Reaching out across the language barrier

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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Dear editor,

As of now, Hispanics make up approximately one-third of the population of the city of Napa. Out of those tens of thousands, some have fallen through the cracks and found themselves without a home, and without the wherewithal or resources to secure this most basic of human needs. To be sure, there is a significant amount of these Spanish-speaking homeless folk who are here legally and through some circumstance have found themselves in a bad way.

The reason why we have indicated the race of these individuals is because the city of Napa has employed a homeless outreach coordinator, who is, according to his employer, the Napa Police Department, not even partially fluent in the Spanish language. This is an outrage! Any right-thinking person would know that the city of Napa should have someone onboard its homeless outreach program that can communicate with the Spanish-speaking homeless.

During the homeless outreach coordinator hiring process, the city of Napa knew full well that Napa had a significant Spanish-speaking homeless population, and it chose to hire a candidate who could not properly assist this group that is entitled to the same level of service as the others in our community.

The Napa Valley Register article of July 2 shows progress being made in the area of homeless-related calls to the Napa Police Department (“Extending a hand to the homeless”). That’s great. What is not so great is the fact that there is a knot of Spanish-speaking homeless folk clustered at a downtown park, routinely occupying the same benches day in and day out, and none of them have any memory of having been visited by anyone offering the services that the outreach program has available. None. Other Hispanic homeless that I have spoken with, who are scattered about the town, echo the fact that there is a language barrier between many of those needed services and those who have it. The haves need to see to it that they properly assist the have-nots. The city of Napa and its police department should be ashamed that they are in this position.

Jarvis William Peay

Napa

85 comment(s)

kbf wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:22 AM:

" Mr. Peay, that is the problem with Napa and our country. People ( no matter ahat language they speak) come here and we have to change us to cater to them. If you saw the article in the Register in the past few days about the homeless outreach you would know that there is a police officer that goes out also. I would be suprised if there were very many spanish speaking people under bridges and homeless. They are probably sleeping in a friends garage or backyard shed. If people want help they should learn the language, no matter where you are from or where you are at. "

Cadence wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:47 AM:

" Wouldn't printed handouts do the trick? I have a hard time grasping the idea of firing an American employee of an American government entity because he or she doesn't speak Spanish. "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:03 AM:

" ............so why don't we just make speaking Spanish a requirement for all citizens of the United States..........?? "

Exasperated wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:22 AM:

" Sorry, but I side with the City of Napa. Why should ANYONE be bilingual? This is America, and English is the language. We can all communicate with each other if we speak the same language, and one should speak the language of the country they are traveling to. Travelers try to brush up on the language of their chosen destination cities, and if I were to suddenly pick up and move out of the country I would already have a copy of Rosetta Stone in my bag. Why should it be any different for people coming here? I'm SO tired of everyone pandering to the stubborn, self-entitled people who come here, avail themselves of our services, and refuse to learn our language. "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:24 AM:

" Yes Jarvis, lets reach out........

From the L. A. Times
1. 40% of all workers in L. A. County ( L. A. County has 10.2 million people)are working for cash and not paying taxes. This is because they are predominantly illegal immigrants working without a green card.
2. 95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens.
3. 75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens..
4. Over 2/3 of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal , whose births were paid for by taxpayers.
5. Nearly 35% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals here illegally
6. Over 300,000 illegal aliens in Los Angeles County are living in garages..
7. The FBI reports half of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border.
8. Nearly 60% of all occupants of HUD properties are illegal.
9. 21 radio stations in L. A. are Spanish speaking.
10. In L. A. County 5.1 million people speak English, 3.9 million speak Spanish.
(There are 10.2 million people in L. A. County ) "

Farmgirl wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:19 AM:

" You should not have to know a foreign language to get a job in your own country. Probably not many of these people are here legally - if you want to live here, speak English - or do not expect special services available to you in whatever foreign language you speak. We have spent thousands of dollars (particularly in our schools) catering to these people - and it should end now! No more English-Spanish anywhere! No more interpreters at school functions - what a waste of money that should be spent on teachers! Obviously election ballots should only be in English - you should speak the language if you are a citizen. The generations of hispanics born here seem to be speaking whatever they speak (a lot apparently flunk 1st year Spanish, so it can't be that!) instead of learning English. I would start with no one speaking a foreign language and no English gets into school. And all classes are taught only in English. Time to stop the tyranny of forcing people to be bilingual to get a job! "

Enlightened Coelacanth wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:32 AM:

" Part of the reason California is in such terrible shape is that it already bends over backwards to cater to a huge segment of the state that treats the English language like a minor bothersome detail.
Thanks to Rocketman for plainly making the case. We already suffer mightily from too many illegals (all speaking Spanish). Not too few.
As the greatly aggrieved Mr. Peay points out, a third of the city of Napa are Spanish speaking as it is.
Does the city of Napa REALLY need to hire a special Spanish language
speaker to get this message (more free services for homeless) out? At a time when Napa is scraping to get by as it is?
Isn't insanity doing the same thing (going bankrupt in large part by catering to a minority segment of the population) over and over again and expecting a different outcome?
This letter of Mr. Peay's is the very embodiment of insanity then. "

antipc wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:35 AM:

" I don't believe any of the people you're speaking of fell through the cracks, they RAN through them.

If you don't/won't speak the language, you're probably homeless in the wrong country. "

napagrl1960 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:37 AM:

" The immigrants chose to come here, we did not force them. They also come here illegally, then want a hand out. Let them learn our language "English". This is the language of our country, not Spanish. I know that some come and truly try to learn english and don't ask for a hand out, they just want a better life for their kids. However, they do need to come legally and learn our rules. My thoughts - don't like living here with our rules? Go Back Home!

If I moved to Mexico, I would learn their language as that is what is spoken there, not expect them to cater to me.

Tell me Mr Peay, how do you feel that a lot of these people have drained our local, state and federal resources of funds and are spending your tax money?

I want my tax money to go to the people that where born in this country legally - like the Veteran's and the senior citizens!

Another question - when's the last time you volunteered your time??? "

Paddy wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:38 AM:

" Jarvis, it's common courtesy to learn the language of the country you live in. Imagine insisting the French speak English or that Mexico provides English welfare workers to down and out Americans?

