Politics

AZ Woman Barred From City Council Race Because She Can’t Speak English Proficiently Files Appeal

Alejandria Cabrera Appeals Being Removed From Ballot for English SkillsPHOENIX (AP) — A woman who was barred from running for a city council seat in Arizona because she doesn‘t speak English proficiently has appealed the judge’s ruling to the state’s highest court.

Lawyers for Alejandrina Cabrera said they want the matter settled by Wednesday because election ballots will start being printed Thursday. Officials said, however, that the state Supreme Court hasn’t set a briefing schedule as of Monday night.

Yuma County Superior Court Judge John Nelson ruled last week that Cabrera’s name be stricken from the March ballot for San Luis City Council.

The case has brought national and international attention to the southern Arizona city after Mayor Juan Carlos Escamilla filed a court action asking for a determination on whether Cabrera has the English skills necessary to serve a four-year term on the council.

State law requires elected officials to know English, but Cabrera‘s attorneys claim the law doesn’t define proficiency in the language.

Cabrera told the Yuma Sun that she needs to improve her command of English but said her language skills are adequate for serving the border city of San Luis, where Spanish is used as often as English. She also told the newspaper that she will keep campaigning during the appeal.

Cabrera, who last year launched two unsuccessful attempts to recall Escamilla as mayor, was one of 10 candidates who filed petitions to run for the council.

Nelson’s ruling was based on tests administered by a sociolinguistics expert, as well as her inability to respond to questions posed to her in English at last week’s hearing in Yuma. The removal of Cabrera from the ballot also stemmed from a Dec. 14 complaint made by former mayor Guillermina Fuentes that Cabrera isn’t fluent in English, according to The Sun.

Fuentes claimed she has acted as an interpreter for Cabrera.

Sociolinguistics expert William Eggington presented the court with results of three different tests he administered to Cabrera, who graduated from Kofa High School in Yuma. One measured her English-speaking skill, another was to determine if she reads the language, and the third was to assess her level of English comprehension.

Eggington‘s report said Cabrera’s English skills did not meet the level of language proficiency needed to serve on the council.

Cabrera’s lawyers said the action against their client was politically motivated because of her efforts to recall Escamilla. Cabrera began circulating petitions to recall the mayor in April after the council hiked utility rates and approved the layoffs of 12 city employees as part of spending cuts.


Comments (441)

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  • CLG 4
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:56am

    Here we go again. Some one who cannot meet the standards set by the majority wanting the courts to make an exception for them. Remember vote democrat (socialist) early and often. I’m sure this persons lawyer will find a socialist judge to rule in thier favor.

    Report Post »  
    • barnsy
      Posted on February 1, 2012 at 8:48pm

      She was born in this country and she still hasnt learned English……She is either stupid or very lazy.

      Report Post » barnsy  
    • Buck Shane
      Posted on February 1, 2012 at 11:56pm

      “AZ Woman Barred From City Council Race Because She Can’t Speak English Proficiently Files Appeal”

      In what language did she file her appeal?

      Report Post » Buck Shane  
  • olddog
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:56am

    If she‘s elected she’ll make a law requiring everyone speak the language she prefers..When in Rome, sorry this isn’t Rome. Where do these people come from expecting everyone else to cater to their wishes.?

    Report Post » olddog  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:00am

      across the border…..that is where the dems come from

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:20am

      Que? No hable gringo.

      Report Post »  
    • normbal
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:20am

      Could’t we all just talk LOUDER TO HER?

      Hey, lady, Como se dice “Duh” en espaniel? [sic]

      Report Post » normbal  
    • HKS
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:26am

      Sounds like language is not her only deficiency.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • maumau
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:53am

      @SpankDaMonkey
      Thank you for your comments I look for them when I really need to chuckle.

      Report Post » maumau  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:15am

      .
      I‘m surprised we’re even discussing this!
      Isn’t this still America?
      Go to Mexico and see if you can get elected without speaking Spanish.
      Go to Japan and see if you can get elected without speaking Japanese.
      Why are we giving away our culture when no one else does?
      Soon there will be nothing left. That is their goal.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:20am

      Yo Spankdamonkey:
      If you spankdawoman she may no want to ‘stick” around.

