Constitutional? Santorum Says Puerto Rico Must Adopt English to Become U.S. State
- Posted on March 15, 2012 at 9:50am by
Billy Hallowell
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Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum has had an astounding week. With primary wins in Alabama and Mississippi under his belt, the candidate took his campaigning to Puerto Rico, where he is hoping to drum up support. But in an interview with El Vocero newspaper, Santorum made a comment about the English language that is gaining mass attention. He said that, though he supports Puerto Rico’s right to pave its own political path, he does not support a state in which English is not the primary language.
“Like any other state, there has to be compliance with this and any other federal law,” Santorum is quoted as saying. “And that is that English has to be the principal language. There are other states with more than one language such as Hawaii but to be a state of the United States, English has to be the principal language.”
Reuters called this quote “a statement at odds with the Constitution,” reporting that there is no stipulation that a state must officially adopt the English language. “…The U.S. Constitution does not designate an official language, nor is there a requirement that a territory adopt English as its primary language in order to become a state,” Reuters reports.
The outlet went on to speculate that these comments could hurt Santorum among Hispanic voters — specifically right-leaning Puerto Ricans who typically maintain that language and culture are state, not federal issues. Outside of Puerto Rico, such comments could alienate Santorum to a degree in Florida, which is a swing state with a large Hispanic population.
Rep. Pedro Pierluisi (D), of Puerto Rico reacted to Santorum’s comments, saying:
“It‘s incorrect to say that there’s a federal law imposing English as the only official language in our states. The Constitution doesn’t provide anything along those lines either. And in Puerto Rico, as a matter of fact, we have two official languages, English and Spanish. Santorum’s view is narrow and limiting view of what America is all about. English is the predominant language in the U.S. and will continue to be so, whether Puerto Rico becomes a state or not. In Puerto Rico, 90 percent of our parents want their children to become fluent in English. So, it’s a non-issue and shouldn’t be a factor in determining whether Puerto Rico can join the Union or not.”
Watch these comments, below:
It is important to note that without video, we don’t yet know the full context of the quote or if it was adequately conveyed. Either way, it’s likely this is an issue that the candidate will be commenting on and clarifying in the near future.
Also, this morning on CNN’s “Starting Point,” The Blaze’s Will Cain offered a defense for Santorum. Mediaite has more:
Starting Point regular Will Cain waded in to defend Santorum. “Although (there is) no federal law requiring English the official language, when Louisiana was brought into the country, the government said you need to adopt English as your official language.”
He’s referring to the Louisiana Enabling Act, which says that “the laws which such state may pass shall be promulgated and its records of every description shall be preserved, and its judicial and legislative written proceedings conducted in the language in which the laws and the judicial and legislative written proceedings of the United States are now published and conducted.”
Cain also referenced a similar act passed prior to Oklahoma’s achievement of statehood, which required public schools with classes taught in English, and concluded “Let’s not paint Santorum as a doofus. This is not unprecedented.”
Here’s the video:
Despite what some see as a flap over language, Santorum did support the notion that the island’s own people should decide its fate. Currently, both English and Spanish are recognized as Puerto Rico’s official languages. In November, the U.S. commonwealth will vote regarding whether it would like to become a state or continue on with its current relationship with the mainland.
On Sunday, Puerto Rico will hold its primary, which will offer GOP candidates the opportunity to secure 20 delegates.
This story has been updated.
(H/T: Huffington Post)
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Comments (115)
COFemale
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:25amI am sorry wasn’t it the FEDERAL government that mandated that our schools provide Spanish speaking teachers so Spanish speaking students could learn English? If the Federal government can mandate that, then they can mandate that English be the official language. This does not stop them from speaking Spanish, it just means they will have to teach ENGLISH in the schools. I think this is fair. The left thinks because we make English the official language it means you stop speaking your own. No, you can speak your language to friends, family etc. The United States is an English speaking country, it is OUR official language – you need to learn it. We have already cow-towed to you by providing Spanish speaking people for you, which enables you NOT to learn English.
When I lived in Germany I learned Deutsch. When I lived in Turkey I learned Turkish. Stop being ANAL leftist.
Report Post »HappyStretchedThin
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:36pmThe US has no official language. I looked it up here (never confuse de facto and de jure “officialness”): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_where_English_is_an_official_language
Report Post »I also think you’re just factually mistaken about the Feds forcing Spanish teachers on schools. I may be wrong, but I believe that was a STATE mandate in CA (and perhaps elsewhere). I’ll be happy to bend to the facts if you can produce a link for me.