I find it appalling that you have no qualms having the city fire an American citizen, probably locally born, because he can't speak fluent Spanish...

Letters like this are disgraceful. It's time to take back our country. "

napaisburning wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:43 AM:

" Focusing: Legal, legal Spanish speakers are the subject here. The horse is out of the barn, virtually any phone tree in America has a Spanish or English option. Spanish speaking folk will be the majority in California in a few years, and we can either stick our heads in the sand, or deal with it. Reality. The bottom line is, there are many Spanish speaking homeless under bridges and in the bushes, I know of them. Homelessness becomes a health and safety concern, eventually, and that is where the city of Napa and it's resources could be of great help, but not if communication is a major issue. The Napa police officer, debbie peecook according to the Napa police department, is not biligual. Cadence, you would think that a handout or brochure would be provided by the city for the Spanish speaking homeless, but we have found no evidence of that. JWPeay "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:09 AM:

" napaisburning wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:43 AM: Spanish speaking folk will be the majority in California in a few years, and we can either stick our heads in the sand, or deal with it. Reality.

Folks...............here in lies the problem......we are to surrender our country to the immigrants that are coming in............classic........ "

gomommygo wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:53 AM:

" I teach English as a Second Language. It's a good idea for EVERYONE to learn another language, particularly the language spoken where you live. You miss out on too much, otherwise. You're limited and isolated here without English. HOWEVER, it takes time. Even young, motivated, workaholics need at LEAST a year of classes -- 4 days or nights per week -- and plenty of practice to communicate effectively beyond "My name is..." "I need work" and Where's the bathroom?". To understand more advanced language, contracts, medical jargon, etc. takes much longer. While they're learning, they still need to access services. We'll all be better off if we meet each other half way. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:04 AM:

" I've noticed an increasing population of Filipino's coming to this country to fill nursing and nurse aid positions. They make excellent nurses and work wonders with our elderly. I think their culture is a very nurturing one.

I'm not sure what it is, but they learn our language quickly. I think that when a foreigner is separated from their home country by a body of water, there is more incentive to learn the new culture asap. They feel more isolated without fluency. They don't have a land bridge security blanket lying across separate countries to catch them if they fall.

The question is, why aren't we also providing interpreters in this country for the Filipino population, or the countless other languages which occupy this country?

Another situation to consider is that we typically hand pick those people coming from other countries who are divided from us by a body of water. Often, way too often, Southern neighbors who migrate here had difficulty adapting in their own country. Some were/are criminals, Some were/are outcasts for some reason or another. Many have difficulty learning a new language because of learning handicaps. That same handicap may be the reason they are here in the first place.

Remember when Castro tolerated (or promoted) an exodus of criminals onto US soil? That's an example of an exception where a body of water wasn't an obstacle. Our country is now burdened with it. We cannot become the dumping ground of all social ills and then cater to it. I don't mind sharing a little bit of the burden but this has gotten out of hand. And if we think this is problematic now, wait until the scale is tipped too far. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:43 AM:

" As a practical matter, yes, it is impossible to provide language services to everyone who needs them, and it is problematic if an American needs to know Spanish to get a job. On the other hand, knowing a particular language is a reasonable requirement if that language is, in fact, necessary for a particular job.

But what is beneath contempt is the ATTITUDE of many of the posters. The "This is America, speak English" attitude. Let us not forget that the English speaking population is the recent arrival here. And that Spanish has been spoken in this land for many centuries. To come in, conquer, and then refuse to make any accomodation to a language that has a long history in this land is, as I said, beneath contempt. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:47 AM:

" Did we provide interpreters for previous waves of immigrants? No, we didn't, and they assimilated very well, thank you.
The writer makes the unwarranted assumption that "a significant amount" of these people are here legally. I have my doubts about that. A federal immigration officer should make the rounds with the Napa police officer, and anyone who can't prove they are here legally should be deported pronto. That should make this a moot issue. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:53 AM:

" Rocketman, vocal-de-local, et al

We need to consider historical context and the overall economic system (conquest of Spanish speaking lands in SW USA, Monroe Doctrine and American foreign policy and pseudo-colonization of Latin American, NAFTA, etc.).

We are focussing on the distribution of crumbs, and on the victims of the overall system, instead of the grotesquely wealthy benefiters from the system who are making out like bandits.

There will be no solutions the way you are looking at it: through very narrow nationalist pro-capitalist a-historical lenses. "

Hear ye wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:54 AM:

" Rocketman-

Those figures aren't from any LA Times article. It's from a chain e-mail. You can read about the inaccuracies of many of those figure on Snopes. "

alucawanza wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:08 PM:

" Thank you ampsthelena and gomommygo for your outstanding posts. It has been researched and proven that it takes seven years to become completely fluent in a foreign language, that is, to speak like a native. That's with instruction and practice. I can see an evolution taking place with English Language Learners. When they were once the janitors or housekeepers, now I see more and more Hispanics working as waitresses and waiters, salespersons, hosts and hostesses. It may take a few generations but it happens. The last contractor to work in our front yard was Hispanic. He is licensed, successful, has employees, and has been here for 17 years. The American Dream is there for all. It takes time. I see it evolving. Everyone, regardless of background, wants the same for their families. It's shameful to belittle people.
I agree that the attitude of many posters is beneath contempt. "

UncleStuy wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:11 PM:

" English settlers 200 years ago. Geez, let's get real. Are we now, going to have to apologize to Mexico and the Indians, for taking California. What is done is done, this is the present. If you come to America, learn the language. I should not have to learn your foreign language, because YOU came here. I been to many foreign countries. They don't provide me with a interpeter, except in military situations. I am expected to understand their language and customs, because I am a visitor to their country. I respect their country, they should repect mine. "

antipc wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:14 PM:

" amp, if you feel a moral obligation to help these folks then by all means, go for it.