      Report Post »  
    • Arruba
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:03am

      Give her 4 $20′s change for a hundred dollars and watch how fast she learns. lol

      Report Post »  
    • JAMACAMECRAZYMAN
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:18am

      It looks like the ole ugly stick has already been utilized……..

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:37am

      Regardless of how you feel about people speaking Spanish on American soil, the voters should have their chance to choose, plain and simple.

      Hem and haw all you like–this may be America, but Spanish was spoken in this region far longer than English.

       
    • BenKatz
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:04pm

      SpankDaMonkey obviously subscribes to the “Larry the Cable Guy” school of comedy.
      Try harder. Please.

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:04pm

      Why is this even being debated? A hopeful wants to run for office in an AMERICAN election and can’t speak, read or write English proficiently enough to conduct that job at an acceptable level. There are administrative concerns with this job, constitutional concerns and legal concerns that all demand an acceptable level of speaking, writing and reading in English. What kind of conceit must a person have to insist that not speaking, reading and writing in English acceptably is not important for an official in America? What kind of insult is this to the American public?

      Report Post »  
    • carrgo
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:14pm

      This lady graduated from High School??????????

      Report Post »  
    • leparker
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:39pm

      It’s time to make English the official language of the US. I’ve talked to my representative about it. Have you? Call him/her today.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:42pm

      If immigrants can’t assimilate to America enough to learn the language, (like they have done for the past 230yrs), then they can go back to the third world toilet they came from and see if she can make a difference there.

      If this crap continues, how long before the rest of us have to learn spainish to understand what the president is saying?

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Lars Skipole
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Where do they come from? Uhhhh…. Mexico?

      Report Post »  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:48pm

      SECRET SQUIRREL: “Why are we giving away our culture when no one else does?”

      This is the best way to describe it I have ever heard. Excellent post!

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:56pm

      Obummer!!! QUICK create a JOB for this woman. Mandate english interpretors for elected officials—May I suggest Revy Sharpton? Wait I cannot understand half the words HE SAYS. LOL
      God Bless Jan Brewer!!!!

      OMG in 2012

      Report Post »  
    • ThemDemsLie2much
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:13pm

      They always know how to ask in English but cannot answer in English for some odd reason!

      Report Post » ThemDemsLie2much  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:38pm

      SPEAK the LANGUAGE….IT’S ENGLISH IN THIS COUNTRY!!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:45pm

      There is so much wrong in this story it’s sickening. First, she sounds like an activist with an agenda. Secondly, she graduated from high school and does not speak English well. Really? Where’s the failure there? To quote the NYT, “Mrs. Cabrera, a United States citizen who spent much of her childhood south of the border but graduated from an Arizona high school, said Spanish is the language she uses during her campaign as she interacts with residents. It is also the language she uses as she lives her life in San Luis, although she does help her two children with their schoolwork in English. ” Since she’s not exactly a twentysomething, exactly when if ever did she think might be a good time to learn English?

      Report Post »  
    • koyettsu
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:56pm

      If she can’t speak English how the hell is she supposed to listen to the people in her district. This is a no brainer, if you can’t speak English you should not be be in the Govt. of a English speaking Nation.

      Report Post »  
    • rocketwrangler
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:09pm

      Remember the Alamo!

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:48pm

      Maybe they could get Nikki Diaz to fill the office…where’s Gloria ???

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:13pm

      Sorry, I couldn’t understand a word that she said. Maybe she should get a job as a software troubleshooter and help desk tech, for the phone company.

      Report Post »  
    • Rohawk
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:38pm

      I don‘t know how she could properly represent she constituents if she doesn’t completely understand the debate! As a democrat she may only make speaches and not listen to other opinions, but what if she can’t read the DNC talking points!

      Report Post »  
    • kellied
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:42pm

      That is what we have to deal with a in a normal day, in America now? How did we get here??? If I moved to China would I need to learn their language, or what should I expect from people there? How is this even a question we should ask? Oh! Oh yea, we are just (HATEN) because she came from wherever… WHATEVER!