In any case, conservatives like us believe it’s wrong for government to go beyond constitutional bounds and force any behavior that should be ours to control. Including linguistic. Don’t become the enemy by being inconsistent in your conservative beliefs.
survivorseed
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:01pmYou think sharia law is bad…wait until you get a taste of santorum law.
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:18amIt’s starting be obvious that a lot of useless eaters are sitting around just looking for something to b*tch about. I don’t like sitting in a resturant or anyplace listening to someone speaking in another language. They could be talking about me. Well thats to damn bad on my part. Learning another language has it’s benifits. So now you have a reason to utilize some of that B*tchen time, on something costructive. Learn a language dumb a**es. GOD BLESS AMERICA and INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
Report Post »SychinLegacy
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:49amThe significance of this story has nothing to do with people speaking Spanish or English. This story is significant because it shows just how Santorum DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE CONSTITUTION.
As much as I would like English to be the national language, no where in the constitution does it say that it is. Nor does it say the federal government has the right to declare a national language. At best it’s a state issue meaning if Puerto Rico were to become a state they would get to vote on what their state language would be as per the 10th amendment.
Santorum thinks that constitutionality means it agrees with his opinion. Not that it agrees with the constitution.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:00pmWow – Santorum sure missed the boat on this one! the people of Puerto Rico have voted twice to becoma a USA state and it hasn’t passed yet. Duh – no income taxes! They get food stamps, welfare and our protection from other countrys. I wish we could vote to have Oklahoma become a terrority and have all we have now without the income taxes.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:09pmI lived in Europe for 10 years… and found that their Classic Eduction System left them skilled in 4 or more Languages… allowing them interaction between neighbors… but resulting in Fewer Technical Skills… so they had to Employ people alike me!
Good Luck building the Tower Babel!
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:25pmSYCHINLEGACY
Sadly the two that DO UNDERSTAND THE CONSTITUTION are trailing in the primaries: PAUL & GINGRICH
So, does this mean that people do not care for the truth; people want to get more of other people’s money; or perhaps something else?
Report Post »P3ngnr
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:03pm@turkey13
Report Post »Hold on now Bub When I joined the US Navy from Puerto Rico (Served in Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afganistan, and a few more times in Iraq, now retired) I was a Puerto Rico resident and I payed income taxes and they are extreamly Hi. Right around 23% as a single sailor. Our system is just more complex than the US IRS code (wow it feel weird to even say it). On top of it all they naw have a VAT tax. Yes I came to my senses and changed it to Virginia were I was stationed at the time. Now Maryland.
Trust me WE PAY ALOT! Unfortunatly we have third world mentality (corrupt) politicians and just like in the mainland US, we have a massive entitlement problem.
When the new Governor let go of a large percentage of public workers the was a mass outrage. Ultimately it made financial sense but he was demonized for it.
How ever you look at it there are 4,500,000 US citizens without voting representation and unable to vote in the US general elections for president.
Taxation without Representation (sound familiar?).
Either make them a state or cut them loose, their current state is unconstitutional scince they were made US citizens in 1917.
marybethelizabeth
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:07amWhen New Mexico became a state their legislative sessions were conducted in Spanish.
But that was a different time. The hatred for the other was not so much of a vocal issue in the radical right wing political structure.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:14amMARYBETHELIZABETH, Read the comments below and you will see that only a very few of them agree with Santorum. The greater majority of the conservatives believe in less government in our lives telling us how we live our lives and conduct ourselves as good little liberal drones. You are either thoroughly misinformed, or you are trying to thoroughly misinform others.
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:14amWe probably have the Mexican drug cartel violence to blame for the difference in how this is being perceived, plus maybe the fact that Americans are footing the medical and education bills of alot of illegal aliens. At some point a line is drawn on how much is given to embrace with open arms.
Report Post »SGinNC
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:22amDo you have any proof that Santorum is hateful or that he was the one that brought up this subject? I have seen on numerous occasions a reporter will ask a loaded question, knowing that no matter how the person responded he would be beat over the head with it. As far as your vile hate, branding all Conservatives with ugly accusations, we will not be intimidated anymore with your lies.
Report Post »marybethelizabeth
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:25amYou misunderstood me. I said nothing about conservatives. I characterized the far radical right.
See the slippery slope argument.
First they start speaking Spanish.
Then they start dealing drugs.
Then they start stealing our health care and education.
We have to draw the line somewhere.
I believe the Keys do more damage to their cause than I ever could.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:30amI am sure that Spanish was spoken as well as English. However, after they became a state the official language became ENGLISH. So what is your point.
If Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory already becomes a state, then the official language of the United States is ENGLISH. Get that through your pea brain. This does not mean they stop speaking Spanish, which is what you all think. We want to eliminate their native language. No we don’t. When conducting official business with the US. English is the language. We already provide Spanish for Spanish speaking people here, so why can’t they learn English in Puerto Rico. Tit for Tat. Don’t you think?
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:42amMARYBETHELIZABETH, Don’t believe that I misread your statement. I feel that you are lumping all of the right in together, and I also don’t know what the radical right is other than a way for the media to bash the conservatives about the head and shoulders when it is to their benefit. You never hear them refer to the radical left do you? The farther right that our government goes literally means less government.
Report Post »marybethelizabeth
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:19pmThe man running for president want everyone to speak English.
Is it the liberals who want intimate control of every aspect of your life, like what language you speak?
Of course I hear conversation over the public airways about the radical left everyday. It‘s so common that you probably don’t even notice it anymore.
But you put me in you box that says liberal without even knowing me.
The farther right government goes doesn’t mean less government, it means less people have a say in the introduction, adoption, and enforcement of societies, laws, rules and regulations.
At the farthest end of the right is the lone decider, the dictator.
Report Post »rationallyurs
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:25pmignorant biatch
Report Post »SGinNC
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:27pmWhen a Liberal uses the term “Radical Right” they are referring to Social Conservatives, and Marybethelizabeth I knew exactly too who you were referring. Mr. Santorum is a Social Conservative unlike Mr. Romney who is a Fiscal Conservative and a moderate so he gets a pass from Libs and the Republican establishment, because they believe that a true Christian or Social Conservative has no way in hell of being supported by Americans and they push this belief every day. I believe they are wrong BTW.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:35pmMARYBETHELIZABETH, If you will simply read my first post here you will see that I disagreed with Santorum on this subject. Not only did I live in Tampa in the ’70s around many who spoke Spanish as their first language, but a number of Italian descendents. Not only that, I have lived in other non English speaking countries. I find it refreshing to learn of other societies as well as try their foods. It does not bother me in any way. As for a political party trying to run every other facet of our lives, that would be the democrats, and it takes big government to do that. I want small government, and for even that to get out of our lives. I see no problem if English was to become our official language, but as long as nobody tries to enforce it upon us. And yes, that could come from either party. I would see an official language as a simplification of our government doing it’s day to day business….at a lower cost. But, I don’t want anything even remotely similar to a French like overbearing idiotic rule of law.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:39pmMARYBETHELIZABETH, Forgot to add that you are definately wrong with your view of the farthest reach of the right. The terms of left and right in our governments goes back to the early Greek democracy. It is simply a graph with that illustrates the far left as being totalitarianism, while the farthest right being no government or actually total anarchy. What we want is to be somewhere in the middle. So, it would take a left wing government to have a dictator.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:30pmCOFemale
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:30am
I am sure that Spanish was spoken as well as English. However, after they became a state the official language became ENGLISH. So what is your point.
If Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory already becomes a state, then the official language of the United States is ENGLISH.
Report Post »______________________________
Listen home schooled drop out, THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT HAVE AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. The de facto language is english, but it is not the official. One could make the tea ****** argument, that the ability to create an official language is not granted to the Federal Government and is reserved to the States under the 10th Amendment.
marybethelizabeth
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 9:11pmThe term Liberal used to mean something different too.
Ever hear the term Fascist Dictator? Glenn Beck admitted this summer after the Scandinavian massacre that fascism was a right wing ideology.
Ever hear the phrase Anarchists and other Left Wing Radicals? Ted Kaczynski was a crazy left wing anarchist..
For years Glenn Beck lied to his audience with his crazy whirlwind theory of political ideologies, as if the world would abandon their models and accept his. Only his had too many holes. The theory fell apart at the first test.
.
A small government means fewer governmental services and those services will go to fewer people, typically the privileged elite, at the expense of the majority of the populace.
Since only a minority receives benefits a police state evolves to control the majority. Maybe deciding only 1 language can be spoken (we don’t want them communicating without understanding what they are saying).
This is the iron fisted dictatorship that
Mr. Beck advocates to save us from the eminent social chaos.
An iron fisted dictatorship. Is Mr. Beck left wing?