But as a country or state we have no Constitutional obligation to due so. Your holier-than-thou post is what I find beneath contempt. "

napaisburning wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:56 PM:

" Death will forever be the mistress of life itself. Go on, pull out your Sig Sauer and shoot me, the messenger. The package delivered says more about the City of Napa than anyone else. Ninety-nine percent of anything that you want to get done with the city of Napa, you can do in Spanish, and other languages. At cityofnapa.org, Napa's official website, look at the bottom of any page, and you will have the ability to have any form or statement converted to German, Chinese, Japanese, and many other languages. What you won't be able to find is any information for the homeless in Spanish, that is provided by Brandon Gardner, the Napa Homeless Outreach Coordinator, or his protege, debbie peecook. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:25 PM:

" UncleStuy,
Spanish didn't just stop being spoken when the Americans conquered the land. It was here before that, and it continued to be here after that, and it is still here.

I get the "frustration" you are expressing. But the cultural hubris you demonstrate, as I said, is beneath contempt. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:28 PM:

" antipc,
I tend to agree that we have no Constitutional "obligation" to do so. We have a humanitarian obligation to do so.

In this case, sorry, but I AM holier than thou. I'm sure you're holier than I am in other ways. "

a teacher wrote on Jul 14, 2009 3:26 PM:

" Rocketman is famous for using chain emails as primary sources. "

Tim wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:58 PM:

" ampsthelena wrote:
Let us not forget that the English speaking population is the recent arrival here. And that Spanish has been spoken in this land for many centuries. To come in, conquer, and then refuse to make any accomodation to a language that has a long history in this land is, as I said, beneath contempt. "********

Fair enough....but let me ask you a question, do you know why the Mexican people speak Spanish?

Because the Spanish Conquistadores (Spanish for one that conquers) came from Spain and "conquered" the local Mayan and Aztecs and forced their language on them...did the Spanish make any accommodations for the Mayan and Aztec culture and language?

So then... what what you logic seems to be saying is Mexico should give back their land to the native indians of Mexico..because of course it was taken from them by brute force. "

Napagrrl wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:43 PM:

" Rocketman, Hear-ye is correct. These "facts" apparently originated about 2002 with Snopes' last update in 2006. Most, if not all, of the items have been discredited. Good try, though! "

antipc wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:47 PM:

" Excuse me amp? In this case you are holier than thou? Wrong!!!!!

If that were true you would be using YOUR resources to do the "Lords" work, & not telling the rest of us that we have to spend OUR money on people that don't respect our laws. "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:47 PM:

" You are right a teacher..........the article was not from an LA Times article. The information (according to snopes.com) was gleaned from a variety of sources.

The infomation stands ACCURATE!! "

Hear Ye wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:09 PM:

" Rocketman obviously didn't read the snopes segment if he thinks his chain e-mail stands accurate. "

MaMe wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:16 PM:

" Why not have all the illegal immigrants that receive free benefits volunteer to help---they can help the Spanish speaking homeless by translating! "

a teacher wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:52 PM:

" " You are right a teacher..........the article was not from an LA Times article."

But you decided to Add the LAT initials to to mislead everyone?

The LA Times wrote an opinion piece and response to each "fact". You can find it here:

"http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2007/04/may_day_mythbus.html" "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 15, 2009 6:44 AM:

" I choose to use it as the facts stated are in context in what we are experiencing in California and cnsistent with liberal type statements I have seen in th past. If there is an inkling of truth, lets use it!! Right liberals??!! "

a teacher wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:53 PM:

" But the "facts' are NOT what is being experienced by Californians, they are not true, as amply demonstrated by the LA Times piece I cited. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Jul 15, 2009 3:30 PM:

" It's exactly these yo-yo fights which make this situation impossible to resolve.

#1 - If we require employees to learn one language, should it be a "fluency" requirement or just a basic course?

#2 - Will this open up a can of worms for other language speakers who might legally challenge us to also have interpreters?

#3 - It's an easy solution, throwing out verbal ideas. Quite another when someone must lose a job or not be allowed to have one because they do not speak "fluent" Spanish. Language fluency requires numerous years to learn. Should we now require eight semesters of Spanish for police academy certification? Or should most jobs go primarily to Spanish speakers?
If so, isn't that a form of discrimination on some level?

Mr. Peay, I don't want lip service. I want real answers. "

Paddy wrote on Jul 15, 2009 5:01 PM:

" Nice post Tim... What is beneath contempt are those who want to twist history to justify a socio-political position to meet their needs. I'm sure when the Spanish conquered the Americas, destroyed their history and imposed their religion and language on them they didn't consider the 'humanitarian obligation' of their actions.

What is beneath contempt is handing over our country to anyone who has not entered this country legally and then insists on rights and priveleges they have not earned. What's beneath contempt are those who support these criminals. "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:37 AM:

" Well said Paddy...........EXACTLY my original point! "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Tim,
The Spanish were imperialists just like the Aztecs before them. And just like the Americans now. The Mexicans themselves were imperialists when it came to the Native Americans of California (and still are when it comes to their own indigenous people).

That makes it OK...???

And, no, I am not advocating "giving the land back". We need to move forward, not backwards, for, as you point out, peeling back the layers of imperialism would be like peeling an onion.... All land has been stolen. But it doesn't make it right. Nor should anyone be overly assertive over their "rights" to such land.

As a practical matter, yes, we cannot provide language services for everyone, nor is it necessarily a constitutional "obligation" to do so, etc.

The point I'm making is that Spanish is just as much a native-spoken language in this part of the country as English is. It has always been here. It didn't just disappear when the Americans moved in. It remained. This is Spanish-speaking land too. To move in, take over, and then claim that "English is the language of this country--speak it or get out" is, as I said, an attitude that is beneath contempt.

It is the "attitude" that I am criticizing here more than anything--not the frustration with the practical details of the problem. The "attitude" is cultural imperialism, pure and simple.

And I would also criticize the attitude of SOME people who come here and "demand" language services as a "right".

It is not a "right". It is a NEED.