      Report Post » kellied  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 5:02pm

      I’m a construction manager and get furious when a crew come on site and maybe one can speak a little english. I want to run the whole crew off but am not allowed to. I asked my manager a this question: If the plant we are working at has a toxic release and an evacuation is ordered and these men can’t understand what is being broadcast over the loudspeaker what happenes…..he said…we‘ll I guess we have dead Mexican’s now don’t we.

      Report Post »  
    • SANE_I think
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 5:37pm

      AvengerK
      CAREFUL! you could be talking about a 2016 Presidential canidate, LOL

      Report Post »  
    • azjeff1963
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 6:26pm

      Have the common curtisy to learn the freekin language.

      Report Post » azjeff1963  
    • PAR
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 7:53pm

      @PubliusPencilman
      I guess by your logic we should all learn Apache, or Cherokee, or ?????
      DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » PAR  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:27pm

      Under the state constitution of Arizona all government procedures and correspondences must be in English. We are slowly but surely giving this country away to political correctness.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • Dinkiecb
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:43pm

      This is the way it is here in Northern Mexico

      Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:57pm

      LOL, learn english you fool woman, then we’ll be happy to give you a yob…or go back to whence you came, and take your language with you!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • georgiavietvet
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:29pm

      OLDDOG…………………this is all part of the socialist laraza agenda. we, the vast majority english speakers, have to bow to the vast minority mexican speakers. didnt you know that? those people are just like the gays and the atheists. they all are vastly outnumbered but they demand that they be given special rights and privileges under the law. you watch, they will find some leftist, activist judge to go along with this womans arguement and she will win. you can bet that the mexican activists are backing this woman financiallyand they will find a leftist judge.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:35pm

      Pendejo in the dictionary means jerk but in the real world it means pub1c ha1r. Su Madre es Pendejo will get you shot in a heartbeat in Little Havana.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Gb_rebel
      Posted on February 1, 2012 at 6:38am

      It is the law that you be able to speak English to be a citizen in the United States…..
      My family had to learn English! If it was good enough for my family, then so can you!
      Oh, that’s right she could not read that part of the law when she became a citizen… Come
      on lady get with the program! Remember the Alamo ? Welcom to America! Now speak
      English! I did!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeJose
      Posted on February 1, 2012 at 10:11am

      I agree with old dog, since her spanish is better than her english, and since she wants to run for office she should do it in Mexico. They have dual citizenship so she wouldn’t have any problems. Who‘d want someone in office who can’t even understand the laws of the land. Has she even read them and what is the real purpse of her running?

      Report Post »  
    • richard the lion-hearted
      Posted on February 1, 2012 at 11:45pm

      Beans and nachos baby!!

      Report Post » richard the lion-hearted  
  • ObamaSlapYoMama
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:54am

    Stop the INSANITY

    Report Post » ObamaSlapYoMama  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:43am

      What does La Raza tranlate to? How about Reconquista? Que?

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:37am

      Betchya she wins the case and rather than be voted into office, she’ll become a member by court order.

      Report Post »  
    • tersky
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:25am

      Good grief, I hate this kind of thinking. Who needs a law on the books to define proficiency? Only a lawyer would be that stupid. GET A DICTIONARY!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:50pm

      Just another DemboLibotard learning to beat the system, “SUE”

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • geo01
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:54am

    .
    I LIVE IN ARIZONA.
    .
    This is so much garbage . . .
    .
    I don’t care what nationality these people are . . . WE AS A COUNTRY NEED TO QUIT PANDERING to foreigners.
    .
    WHY DOESN’T SHE SPEAK ENGLISH well enough to communicate with English speaking people?
    Okay then, perhaps we need to find out if this person is here lawfully.
    .
    Don’t know where you came from lady . . . but perhaps you need to go back.
    .

    Report Post » geo01  
    • USAFLgirl
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:20am

      Well gee, she DID graduate from an AZ high school, right? Guess that’s the way they roll there….English is optional! She seems like one who only speaks Spanish unless she HAS to speak English.

      Report Post » USAFLgirl  
    • DJ in AZ
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:41am

      I live in Yuma, AZ and know the judge personally. He’s a good guy, and he followed the law as it is on the books. He could not ignore the law, especially with the 3 proficiency test results that were presented to him. She needs to study up on her english a whole lot before she’s allowed to run for office.

