A) students who speak absolutely no English, (B) teachers who teach in English only, and (C) our schools are not engaged in bi-lingual education, as our superintendent said, someone please tell me how that works. Let's see now....English only instruction, Spanish only comprehension, and no dual language instruction. Maybe someone out there is smart enough to figure that one out. I give up.
If the law doesn't require bus drivers to learn Spanish, then who is pushing this Spanish training for our bus drivers? Is it as much about a "social agenda" as it is about "education"? Maybe the elected members of the school board, especially those who are running for re-election need to put a stop to this. If they don't stop it and while they are at it stop the rest of the bi-lingual agenda, then it's time for voters to replace them! The voters accomplished this in the June primary when we hired replacements for councilmen who didn't listen to the taxpayers and we can do it again.
For the person quoting some 1729 idiot I think that you are extremely wierd and to all of those that keep whinning about the need to learn a few phrases of spanish, grow up!!Join the real world and accept change. Change is enevitable so do the best you can, o.k. No I don't agree with all the changes we must endure but if that were your child in a country with a culture totally different from the one you were accustomed to, wouldn't it make you feel all warm and fuzzy to know your child could communicate a little ?
Someone else needs to take this one, I've got a warm and fuzzy feeling coming on.
hatman, the difference now, and the reason for what you described as our "whining", is that for two centuries immigrants have learned our language, and blended into our culture. They did not expect us to conform to theirs. Whether it's medical care, schools, law enforcement, social benefits providers, etc. providing translation for those who don't learn English is a cost we should NOT have to pay. It's especially infuriating if they don't speak any English because they came here illegally. My ancestors came here legally from another country, and had to learn English. Schools, employers, etc DID NOT, and WERE NOT EXPECTED TO accommodate them by learning their language. My ancestors learned English, and todays immigrants can do the same, or not function here. We've had enough. We're fed up. And hatman, as for the children caught in the middle of all this, remember it is the parents of those kids who placed their kids in this predicament. It is they who came here with absolutely no regard or concern for how their kids wouold communicate in an English speaking country. Don't expect us to pay the social and financial costs for their actions.
Why don't we ask the bus drivers how they feel about having to learn Mexican? I guarantee 95% of them will roll their eyes at the thought. This is just plain nonsense. I can understand the safety issue Dr. Lucas is explaining but why not just send a letter home to these parents explaining they need to teach their kids basic English commands like, "sit down", "be quiet", "where do you live", etc. etc. Teach them English instead of forcing employees to learn Spanish. What do these children do in school all day with English speaking teachers, administrators, classmates, etc.? It's about time we stand up for our American selves & quit cowering down to others.
thlhjh76, I so agree with what you are saying. If my children could speak english by the time they were 6 months old then surely theirs could by k-5!!!!!!!!!!
No entiendo las actitudes racistas de la gente que vive en Oconee County. Me alegro por lo que no vivo allí ya. Espero que Dios castiga a ellos.
Nunca subestime el poder de la gente estúpida en grandes grupos.
Diferente no es sinonimo con inferior.
Prometo lealtad a la bandera de los Estados Unidos de América, y para la república, para lo cual su estado actual, una nación, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos.
coneydog, if you are applying for a job as a school bus driver, might I suggest you try the school systems in Tijuana, Juarez, or Cancun?
CONEYDOG, first of all this has nothing to do with being racist or racism. Also, it's not just the people of Oconee County but all over the US; some areas may just be more tolerant of "it" than we are so maybe you should move to one of those places. And if we are such a stupid group of people why would you care to be here? I'm glad you have loyalty to the flag but it's justice for all but not the illegal who are draining us of money and tolerance. And you are right, God does punish.
silvbul, even though I agree with you 100%, we do have to thank coneydog for proving our point. Coneydog just showed us what a chaotic nightmare we'll have here if this multi-lingual "feel good" nonsense progresses more every year. Coneydog, that little demonstration of self-inflated conceit proved how much we need a common language that we can all understand. In this country, that's English. Marcy63 just mentioned three places where you may be happier, and also be able to show off your foreign language skills. Yes, FOREIGN language.
hatman: For the person quoting some 1729 idiot
Jonathan Swift is the "idiot" who wrote "Gulliver's Travels". The book is generally regarded as a classic of English literature.
I would like to thank Upstate Today and The Daily Journal/Daily Messenger for the $100 in free gas!
Thank you Mountainman your exactly right. What do you think about the director of rec. and his educational background, should he be paid or a volunteer?
El racismo no es la cuestión. Todo el mundo necesita un conjunto común de normas y el idioma. Por ejemplo, en una situación de emergencia, todos tenemos que ser entendido. Policía de decir "volver" y que se interponen en el camino y mueren. Malo. Usted dice "Mi duele el pecho" y mueren con un ataque al corazón en espera de traductor. Malo.
TRANSLATION: Racism is not the issue. Everyone needs a common set of rules and language. For example, in an emergency, we all need to be understood. Police say "get back" and you stand in the way and die. Bad. You say "My chest hurts" and die with heart attack waiting for translator. Bad.