A need in part created by our own imperialism.... "

PastNapan wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:55 PM:

" This is America. We speak English. This statement makes liberals go off the deep end. One has to wonder why. Do you know what makes me go off the deep end? Catering to people who refuse to learn the language. I've read countless articles about people who have lived here decades and still refuse to learn ENGLISH. We waste millions of dollars in translators and printing in foreign languages for people many of whom are here ILLEGALLY. Another word that makes liberals see red. "

steph wrote on Jul 16, 2009 1:42 PM:

" No, no, amp. The Spanish-speaking folks are recent immigrants. People who are born here almost always speak English. Some speak both, but people who speak only English are almost without exception here recently. And they weren't brought here. They chose to come here, knowing they could not speak the common language that is spoken by Americans.
I think bilingualism is great. I don't care much for people asserting rights they make up out of wishes, especially when unpaired without a shred of RESPONSIBILITY. I especially have contempt for people who righteously do it on their behalf. If the latter group of folks want to provide services to others, so be it. To demand services from others, while increasingly common, is, frankly, nefarious. "

Raven wrote on Jul 16, 2009 3:13 PM:

" always amazes me to hear people who profess a lifelong adherence to personal freedom say someone should be forced to do anything..... "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 16, 2009 4:33 PM:

" steph,
Agreed: as I said, no one has the right to "demand" special language services.

It is not a question of "legal right". It is a question of human need.

Solidarity is what the Mexican workers deserve from us; it would also benefit the working class here as well (the capitalists sit back and laugh as we fight among ourselves: divide and conquer, while they take home the profits....)

"They chose to come here...."
That's one way to look at people who feel that they have to risk life and limb and a separation from families that sometimes lasts years just to make a living.

You're mistaken about them not having been "brought" here--many WERE encouraged to come under the "bracero" program. When the economy needs them, they're brought in to work; when the economy starts to fail, they are scapegoated. It really is a very old story.....

And you are overlooking the role our own country has played in creating economic havoc in their country (while not denying the complicity of Mexican capitalists as well). First, we stole half their country (some of the best land)--not centuries ago, but only 150 years ago--that's just our greatgrandparents era. With our demand for drugs and our provision of arms, we have contributed to social disruption there. With NAFTA and other policies, we have hurt Mexican farms and created more poverty. And the capitalists here are PROFITING from their labor: let us not forget that. If they didn't, believe me, they would not hire them.

And the fact still is: Spanish is as much a native language of this part of the country as English. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 16, 2009 4:42 PM:

" PastNapan,
It would be equally true to say that "This is America. We speak Spanish, and Russian, and German...."

The statement "This is America. We speak English" is, as I said, quite simply, "cultural imperialism". Yes, we need a common language, and, obviously, English is it. And, yes, countless dollars are spent on translators, etc. (though I'm not sure they are "wasted").

But the problem is not the immigrants. The problem is capitalism, which encourages illegal immigration (it keeps wages down; it creates poverty which motivate immigration, etc) and at the same time encourages scapegoating of immigrants (to keep them illegal and intimidated and easily exploitable). Migration created by capitalism necessarily brings different language goups into conflict, and capitalism takes advantage of those conflicts, like it does all conflicts which divide and weaken the working class.

Learning a language can not be a priority for poor people who come to work, and sometimes have two or more jobs, plus children. And some CAN NOT learn it: some haven't even had first grade education, and some have no natural talent for it.

What if Spanish becomes the majority language of California in the next 20 years. Will you then sign up for Spanish classes and accept the imposition of the language of the majority? "

alucawanza wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:29 PM:

" PastNapan:
Please cite some sources for your statements. I'd like to see some real figures.
You wrote:
I've read countless articles about people who have lived here decades and still refuse to learn ENGLISH.
Could you give us a site to visit to see all these articles?
I believe that many people who do not speak English just don't know how to get instruction or where to begin. There's a natural shyness or fear that stops them. I've had countless students who translated for their parents and were their parents' teachers. There will be a natural evolution into English speaking as each generation becomes more proficient.
How many millions are we wasting? Is it a waste to have an informed population?
I don't see red at the word illegally. I, too, wish for a solution to the illegal immigration problem. I understand it is ebbing somewhat due to lack of jobs here. Are you ready to spend the tax money it will require to improve border security? The governor can't balance a budget much less work on border security. But that's a separate issue. Mustn't insinuate one issue into another, right?? "

savenapa wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:50 PM:

" The only thing I can say to those that are intolerant to the demands and tantrums of the "disadvantaged" non- English speaker is...Thank you.

Thank you for restoring my faith in America. Thank you for throwing a life-saver to a patriotic national that lives in perpetual disgust regarding the current state of Mexifornia.

Thank you for giving a glimmer of hope that we might someday salvage the values of this great nation. The values that confirm that all nationalities are welcome to legally join us and assimilate. To encourage hope that those who dream of being called an AMERICAN may have that cherished opportunity.

Thank you for voicing opposition to the mentality of the bandits and those who hate America. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 17, 2009 9:53 AM:

" savenapa,
Part of what you call "America" was part of Mexico just 150 years ago, and "the border" was not much more than a line on a map for many years after that, as the natural flow of people throughout the region (for working, visiting relatives, etc.) was not immediately interrupted.

To be living on stolen land, and to be participating in an overall economic system that INCLUDES Mexico, and which exploits the poor of both countries....and yet to take such a nationalist approach to the issue.... Well, it's something I find "reprehensible". It's the attitude I find reprehensible. Not the person holding it. And it's not that I don't find the attitude "understandable'". It is. But only from a very superficial analysis of the problem--which doesn't take into account history, economy, or human reality.

Yes, the line has been drawn, and it would be absurd to "give the land back", etc. etc. And the PRACTICAL matters of legality and language need to be dealt with.

But, still, the ATTITUDE, the FEELING, that emanates from your words (or which I, at least, take from your words) is very "troublesome", to put it mildly. It is, I think, evidence of what I have called "cultural imperialism".... Do you see what I mean...? "

thoughtank wrote on Jul 17, 2009 4:08 PM:

" So why doesn't the homeless outreach coordinator take local classes in Spanish? No big deal. Napa Valley College offers lots of beginner Spanish courses. Everyone who serves in the public sector should have at least some knowledge of a second language.

I know of at least one police officer with the Napa Police Department who is trying to learn Spanish. It only makes sense and increases one's ability to do their job. It also gives one a huge advantage in this tough job market.

Why are Americans so xenophobic when it comes to learning a second language? Really, the response to this article is not rational.