      It is embarrassing that this woman was allowed to graduate from Kofa High School. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one like that from around there. Then again, Kofa sucks and always has. :) Glad I didn’t attend there.

      Report Post »  
    • TXVET48
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:06pm

      I‘d like to know how she graduated from high school if she still can’t speak or read English well enough to hold an elected office. Must have had an interpreter during high school. Or did things for extra credit.

      Report Post » TXVET48  
    • Jedidavid
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:50pm

      I graduated in ‘07 from a school in Surprise, AZ (outskirts of PHX) The DOE and school boards, easpecially in AZ cater to non English speaking students. So the could go to school and graduate with only taking few remedial English classes. But it’s getting that way everywhere. I laughed at the written portion of the driver’s lisence test because of how easy it was. But I realized they have to make it that way for illegal immigrants. Why can’t we become a true country and seal our boarder. If we tried to go into Mexico the way they come here. We’d be shot. If we tried to float into Cuba, we’d be shot. There’s not a single other country that has open boarders. Why do we?

      Report Post » Jedidavid  
    • loveliberty83
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:33pm

      why is a high school education enough to be elected oh thats right they have that Sheila from Texas in government they ned to have a better education they do not need any more racist

      Report Post »  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:01pm

      This is why bi-lingual education is a failure. But now they want accommodations for the failure to assimilate into the country into which you want to build your future family. This is why when fail to either learn on your own or by school/Public education you need to work harder and it is why most immigrants since this country was founded were always taken advantage of until they learned the language.

      Our British founding fathers did this to the indigenous peoples and others that were not proficient enough in the “Kings English” language to know how to negotiate prices in their day.

      It is only common sense that if you don’t understand the laws your going to pass then you should not be on the legislative or executive body that creates or enforces them.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:12pm

      Prime example of the Anchor Baby situation in AZ…
      and they know how to WORK THE SYSTEM…….
      another Dembo to vote BAMA !!!!

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:21pm

      @ Jedidavid
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:50pm

      You have Obama and his thugs at the DOJ to thank for that..
      they don’t think you should even have to have an ID to VOTE.
      How fricking STUPID is that ??? Dump this Corrupt Admin. !!

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • Skee
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:53am

    If state law specifies proficiency in English,
    case closed.

    Report Post » Skee  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:52am

      Case closed until some liberal judge reopens the case unfortunately.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • iblvingd
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:17am

      Oh, we forgot the judges think they have the right to make new laws or change existing ones. AZ better vote out any judges like that!

      Don’t forget on your voting ballots, that you all vote for new judges, do more home work vote out these lib judges!

      Report Post »  
  • PimpleJuice
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:50am

    She is a bendeho.

    Report Post » PimpleJuice  
    • Sorocialism
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:14am

      If you are gonna call someone “pendejo” which translates to “dumbas$” at least spell it right.
      the $ replacing the s is intentional.

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:43am

      SOROCIALISM
      Not all of us here in America are proficient in spanish. for instance…uno a card game right?

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • tersky
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:23am

      In Mexico they use it to mean ‘idiot’, in Spain, ‘drunkard’. What it actually means is… ‘a pubic hair’. It’s a vulgar word that has become so over-used, few even acknowledge its vulgarity.

      Report Post »  
    • Lagnar
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:43am

      Isn’t bendeho pronounced bend dee ho? Oops…

      I personally delight in butchering any Spanish word I come across. PEN DEE JO, no?

      Turnabout is fair play.

      Report Post »  
    • Porkchop_sw
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:00pm

      @PimpleJuice

      I knew what you meant! I dont speak spanish “no bueno” either!!

      Report Post » Porkchop_sw  
    • HYPNOTOAD
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 1:06pm

      to LAGNAR: I’m with you. I purposefully miss-pronounce spanish words in protest to it creeping into our culture. Press one for English my a$$.

      Report Post » HYPNOTOAD  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:21pm

      It’s pendejo and it means pubic hair… the worst thing you can call a Latino/a. Su Madra es pendejo will get you shot in a heart beat in Spicland.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • CLS
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:48am

    WHO is behind this woman … telling her (in Spanish) that she is qualified to run for office? Seriously.