People need to figure out when you move to another country, then you must accept that country's ways or deal with it the best you can. When "we", as travelers, go to other countries, we deal with their cultures as best we can. Griping does not make them bow down to us. This only happens when we are big tippers.
My point being, why should our country bow to every immigrant that crosses the border? Before long, the good ole U S of A won't have anything left to be proud of but our soldiers who died fighting for what our politicians and government ruined and their comrades who by the grace of God made it home.
I would venture to guess that if any of you English-only bigots were to travel to a country whose national language is something other than English, you would be the first ones to whine and complain about the fact that no one speaks YOUR language. I've traveled and lived abroad and I've seen it: clueless, obnoxious American tourists bemoaning the fact that no one speaks English. Not only do you need to force American "culture" (and boy, do I use that term loosely) down the throats of newcomers to our country, but you have to force it on them when you're on their turf, too.
Studies have shown that most immigrants to the United States WANT to learn English and assimilate, and most of them make the effort. However, current demand for English classes is outstripping supply in most areas, and people have work and family obligations that prevent them from studying and learning English as quickly as they might otherwise like to. That does NOT mean that the desire or the motivation is not there.
I remain convinced that this is an issue of racism more than anything else. If someone came to this country who spoke Russian, or French, or Swahili, would you be raising hell about the fact that THEY don't speak English? Why are you targeting only Spanish speakers? If it's so important to you that everyone learn English, why don't you get off your behinds and volunteer to help teach it to those who want to learn?
And Marcy63, I would LOVE to take my Spanish skills to Juarez. I'd like to go down there to lend a hand to the families of the literally thousands of women there who have been murdered in Ciudad Juarez since the maquiladoras went in. (Thanks, NAFTA!)
Enjoy your closed-minded little lives in your closed-minded little community. And thank you for reminding me of just one of the many, many reasons why I chose to leave the Upstate.
coneydog, I agree, I somewhat disagree and I totally disagree.
I agree that we don't treat people from most other countries the way we treat Mexicans, but there is one difference, immigrants from most other countries yearn to learn our ways while many Mexicans want to move here but live the way they did in Mexico believing that somehow they still own parts of this country.
I somewhat disagree that we are just picking on the Mexicans, we feel the same about any foreigners who come here with nothing more on their minds but to live off our generosity like the Somalians, who have turned out to be a big problem. The difference between the Somalians and the Mexicans is, the Somalians are pretty much grounded to one area.
I totally disagree that it is bigotry, it's more like offended that there is the big push for us to conform to the agenda of La Raza. The people who are here from other countries because they were oppressed are the ones who are the problem, not the ones who are here because they wanted to be a productive member of our society.
The one thing I do totally agree with is your last statement "Enjoy your closed-minded little lives in your closed-minded little community." Maybe if a few of them got on I-95N, they would expand their horizons. Every time I hear one of them say "in America" I want to barf, they don't believe in America as a whole, they believe in their part of America and anyone North of the Mason-Dixon line is not part of "their" America. We are all one America whether we are from the Lower South or the Upper South and if you don't believe that, go overseas and count how many times they call you a Yankee.
coneydog, AGAIN, it's about the cost, confusion, duplication, lack of cohesion, etc. of a country trying to function in different languages. It's not about racism or national origin. My own grandparents moved here LEGALLY from Germany, and adapted to the language and culture here because they wanted to be part of this country. I bet most of the people reading this could say the same about their own families. I honor and respect them, but if we were having the same problems now with a similar tidal wave of illegal aliens from Germany, expecting us to learn German, I'd want them deported also...and some of them may be my relatives. If you think we should pay the cost of multi-lingual everything, you can prove you're sincere. How about setting up monthly bank drafts, on your personal bank account, with the hospital, school system, sheriff's office and social benefits offices. Contribute a sizeable amount of your PERSONAL money every month to pay for translators, and leave us out of it. Since you speak Spanish, how about also volunteering 20, 30, 40 hours each month translating for these entities, instead of expecting us to pay for it. What's that? Oh, I see....you want US to pay for your benevolence and compassion. Got it. Well, adios, and good luck on your move to Juarez. You'll hear all the Spanish you want there.
coneydog, I also lived overseas and have seen exactly what you describe. It's embarassing, and we wonder why people of other countries see us as arrogant, ignorant, and rude. In many countries a second language is required, not an elective. I remember taking Spanish classes in 3rd and 4th grade (I'm 53) in a tiny little town in Georgia. Why do we no longer do this?
I do see both sides of this issue, though. The majority of illegal immigrants are Hispanic, thus the anger against Spanish speaking peoples. The costs of illegal immigration are many. It is not fair for the American taxpayer to continue to shoulder this burden when we have so many other costly problems to solve. We are a generous people by nature, but will never like feeling forced to contribute against our will.
I have traveled to several countries. I entered those countries legally with my legal passport. I was a guest in their country. I did not use their social benefits, I obeyed their laws, I respected their culture and I did not expect them to speak my language. All that I ask of any person from other countries to do the same and enter our country legally as I did theirs.