We all have to "learn" new languages in the workplace and in life. Think about the acquisition of language and concepts it takes just to use a computer or other technological tools.

Travel to almost any country in the world and you will come across ordinary people who are conversational in two or more languages.

The good news? Learning a second language increases neurogenesis, the creation of neural brain connections, thus improving our memory as we age. "

savenapa wrote on Jul 17, 2009 8:50 PM:

" ampsthelena:

What I find reprehensible is the notion that we are living on stolen land. There was a war, and wars typically end with a reassessment of borders. Much of our acquired land was PAID for after the dust settled.

We are in a war again. A silent war who's combatants never accepted the outcome of the first war. The technique of the combatants in this present war is to flood the land by critical mass. The predominant battle plan is to leverage the graciousness built into our system as a springboard for reacquisition and then imposition of language and culture. Once numbers are sufficient, the agenda is to redefine society into the homeland of the new majority.

After the metamorphosis is complete the clock will tick until this country mirrors the failures of our southern neighbors. And we will all be guilty if we allow it.

English is not only our language, it is the WORLD language. That is why so many foreigners are bilingual. This is the main reason that I can't support imposing a mandate of Spanish speaking (especially fluency) on our citizens.

Be bilingual. However, I choose not to make my second language the one of many third world countries that I hope to never step into again. I would be willing go into battle to protect our fellow citizens from being expected or required to learn Spanish, or giving nationals from a Spanish speaking country an employable advantage over an English speaking citizen. I find it "reprehensible" that our labor code allows requiring Spanish for ANY job in this country. So...come try to burn my house down.

I find communism reprehensible. Crying about capitalism is good for grad students. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 17, 2009 10:22 PM:

" savenapa,
You find "the notion that we are living on stolen land reprehensible..."

The war with Mexico was a war of CONQUEST--not self-defense, not "liberation". Conquest. Just like all of America's wars with the Native Americans.

Well, to me, conquest is stealing. To you, apparently, it isn't???

What is your view of America's role in Latin America's "development" over the years? Do you know about the Monroe Doctrine? The "School of the Americas" in Fort Benning, Georgia? The CIA led coups, the assassinations? The American-trained and directed death squads? The illegal wars against legitimately elected governments? The drugs/arms trafficking? The collaboration of American corporations and absolutely vicious and brutal Latin American ruling classes? Are you aware of these things? "

vocal-de-local wrote on Jul 17, 2009 10:33 PM:

" I was in a discount department store yesterday. Almost all employees, probably 90% of them are Hispanic. As they conversed with eachother, not one of them talked to eachother in English, not one. I felt like I was in a different country.

I really wish that employers would encourage their Hispanic workforce who work in a public setting to speak English when conversing with eachother in front of customers. I feel strongly that if we ever end out with a Hispanic speaking majority, this scene will become a regular part of our lives. I have a middle aged brain. I'm not sure I can learn Spanish "fluently". I'm not sure it's fair to make us adapt to them rather than making them adapt to us.

I have taken two semesters of Spanish. Besides picking up a few words here and there, I have no idea what people conversing in Spanish are saying to eachother. Unless you apply your newly acquired language skills consistently to a real life situation, it's highly unlikely you will be able to apply it very well. Being fluent requires being in an environment where you use the skills consistently in addition to taking years of Spanish classes. "

winemd wrote on Jul 18, 2009 7:25 AM:

" Gee, vocal, aren't you nosy - just kidding!!

I remember traveling in France and being relieved to be able to speak just English with my husband once we were in for the night. I had a much younger brain then and I found speaking all the time in a second language mentally exhausting. It takes a fair amount of effort until you are fluent.

I'm not saying they shouldn't speak in English when interacting with customers, obviously, but can a store dictate what they speak among themselves? Many of the Spanish speakers I encounter are learning English, but it is not comfortable for them, so I can understand "taking a break" from it sometimes, even at work.

My kids are fluent in Spanish. They used to try to hold conversations in Spanish so I wouldn't understand, but I picked up more than I let on :-). "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 18, 2009 7:54 AM:

" vocal-de-local,
As you point out, two semesters of Spanish doesn't even enable you to converse in Spanish. It takes years of study and practice. The expectation of some who have posted that "they" should "speak English" when they come here to work, or should be able to converse within months or years of their arrival, is thoroughly unrealistic, especially when you consider that many Mexicans have little or no formal education, work 2 jobs and have little time to study, etc.

And it is important to realize that Spanish IS spoken here in California as a native language, and there have always been Spanish speaking communities here. So it IS quite possible "get by" without really speaking English.

And the alternative would be...what, exactly? Outlaw Spanish? Go into their communities and keep them from using Spanish among themselves as they buy and sell, go to latino doctors and lawyers, eat and play, worship, etc., in Spanish? Unless you do that, then Spanish will continue to be a language with which one really CAN live and "get by" here.

Imperialist nations always use the imposition of their language as a weapon. Australia did it with their aborigines. We did it with our indigenous population. Spain did it to the Basques, and to Latin America (obviously, or we wouldn't even be talking about "Hispanics").

I notice you said that the employees were 90% Hispanic. And you want them to speak in YOUR language--AMONG THEMSELVES????? "

John Richards wrote on Jul 18, 2009 12:11 PM:

" Along with what vocal-de-local said, I find it disturbing when I'm shopping in local stores and hear parents talking to their small children in Spanish. Those children will be entering the public school system soon, why hobble them needlessly?
When our family immigrated to this country, our parents made every effort to talk only English to us kids, although they often talked in their native tongue to each other. Whatever happened to wanting your kid to have every possible advantage when growing up? "

John Richards wrote on Jul 18, 2009 12:19 PM:

" vocal-de-local wrote: "... employers would encourage their Hispanic workforce who work in a public setting to speak English when conversing with each other in front of customers."