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:58am

      Probably Larazza they’re a radical group that believes the southwest was stolen from Mexico and they aim to take it back.They pretty much succeeded with California,it’s a lost cause there.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 4:37pm

      CLS,
      You hit on it! Who IS behind this woman?! WHO?!
      “Something wicked this way comes”…..,and it’s coming from everywhere.

      Our President Barry Dunham has unleashed a veritable Pandora’s box of ills upon this nation. He gives them license to emerge from the ratholes and sewers they inhabit. Degoutant!

      I am so weary of this. So weary.

      La Raza(THE RACE), and their ilk need to hie acroos the border and fix their country of origin. They need to STOP destroying the United States!

      My dream for November of 2012 is that EVERY person in this nation with a functioning I.Q. votes for Mr. Abo(anybody but Obama).

      The only hope for our country is to send President Dunham and his FLOTUS packing in 2012. Maybe then these cankers will return to the ratholes and sewers they emerged from!

      Vox Populi Vox Dei. We are awake!

      Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:48am

    English SHOULD be our national language, period, end of story. No more hitting one for english, no more bi-lingual signs, or manuals printed in three languages, so thick, wasting so much paper.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • momsense
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:22am

      I‘m surprised that our terrorists at the EPA aren’t up in arms. But then Spanish in on the approved list of the Obozo administration.

      Report Post »  
    • USAFLgirl
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:24am

      Blame the companies–they will take anyone’s money! Here in Fort Myers we are starting to have billboards in Spanish. I had hoped olny Miami would be totally infiltrated in FL, but they are spreading and overtaking the jobs here as well. Cheaper labor than natural born Americans who worked all our life and paid taxes. My kids are off to college soon, and if they were illegals, I wouldn’t have to worry about how to pay. Disgusting the way we Americans are being left behind for these people.

      Report Post » USAFLgirl  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:29pm

      It has destroyed California-that is the main reason it has gotten so bad. It’s a war zone of english verses spanish. Mexicans brought every one of the habits with them that make Mexico a third world type nation. It broke my heart to see what has happened to a once great state.

      Report Post »  
    • mama.li
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:44pm

      Amen

      Report Post » mama.li  
  • zman173rd
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:47am

    You know if this gets overturned she’ll win becuse most of the voters are hispanic or lean that way since this is a border town. The article said she graduated high school? If I were her I would sue the school system for allowing me to graduate without a having a working language in english. The school is a government agency, why didn’t it enforce something that she would have to deal with later? If our government schools allow people with under educated skills to graduate they are as much a part of this fiasco as she is. You reap what you sew. I’ll bet she will be on the ballot because this will become an issue of RACE.

    Report Post » zman173rd  
  • Black Conservative
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:47am

    Only in America will you see someone try and sue he government because they are being denied privileges based on the ability to speak the language of the country you live in. Try going to ANY OTHER COUNTRY and demand an interpreter, or demand certain things be given to you in YOU native tongue and not the national language of the country you live in and see what happens. You get a big fat NO.Good work Obama.

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:11am

      I will give credit to obama for that which is his; this however has been going on for decades. The information age has reached some semblance of maturity this century and the progs hate it. It simply pulls hard vacuum to have the facts (information) easily available for any SANE person to see.
      The credit for the proficiency in English lies with our educators (Dept of Education); and the Dept of Immigration.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • Lee_in_PA
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:46am

    the article says she’s graduated from a US high school in YUMA AZ and cannot speak/comprehend English well enough to serve on council? WHAT part of her education has failed?

    Report Post » Lee_in_PA  
    • R4M0N
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:02am

      I was about to ask the same question… How on earth did she graduate High School in the first place?

      Report Post »  
    • Espada
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:21am

      Kids in Detroit “graduate” from high school, and I can’t understand their “English,” either.

