Yesterday, Barack Obama, lambasted supporters of “English-only” laws. Speaking to supporters in Georgia, Obama said,
“I don’t understand when people are going around worrying about, we need to have English only. They want to pass a law, we just, we want English only,” … “Now, I agree that immigrants should learn English, I agree with this. But understand this, instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English, they’ll learn English, you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish.” (emphasis mine)
Okay. Obama is endorsing bilingualism and I agree; it’s important to learn more than one language, especially the language of a neighboring country. Among other things, I believe it improves cultural understanding. My problem is being told I “need” to teach my children another language to communicate within the borders of my own country! When I visit Germany, I don’t expect the locals to speak my language, it’s my responsibility to learn their language! So, in the United States, I shouldn’t have to learn Spanish to order food in a Mexican restaurant!!
If I don’t plan to ever venture outside the United States, there is no reason whatsoever that I learn any language other than English. And don’t presume to tell me what I “need” to teach my children!
BTW: How many languages does Obama speak? (h/t: The American Pundit)
“While the Obama campaign says that Obama speaks a little bit of Indonesian, Obama himself admits that he isn’t bilingual.”
How embarrassing is that?
MORE: Hot Air; Boots & Sabers; Right Wing News; Shooting the Messenger
Tags: English only laws, Obama, Spanish
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August 19, 2008 at 5:45 pm
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July 11, 2008 at 5:54 pm
writerchick
Oh my gosh, this dude is so unreal. It’s an obvious pander for the hispanic vote. Like Bill Clinton, Obama is quite talented at speaking out of both sides of his mouth. One in English and one in Spanish, apparently.
WC
WC: Ha ha. I bet BHO can parlez le francais, too. After all, they’re a people after his own heart.
- JOS