You should write a polite but firm letter to the management of that store, pointing out that shoppers feel uneasy when employees are conversing in a foreign language. Assisting a non-English speaking customer is one thing, but habitually speaking that foreign language when one knows English is something else, and to do it in front of English-only customers is downright rude. "

anticommie wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:46 PM:

" A bleeding-heart is hard to stop "

thoughtank wrote on Jul 19, 2009 12:09 AM:

" Oh, come on, you people! You don't really care whether employees converse in Spanish to each other or whether Hispanic parents talk to their kids in Spanish! Just be honest. What you really care about is that the racial and ethnic make-up of Napa changing.

vocal-de-local, take the opportunity to practice your beginner's Spanish with employees who are bi-lingual! I do it all the time and it always makes for a pleasant exchange and some good laughs when I flub up. You'd be surprised how much good will it spreads, too.

Spanish is a beautiful language and much easier to learn than English. And though it's much harder for adults to acquire language than it is for children, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try. I'm a middle- aged adult and I'm learning Spanish and French. (I don't have a natural affinity for languages, either).

anticommie, it has nothing to do with a bleeding heart and everything to do with an open mind. Try it sometime. "

steph wrote on Jul 19, 2009 5:32 PM:

" thoughtank--
I agree with your solution to the new reality. However, it's more likely a CULTURE shift that has people uncomfortable.
Most Americans value our American culture, which has notable differences from other world cultures. The concern is that our culture is changing--the language, the customs, the law, the values, etc.
Some of the "new" values are old values we've forgotten, like family closeness and responsibility to family, in some cases.

It might be easy to infer or allude to racism or ethnocentrism, but culture is not strictly divided along racial lines. Many people whose heritage can be traced back to other countries not long ago are almost totally "Americanized" in their culture at home (English is the first language, they are loyal to America first as their home, they understand and respect our laws, etc.)

The concern, at times, I think, is that if everyone accommodates various new cultures, especially with language, then the American culture will be lost--and if one non-American culture starts to dominate regionally, then American culture is not the culture in various parts of America, and America is not a country united by culture, language, or loyalty.

Perhaps that's just a normal part of humanity--the constant shifting of culture with constant migration of the world's peoples. I believe that may be the point that JP is making.

People who migrate here left countries that did not serve their needs the way America does. So why would we want to change America to be more like the countries that were left behind, that have non-American cultures--the poverty, the corruption, the racism, caste systems, illiteracy, violence, etc.?

Still, I agree, it is fun to try to communicate in another language. "

alucawanza wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:44 PM:

" Steph
You won't find poverty, corruption, racism, caste systems, illiteracy, violence in the United States??????Come on...It's everywhere. "

proudmommy wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:09 PM:

" where i work nobody speaks english in my department. well a couple speak broken english but know as much english as i know spanish, which isnt much. I FEEL LIKE IM IN MEXICO OR SOMETHING. and a couple people actually had the nerve to tell me i need to speak spanish to work there. "

steph wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:47 PM:

" alucawanza--
not to the degree that you find these things in third world countries. Again, there is a reason why people migrate to the US.
There are pockets of it here in the US. I generally avoid these neighborhoods. "

5th generation napan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:16 AM:

" We missed our chance to make ENGLISH the Official language of the county. Be it right or wrong its a way to unify the process of dealing and living in America.

Why should our government be expected to speak multiple languages and which ones should we use? Spanish? French? German? Cantonees, Vietnamisee, Dutch, Indonisian? Give me a break, its a waste of money.
Maybe, just maybe thats why you use to be REQUIRED to read and speak English to be a Naturalized Citizen.
My Grand parents had to learn English. I don't and never have seen ANYTHING translated for Italian, German or Brizillian people! Go to any other country and see how far you get without knowing their language!
Giving a helping hand is one thing, but living and dealing with the everyday interaction in America Learn Engilish!

If you apply your logic Mr. Peay (and i really don't mean to be sarcastic) then really, tell me just a few miles from Napa what dual language needs to be spoken. Vietnamees in Vallejo, Cantonees, and Chineese in San Francisco, Indian in San Jose, Russian along the coast?

Let them put out the effort to become citizens, then the money saved we could really extend a helping hand. But to help people that have no interest in becoming citizens, just want to take our money and send it home, or come here just because the weather is nice, for get it. We need to start helping our own people first (no matter what ethnicity they are) American Citizens first and Keep English as the National Language.
Why English? Because English is the World wide engineering language, because its the largest word based language that will not hesitate to steal words from other languages to describe something. "

napaisburning wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:50 AM:

" What I am trying to think of, 5th Gen, is this " What is good for the goose should be good fro the gander ". Point being, that if the City of Napa chooses to go full tilt English/Spanish in it's other areas of service, then why not in in area where it would have a great impact? Whether it is Spanish, Russian, or any other language, there should be consistency in application of services. If there was a predominance of Chinese speakers in the area, then that would probably apply here, but there are Spanish speakers here. What may be truly needed in Napa is a Hispanic leadership that advocates for it's people, and is willing to step into the political arena and use the full force and fury of it's electorate, once, and if they EVER successfully vie for elective offices. JWPeay "

5th generation napan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:03 PM:

" What is needed are programs of substance. When you add language to it, then you are diluting the amount of funds available for the program. Why should you decide one group vs another group should be informed. If you do that then you end up with special interest and certain groups feeling more superior than others. That doesen't solve the core problem. In this case homelessness.

I know you stated "for legal" which I am grateful but problems usually run across ethnic, social and economic lines. Especially with todays problems. My statement about having english as an official language would really free up some serious money that right now is being diverted to printing companies and publishers.

I know your an advocate for the hispanics but believe it or not, I'm just a white guy, but I have always embraced by background (5th gen comes from pre calif. statehood spain and mexico) and my Italian side which came from Brazille. I am a product of four different ethnic groups that came to this country and at one point or another they all were "taken for everything they had". But they all became citizens, learned the system and the succeeding generations did good to very well. I am truly an advocate for ethinic groups but it really is a two way street. I honestly do feel that with the multi language issue in government now is just an excuse to divert massive money to printers, and not to the programs itself. San Francisco has like 112 languages there. With one language then people can become a power house in government. But right now language is used as a crutch. "

Tim wrote on Jul 20, 2009 5:48 PM:

" ampsthelena wrote:

The war with Mexico was a war of CONQUEST--not self-defense, not "liberation". Conquest. Just like all of America's wars with the Native Americans.