      Report Post »  
    • aerorepairo
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:29am

      She got her free education in the public school system, enough said! But I wonder if the person who wrote this article purposely didn’t disclose how long she has lived in the United States? Reminds me about an event last year in Texas where the Arlington State Senator scolds Antonlin Aguirre’s inability to use english in a testimony against Senate Bill 9, the so-called ‘sanctuary cities’ bill that would toughen restrictions on illegal immigrants. The senator asks Antonlin who stated he has lived in Texas for 23 years, “Why aren’t you speaking in English, then?” This Link below explains it all! This is Classic!

      http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/06/17/arlington-state-sentator-why-arent-you-speaking-english/

      Report Post » aerorepairo  
    • RodentKing
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:35am

      She gave BJ’s to the teachers

      Report Post »  
    • irritated1
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:33am

      It all goes back to the old…Make the playing field level for all…Never mind passing on your own merits. This is why we have the “Entitlement mentality” in our country today. Why should Jimmy work twice as hard as Joe, if Joe will have the same diploma Jimmy has with half the work. Besides, we don’t want Joe to feel any less intelligent…even though he is. Everyone gets a trophy! W.T.F. is happening to our country?

      Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:44am

    What difference does it make anyway? We elected a POTUS that is as dumb as a box of rocks…so what? The people of Yuma can learn some new cuss words in a different language now.

    This story makes me want to puke. To see how far our Nation has slid in 3 short years.

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:14am

      We have been standing on a cliff; someone pushed.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • iblvingd
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:31am

      America has been asleep while George HW, Clinton, George W, and now Obama (the progressive movement) have had the plan in place (Earth Summit Rio 1992) , for America to no longer be a nation by 2012. The 20 year mark and new convention scheduled for the first week in June. Obama has had more incentive via Soros to act swiftly to make it happen. Do your home work, they hide nothing! But Americans find the easier road to sleep through it all and keep their heads buried in the sand. Oh ya remember its a conspiracy theory to most…the reality is oh so close to being shown.

      Americans chose to live in the convenient world made by the big corporations all based in China.
      Its all about worldly possessions and carnal desire. The last thing most Americans need is God to remind them of anything good and our real purpose for living on this earth. The tower of Babel lives here.

      Report Post »  
  • Dahart
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:43am

    This all stated with amnesty.

    Report Post » Dahart  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:03am

      Yes, you are so right. Our leaders are giving these illegals free passes to enter our country through the back door with no consequences. We, the American people must set an example by following the law for all the world to see how good we are. That is racist if you ask me. Why should we have to follow the law and another group of people get a free pass?

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • nzkiwi
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:43am

    If you want to stand for office in any country, it goes without saying that you must be able to speak the language of that country.

    She should learn to speak english and then try again.

    Report Post »  
    • Nanner-SW
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:56am

      It is a matter of respect, you use language appropriately. Example, one uses proper English when dealing with others in the public/outside their group or in a professional setting and use their own unique dialect/slang at home with family and friends. The Hispanic culture really should not be having this much difficulty grasping this concept. Their language is influence heavily by what is formal (what to say to show respect) and informal (what to say to show familiarity).

      Report Post » Nanner-SW  
  • IMPEACHBHO
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:43am

    BHO voted against English as our official language.
    http://youtu.be/7kqVZUCRth0?t=17m21s

    Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:42am

    It’s just not fair! Bush had a problem with English proficiency and he made it all the way to the White House…Twice!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • THXll38
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:45am

      Damnnnn now that was a good one!

      Report Post » THXll38  
    • kalayaan
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:03pm

      There is a big difference…Bush can understand my crooked English but this lady cannot…I can ask Bush for direction if I get lost, this lady cannot….

      Obama is not proficient in English either and also not proficient in US geography but became the President…

      Report Post »  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:42am

    http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/

    Report Post »  
    • UBETHECHANGE
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:51am

      Great book, scary, but a real eye opener. Every American needs to read that book!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:42am

    Is she an illegal alien on welfare ? Cuz 72% of illegals are on welfare…. Hmm why are we broke ?

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:52am

      Because we have to pay for their 40 oz and drugs and illegitimate kids,that’s part of the reason.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:56am

      Because we are the country that keeps on giving and giving and giving! Enough I say. We need to stop giving millions and billions to other countries. Lets start with Mexico and see how fast we can start paying off our debt.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • Locked
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:41am

    Let the voters decide at a local level. There is no national language, but there‘s also no reason why a state can’t write it into their laws or constitution; and if it IS written into it (like it is in AZ), they have no cause to dispute it through the courts.

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:46am

      So we could get a Mandarin speaking Han immigrant, a Korean, a Spanish speaker from Honduras, a Swede, a Non-Mandarin speaker form Canton, a Swahili speaker all elected to city council & expect business to get done.