I was wondering how many might refute coneydog's shallow comments. Did coneydog's last statement... "Enjoy your closed-minded little lives in your closed-minded little community. And thank you for reminding me of just one of the many, many reasons why I chose to leave the Upstate." tell us that the Upstate is not the place for her/him ? Maybe it ain't!! Coney...hmmmm, Coney Island maybe????
He/she still doesn't get it! I'm not sure where Coneydog lives now but I have lived in the upstate for about 12 years now coming from the low country of SC. I often visit back "home" because of friends/family & I have to say that the illegals ARE NOT welcomed there either; the attitude is the same as us "closed-minded" people in our "closed-minded little communtity" here in the upstate. It's also the same across the US.
We are not targeting immigrants! Why can't Coneydog see that? It has nothing to do with race! It's all about the money that illegal immigrants (no matter where they come from) are costing us. And if I want to go to a non-speaking English country (although I have no desire to) & lay on the ground kicking & screaming & whining because I can't understand a dern thing anyone is saying, then fine, cause at least I'd do it LEGALLY!
Lastly, I sure hope that Coneydog is not American because if he/she is then I'm sorry that you hate your country so much. And if you aren't, then maybe you should visit your home country more often and for longer periods of time. (Sorry to be so long.)
Ok, I got it. We tried working together and complained about racism, guess what didn't work,just get it over with so you have nothing to complain about, and have your all out racial war, I'm tired, sooo tired of hearing that escape goat clause "RACISM" you and only you have to take your wrong doing upon yourself, instead of cowardly joining or turning to these groups of cowards when you come into this country, you need to learn english, same as I would if I went to Russia. If I go to mexico I will learn spanish, but until then don't try to push it off on me and my family. You can call it hate or racism, I don't care, just leave us be, just leave, if you don't like it here. I'm tired of these groups of cowards trying to change our laws to better suit them. If you don't like it leave it. I've always fought my battles one on one and not once did I turn to any group. Sometimes you get violated (oh well) I did but I took it and went on, some can't seem to do that.
Quoting NonSequitur:
"A Modest Proposal:
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.
A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
-- Jonathan Swift, 1729"
I remember reading this in high school. I'll take a wild stab at interpreting what NonSequitur may have meant by this post....
The quote comes from a satirical essay written by Jonathon Swift in 1729. Mr. Swift starts out by talking about the plight of the poor Irish beggars. He then suggests that they could sell their children to the rich English for food. Google it ....
The entire essay is aimed at the social-economic practices of the time. The poor were exploited and manipulated. They were treated as animals; a number; a commodity. And things haven't changed much.
Maybe NonSequitur is implying that we are de-humanizing the Hispanic population by fussing and whining about bus drivers learning to communicate with the children who may not speak English well enough to understand what is happpening around them at the time. Yes, many immigrants are illegals. But if we refuse to treat their children with civility, do we deserve to live here, just because we were born here?
Punishing the children is not the way to fix the problem.
everyone needs to see a tv show on show time called, "PENN and TELLERS bull &*%$
i can't tell you the whole name of the show because i am sure it will get me banned on here.
the reason why i say this is because penn and teller have this show on second hand smoke, i have watched it and for all the non-smokers out their second hand smoke is bull s%^#
can anyone tell me or show me where someone actually died from second hand smoke???? i think not, i am not a smoker and never will be but this second hand smoke thing is a way for people to milk the system.
dds8892...you're entitled to your opinion, but your comments are so shallow one can tell you don't much thought in what you're attempting to say. You base your thoughts on a TV show??? verses what medical research has proven??? Do you even acknowledge all the asthma and respitory victims that are effected when caught in an inviroment where second hand smoke is prevolent?
It's your right to smoke I believe in. I don't smoke but if you start with banning smokers, then you go to banning guns, and on and on. We are the home of the brave and the free, I'm a conservative and believe in your rights to freedom. Smoke doesn't bother me but some people that are sensitive to it, it's like allergy's. Just in case you didn't know it, "they're over 4,000 chemicals in a cigerette and 43 of them ARE Carcinogens" which is cancer causing products. But that's your pleasure and your freedom, so enjoy.
Concerning second-hand smoke. Perhaps second hand smoke is not very damaging in an infrequent casual setting, but there are other considerations. One, to a person who does not smoke it is generally offensive. No one would think it is acceptable for someone to 'vent' after having eaten pickled eggs and a chili burrito which is indeed a fair analogy. More importantly, is the damage to those close to the smoker. Those who are confined to the same room, car, etc. Worse case is a child whose lungs are developing being affected by their parents who smoke in close proximity to the child. My lungs were severely damaged in this manner by parents who were chain smokers. I loved them dearly, but this is fact. I've had respiratory problems including shortness of breath my whole life. Both of my parents had cardiac problems at an early age and one died from stroke. Smoking took it's toll on them too. This is a plea to all who smoke to have consideration for those you love and are close to daily. As for the rest of us, if we don't like your 'smell' we'll tell you or just give you a kind 'poot' reminder.
About the new CVS; they shouldn't have put that driveway there, and if they felt to sure to have it, it should be an EXIT ONLY. But since they made it an entrance too, at least make it so only those coming southbound on 188 can turn in, no left turners!! I'll join in with ya Willie for that candy stand!
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