Well, to me, conquest is stealing. To you, apparently, it isn't???*************

Amp...you make it sound as if this is an unusual practice, only in America this happens??...please tell what national group of people on the face of this earth got the land they are sitting on now without taking it from someone else somewhere along the line?..yes stealing it....every group of people that has ever ruled, through out history took that land by force at some point.

It doesn't matter if it was 150 years ago or 1500 years ago. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:43 AM:

" Tim,
And it doesn't make it right, either.

And please note: I was responding to someone who said he found "the notion that we are living on stolen land reprehensible".

And I already answered you on Jluly 16, when I said:

" Tim,
The Spanish were imperialists just like the Aztecs before them. And just like the Americans now. The Mexicans themselves were imperialists when it came to the Native Americans of California (and still are when it comes to their own indigenous people).

That makes it OK...???" "

steph wrote on Jul 21, 2009 10:15 AM:

" And, are we better off that the US rules California, or if Mexico had retained rule over California? "

PastNapan wrote on Jul 21, 2009 10:36 AM:

" Learning English was good enough for all the immigrant groups of the past including my Spanish speaking grandparents. Today's immigrants expect to be catered to with bilingual everything. It's not working. And the anger against this is justified. And thoughtank how original of you to play the race card. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 21, 2009 10:09 PM:

" Most Mexicans that are here and don't speak Spanish DO NOT WANT TO BE HERE!!!! They have to be here though. They can't get jobs in Mexico. The government is CORRUPT in Mexico. Eliminate the government, and the illegals will go home. They are only here so they can get money to feed their families.

I'm willing to bet that the Drug Cartels will all but disappear as well when the gov't is gone...

We can solve the illegal immigration problem easily, now that we know WHY they are here and the reasoning behind it. Don't sit there and go at eachothers throats when there is an easy fix that will cost taxpayers hardly anything and with only a few lives lost, if you choose to entirely eliminate that gov't.

Is the future of America worth it? "

John Richards wrote on Jul 22, 2009 12:01 AM:

" "They have to be here though. They can't get jobs in Mexico."

Sorry? Why do we have to be the safety valve for Mexico? Don't our sovereign borders and immigration laws mean anything any more? That's like saying, you can steal something if it's close enough to you. "

ampsthelena wrote on Jul 22, 2009 8:56 AM:

" John Richards,
"You can steal something if it's close enough to you"..... Hmm. Like Mexican territory, for example? Like Mexican labor value, for example?

The U.S. is the greatest thief on the continent. Really. I'm not exagerrating, or being rhetorical.

John, are you familiar with the Monroe Doctrine? Are you familiar with the School of the Americas? Are you familiar with the way the U.S. has exploited almost every Latin American nation? American imperialism is a fact, a simple, historical fact. And imperialism comes with a price: disruption of human life, and the migration that comes with that disruption. "

Raven wrote on Jul 22, 2009 9:36 PM:

" New report by the PEW institute shows immigration from Mexico, both legal and otherwise, is down between 1/3 and 1/2 from the levels of 2 years ago. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 22, 2009 11:30 PM:

" amps wrote: "steal something if it's close enough to you"..... Hmm. Like Mexican territory"

We need to deal with the here and now, not something that happened hundreds of years ago. If you go back far enough in history, everyone took land from someone else. Let's stick to the pressing matters that will make a difference today. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 22, 2009 11:36 PM:

" gomommygo wrote: " I teach English as a Second Language."

How do you explain that previous waves of immigrants (of which I'm one)didn't have the 'benefit' of ESL, yet they assimilated just fine??? "

alucawanza wrote on Jul 23, 2009 12:06 PM:

" JR
I answered your question to gomommygo many weeks ago. Here's the question:
How do you explain that previous waves of immigrants (of which I'm one)didn't have the 'benefit' of ESL, yet they assimilated just fine??? "

Here's the answer:
You are gifted. My mother did the same. Were you the youngest child benefitting from older siblings? Did your parents encourage you? Are you intellectually curious, astute? Did you live in a neighborhood of many cultures or just one? So many factors influence the acquiring of a second language. Not to mention the obvious color of your skin which made you "one of the kids" in a white neighborhood. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 23, 2009 6:38 PM:

" alu wrote: "Here's the answer: You are gifted."

That's not the answer. I am only a sample of one. Don't go by my personal experience. I was talking about "previous waves of immigrants" which includes a broad spectrum of people. "

winewoman wrote on Jul 24, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Alu, I'm kind of surprised that you played the "color of your skin" card. I'm the first American born in my family - my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. having immigrated from Germany & Russia. My family is not gifted (though some probably think they are). My grandparents required their children (who were older teens) to speak English, telling them, "you are an American now". They refused to engage in conversations with their children in "the old language". They were proud to be Americans and raised their children to be proud Americans. They assimilated. They did not expect, nor should they have, the government provide anything special to them because of they were immigrants. In fact, they were required to have an American sponsor and A JOB before they even stepped on American soil. All have gone on to become successul professionals (doctors, engineers, etc) despite the fact that they had to learn a second language as older teenagers. Previous waves of immigrants worked hard to assimilate because they had to work hard to get into this country. I have zero compassion for those who come into this country through illegal means. Zero. I have even less tolerance for those who come here illegally and then want me to accomodate them. "

leavintown wrote on Jul 24, 2009 11:35 AM:

" Do you think if I was homeless in Mexico, they would learn English for me? I doubt it. I have no sympathy for those that don't understand English in the USA. They should either learn the language or deal with it. We waste some much time catering to the non English speaking people. What else can we do to make it easier for them. Make all of us English speaking people learn Spanish so it is easier for them???? No way. I know enough Spanish to understand it, but I refuse to talk to some one in Spanish.

Now we have to speak their language so they can understand what else we are giving them for free???? CRAZY!!! "

Gray1984 wrote on Jul 24, 2009 3:28 PM:

" Winewoman- I admire your family's history. It shows how hard work, self-reliance and willpower can allow you to succeed in this country. It shows how past waves of immigrants have assimilated and contributed to this great country.