      You are all kinds of special Locked!

      Report Post »  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:48am

      Yes I’m sure that will stop them…

      Report Post »  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:19am

      At first thought I’d say they were right to bar her…then again, would it be better that she spoke perfect english but not a word of spanish and be unable to converse with the prople she represents?

      I (unfortunately) live in Yuma at this time, and I must say…it is the armpit of Arizona.

      They recently announced several roads in terrible condition would have to have their repairs tabled for another year or so, because money was tight…and because they had already committed to building 5 soccer fields.

      Staff from twelve various pharmacy’s, doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. met in a huge local park at 3AM one very cold morning in December. Why? To set up for 5 hours of giving free flu shots to those crossing the border from mexico into the US. That is when the border opens and the field workers cross over. It is also when many people living in mexico but who work in Arizona cross the border to begin their day. I shouldn’t say they were “free” though…they were each given various flu shot “vouchers” which were then charged to insurance companies for the poor…which we pay for with our taxes. Why did they do this? They charge the insurance company’s $29.99 for the shot which costs $1.25

      One schools sports teams official name is “The Criminals”…that should give you an idea.

      Only shining point in Yuma is its first class Police department.

      As soon as I can get a transfer and sell mey house for close to what I owe…I’m outta here.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:57am

      The_Almighty_Creestof
      Why couldn’t she speak fluent English & impeccable Spanish. That would work.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:59am

      I am still mad at LOCKED & will remain so.

      Los Angeles has ballots printed in several languages. The city council would run well if city assembly men, councilors or whatever they call them each spoke a different language?

      Report Post »  
    • WatchOutForTheRINOShills
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 10:39am

      The_Almighty_Creestof

      Yes, Yuma High School’s mascot is the Criminals but what you fail to explain or appreciate is that it is a nod to Yuma history as the regional jail for the Arizona Territory. In 1910, the high school in Yuma burned down and the city had to use the Yuma Territorial Prison (which had been shut down) until the bond was passed to pay for and rebuild the school. In 1912, the High School went to Phoenix to play for the state championship and the Phoenix students tried to deride Yuma by calling them “criminals.” The name stuck, has now been copyrighted, and the bars from the old prison are at the gate to the sports field. Yes, it is unusual but it reflects a part of Yuma’s history from one hundred years ago, and while you may not fully appreciate Yuma because yes, it IS HOT, maybe you should go visit the local museum and learn about the true, hard-working pioneers and natives who lived in that land and built that region. I had to drive there in a car that lost its air conditioning on the way and it was horrible – yes, I’m a wimp. But it made me fully appreciate the strength of the people who were there originally and/or came there on horseback and in covered wagons, had to travel in the cool of the night, and built a town, state and country. Instead of hating Yuma, why don’t you do some research and appreciate the brave souls who built the community?

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:32am

      @Walkabout

      If the city wanted to, sure. Who are you, in XYZ City, to demand that another city follow YOUR rules? A Democrat? Leave it local; there is NO official language for the country, so unless a Constitutional amendment passes making English the national language, it should be left to states or even smaller areas.

      If the city wants to pay for translators, go ahead. It‘s their city’s money. If the residents don’t like it, they should do like AZ did and pass a law requiring English proficiency (and describe what proficient is so they don’t run into this situation).

      No idea why the idea of “let the people decide for themselves” upsets you so much. It’s the basis of individual freedoms and small government.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:52pm

      Locked
      I have lived in countries with a national ID cards & a national language. Right now they are doing pretty good.

      I guess anything to complicate communication is A-OK.

      Trying to discuss TIF districts or anything else has got to be a lot slower with an interpreter or more frustrating when someone thinks they get it but they actual don;t because their language skills suck. BTW my immediate family coves 5 non English languages, but we would never think to run government in a non English language in the U.S.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:53pm

      I hope you noticed that all the people filing the official complaints had Hispanic surname & weren’t WASPS or did that escape you?

      Report Post »  
  • Lee_in_PA
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:40am

    When I was in Japan the signs were in JAPANESE.. IMAGINE THAT.. This is the USA where people speak English. If you want to run for office and speak Spanish.. perhaps you need to learn another language. Sorry if that sounds racist.

    BIKERR I agree it is a litmus test. Hope it fails.

    Report Post » Lee_in_PA  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:45am

      You are a racist or a Rosetta Stone salesman…hehehe

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • USAFLgirl
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:30am

      …..or, perhaps you need to move to a Spanish speaking country so you can run for office there!

      Report Post » USAFLgirl  
  • bucklywheat
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:39am

    She should go back to her own country and run for office?

    Report Post »  
  • Corwin of Amber
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:38am

    “the law doesn’t define proficiency” What kind of simpletons obtain law degrees these days? Soon, they’ll be asking us to define sex…or…is. Miss Cabrera needs to remember the three most important Spanish words in America, “Hasta la vista,” baby.

    Report Post » Corwin of Amber  
    • booger71
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:00am

      What kind of simpletons obtain law degrees these days?
      ===================
      Well Barry-O for one

      Report Post » booger71  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 9:18am

      How about these words in English: ” GET THE FORNICATE OUT!

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • momsense
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:40pm

      A lot of people who don’t like work.

      Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:35am

    It’s a set up litmus test I tell ya!

    Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:41am

      Ok, supposedly this woman graduated from a high school in the US, but she doesn’t speak English? Maybe someone should take a closer look at her birth certificate.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:35am

    This America-the official language is English….Hello…….Oh you poor soul – the admin. will come to your defense…..this is discrimination!!!! NOT!!!

    Report Post »  
  • THXll38
    Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:34am

    If I cannot speak fluent Spanish and the official language is Spanish, can I run for higher office in other countries that speak Spanish? The answer . . . I highly doubt it, but then again, I would not run for office if I could not speak the language fluently. The freaking gull of some people.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 8:49am

      A person like LOCKED would say you should be able to do just that.

      But if LOCKED was ever in a Spanish speaking country you know they would remain forever silent on the issue. LOCKED is one way.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:36am

      @Walkabout

      Funny that you can’t even respond to the proper thread, but the point of the OP is rather moot. English is not our official language.

      Also, I speak fluent Spanish and English (and a smattering of French, Korean, and Japanese), so I could actually do both :-). I’m guessing you never learned a second language, Walkabout?

      Report Post »  
    • aggiebrewer
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:41pm

      Locked:
      So your position is that we should have government offices and businesses offer MANY languages available for everyone. english is just ONE of those available? How many is too many? Is there a limit or do we just add ALL languages?
      With your claimed linguistic proficiency answer me this….why is it when Americans want english spoken in Japan on business or in Germany on vacation or if we move to the mid east we are called ‘ugly Americans’? Does the reverse NOT apply? No? Why not?
      Why is it that immigrants used to forbid their kids from speaking anything but english here so as to make them understand the value of being one of US? An un-hyphenated American, period. Now we are divided along cultural lines because of vapid philosophies like yours.
      If your kid made up his own language and refused to speak one you understood would you go along or make him change? I hate to think you would let him control you like multiculturalism controls this nation.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on January 31, 2012 at 2:52pm

      @Aggie
      “So your position is that we should have government offices and businesses offer MANY languages available for everyone.”

      No, my position is two-fold:
      First, Walkabout is a moron.
      Second, that whatever the people want the language to be in, they should let the language be in. Locally. There’s no Constitutionally mandated language. If there’s a state-mandated language, that takes priority. But if a city is mostly Chinese and wants Mandarin, they can do so barring any higher authority banning it.

      “answer me this….why is it when Americans want english spoken in Japan on business or in Germany on vacation or if we move to the mid east we are called ‘ugly Americans’? Does the reverse NOT apply? No? Why not?”
      Because those areas have national languages? Because the people expect poor attitudes from visiting Americans because that’s what they see on TV? That’s a political science question, not a language one. If you think that’s “wrong,” how can you justify it here in the US? Saying “well they do it, why can’t we?” is a foolish argument if you’re trying to argue America is better than other countries.

      “If your kid made up his own language and refused to speak one you understood would you go along or make him change? I hate to think you would let him control you like multiculturalism controls this nation.”
      As a parent, I’d tell my kid that he obeys me until he moves out. Your local government can pass laws doing the same, can’t they?

      Report Post »  
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