On the other hand, your comment also reflects your ineptitude at understanding certain issues....as well as, well, quite frankly, your ignorance as it pertains to immigration---Mexican migration, specifically.

I assume (and I could very well be wrong) that your family came here during the Cold War...but if they did, then you must understand that US immigration policy in that era was far different from today's immigration policies....not to mention the fact that US migration policies regarding Mexican migrants has shifted over the years...stemming from the Mexican-American war of 1848 and the during World War II and so on...Such policies, unfortunately, have had consequences...I assume that you are aware of such consequences...

For example...you should research US immigration policies directed at Cuban migrants...only in this case....they are not "migrants"....they are known as "refugees". While I completely just butchered the US-Cuba immigration debate, I simply wanted to illustrate in a very rudimentary way how complex immigration policy is....

One more thing...I have a hard time explaining to myself why it is that we, in the US, celebrate St.Patricks Day...Octoberfest (to some extent)....why we have little Italy's in large U.S. cities, Polish enclaves in Chicago, German enclaves in the midwest, etc...if ALL past immigrant waves assimilated... as you suggested...

Nonetheless, I find your family's story to be very inspiring. "

winewoman wrote on Jul 24, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Gray1984 - you said, " ineptitude at understanding certain issues....as well as, well, quite frankly, your ignorance as it pertains to immigration"

My reply - hahahahahahahaha. Shame on you for making assumptions. In fact, my family (grandparents, uncles, mother) are documented in the National Geographic specific to immigration. Their immigration journey was documented, photographed and published in the National Geographic. I know more about immigration than you assume. While immigration issues are complex, my issue - again - is will illegal immigrants and immigrants that refuse to assimilate. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 25, 2009 9:30 PM:

" winewoman wrote: "My grandparents required their children (who were older teens) to speak English, telling them, "you are an American now". They refused to engage in conversations with their children in "the old language".

Very interesting! Your experience was almost an exact duplicate of mine, inluding the requirement to have a U.S. sponsor, job and housing arranged before being allowed to immigrate. We obviously see eye-to-eye on this issue. "

gray1984 wrote on Jul 25, 2009 9:44 PM:

" My point was that US immigration policy has differed depending on the era and the immigrant group. Such policies have consequences.

You must also understand one thing. The whole American southwest was at one point part of Mexico. The Spanish language has always been a part of the American southwest. A completely anglo, english-only American southwest is a myth. Therefore, you must understand how that plays into a 21st century American culture.

Hispanic (predominantly Mexican) migrants are now moving into other areas of the country that had never encountered such migration. States such as North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, etc....You should definitely look into who rebuilt New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit....they were predominantly Mexican migrants both legal and illegal...

"Assimilation", according to your standards, is therefore, irrelevant...

I appreciate the sarcastic laugh, though... "

winewoman wrote on Jul 26, 2009 10:31 AM:

" Gray1984 said, "who rebuilt New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit....they were predominantly Mexican migrants both legal and illegal..."

Gosh, is New Orleans rebuilt? The last I heard, it was still a toxic wasteland. To say that mexican immigrants rebuilt New Orleans is quite a stretch. Reliance on immigrant labor to complete huge projects is part of U.S. history. Yes, U.S. history. In the early 19th century, mostly Irish immigrant laborers, who worked for as little as 37 1/2 cents an hour, built the Erie Canal, one of the greatest engineering feats of its day. Later that century, Italian immigrants, sometimes making just $1.50 a day, were the backbone of the workforce that constructed the New York subway system. In 1890, 90 percent of New York City's public works employees, and 99 percent of Chicago's street workers, were Italian. And, It is not the first time that hurricanes and other natural disasters have triggered population movements. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch slammed into Central America, sending waves of migrants northward. The 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador produced similar shifts. You see, gray1984, that's history. I don't "have to understand" immigration your way to understand U.S. history and immigration. "

gray1984 wrote on Jul 26, 2009 12:07 PM:

" Well, it seems that you've proven my point, winewoman. Immigration has always and will always play a vital role in this country's economic development

Right here in Napa (you dont have to go to the subway system of NY)...You could take a drive up highway 29 during harvest to see whos working in the fields picking grapes in the early morning in order to produce the wine that will eventually make its way to homes of napans and tourists. Take a drive down to Salinas or any other city or town in the CA central to see who works in the lowest ranks of the ag sector of this state.

The housing boom of the early 2000s (that finally came to a halt 2 years ago) was partly led by the influx of legal and illegal labor in the construction sector of the US economy.

Im glad we see eye to eye on this particular issue. I thought we were in disagreement.

Is your concern with the way hispanics "assimilate"...or dont "assimilate"? Because if that is the case....every immigrant group has assimilated differently....thats what makes America the melting pot that it is....

I come from a family of Mexican immigrants...in a few minutes I will watch the US-Mexico Gold Cup final...and I will root for the US and my parents will root for Mexico. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:19 AM:

" gray1984 wrote: "every immigrant group has assimilated differently."

Not when it comes to the essentials, like learning the language of your new country as quickly as possible. "

ampsthelena wrote on Aug 1, 2009 9:06 AM:

" John Richards, winewoman, et al,
Yes, English is the de facto language of the U.S., and every country needs a common language.

However, Mexican "assimilation" is understandably different than other groups. They are being asked to assimilate on what was, historically speaking, "recently" their land (not "hundreds" of years ago). Furthermore, their language was spoken here before the language they are being asked to learn; and Spanish-speaking communities have existed here both before and after the Americans colonized and conquered the land. In other words, Spanish is as much the language of this land as English is. The very least--the absolute minimum--the anglo community can do is to approach the whole language question with very great humility. Not "groveling abject apology" for having stolen the land or anything like that--but just real humility. A humility that recognizes the land WAS, in fact, stolen; and that English WAS, in fact, IMPOSED upon the people who were already living here. Again, I'm not saying we shouldn't require English, or that we have to provide language services for everyone who wants or even needs them.

The economic, political, and military imperialism has already happened. The land is "ours" now. I'm just saying that to top it all off with an attitude of CULTERAL imperialism is uncalled for.

Perhaps English and Spanish should both be made official languages of California. (And, no, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, etc. do not have the same historic or population-driven claims to that status). "

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