Report Post »hogtrashhd
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:04amah yes.. another 4th world country.. just what we needed.. more freeloaders…
Report Post »Nevermind
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:53amRJJinGadsden
I’m retired military and former civilian cop, so I speak international phonetic alphabet. You may want to look it up and learn it some day. I’m in Alabama right now and will not be able to make your suggested meeting today. Furthermore, I’ll be 60 next year, and would relish such a meeting, especially if your suggestion is a veiled threat. I can still easily take care of myself. As for the name calling, I just took it from your name calling to see if you could take it. So, go look at yourself in the mirror for that childish reflection
******
I served as well but the word you were trying to spell is an acronym and i was trying to educate you. I suggest you stay in Alabama where calling names may be a fun time, you may be alot of former things but in the end you are a 60 year old that talks big and cant back it up. If you want to call someone a punk dont be surprised when you get called out on it. Funny you call me childish yet you are the one calling names. Logic seems to escape you TEA/GOP folks so i suggest you sit in the safety of your basement and call names. You clearly cant back up what you say, go take a pain pill and watch Lawrence Welk.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:16amI know what the word is. Shall you go for Fornication Under Consent of the King next?
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:19amGo back and read your original post. You will see that it was you who started with the name calling. Can dish it, but can’t take it. And, you are continuing to do so. But, can‘t blame you since I’ve stirred you up now. Did you expect just all of us to sit back and simply take your trashing of us? If so, it’s sounds to me that you just pushed the fool button.
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:52amhttp://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/03/14/republican-candidates-head-puerto-rico-ahead-primary/
Report Post »Santorum is only in favor of Puerto Rico becoming a state if the people overwelming want it …not if they only get a 51% in favor of it.
That country has their cake and are eating too so why would they go along with Fortuno? Fortuno wants Romney. Santorum‘s comment didn’t need to happen.
The discussion over official language is stepping into territory that need not be stepped into. It makes me think that Santorum doesn’t know when to keep quiet. There are 20 delegates at stake here. He need not lie but he need not put it out there as a foot in mouth statement either. Being president is going to mean using some diplomacy and being tactful. If he is not smart enough to keep his mouth shut when he needs to ….??????????????
P8riot
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:28pmSuch a great point that many have missed! This is just another example of how Santorum doesn’t know how or when to convey a message. He’s not only an economic lightweight but also a diplomatic lightweight (and for those people who will reply that he ‘says what he wants’ need to remember that the president is NOT a talk show host – but a leader of both sides of the aisle).
Report Post »nd4speed
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 11:02amVery well stated, J2B2. So far, you have stated my sentiments on several posts. I like Both Santorum and Gingrich but I believe they are both unelectable and our mission should be to unseat Obama. I have read enough leftie posts to know they consider Romney the real threat to Obama’s re-election. While Romney is not my pick, I have boarded the Romney train and focus on getting the Obamanation out of the WH. That is where our energies should be used now. The Obama express has already begun it’s powerful run….
Report Post »Lotus503
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:49amThere is nothing wrong with stipulating that any territory that is applying for statehood must make English their primary language.
Becoming a State is a privilege to be granted by the people of the United States…it’s not an automatic right.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:55amFrom what I have read, they don’t want to become a state. I wouldn’t if I were Puerto Rico!!
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:12amProgressive politicians in US and Puerto Rico are pushing for statehood. The people of Puerto Rico are better off staying as is without the statehood. While there is nothing wrong with stating they need to have English as the primary language it was not a wise move on Santorum’s part in my opinion. He need not have mentioned it. Why did he mention it if no one is pressing for an answer on it? Leave it be. He is only alienating voters with unsolicited advise. Those 20 delegate votes and many hispanic votes in other states will not be going his way. He needs to learn when to keep his mouth just shut.
Report Post »Nevermind
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:34amRJJinGadsden
NEVERMIND, You are full of Sierra Hotel India Tango, or maybe that should be full of yourself, the same thing. Typical liberal punk, hunh?
*********
Actually the word you were trying to say is an acronym meaning shipped high in transport, you should look up it. As far as the liberal punk thing? You can meet me on the corner of 13th and L in DC today to find out. If you dont care to take me up on the offer i suggest you leave the name calling to children. Run along
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:41amI’m retired military and former civilian cop, so I speak international phonetic alphabet. You may want to look it up and learn it some day. I’m in Alabama right now and will not be able to make your suggested meeting today. Furthermore, I’ll be 60 next year, and would relish such a meeting, especially if your suggestion is a veiled threat. I can still easily take care of myself. As for the name calling, I just took it from your name calling to see if you could take it. So, go look at yourself in the mirror for that childish reflection.
Report Post »Joey8
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:43ammeet me behind the old willow tree at 3pm, and bring your roller skates. Ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:44amAlmost forgot, the transit of manure is not what I was going for at all.
Report Post »HappyStretchedThin
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:32amUs conservatives should be consistent: we don’t want govt influence in our lives EXCEPT where the constitution says it has a legitimate role. You guys who want to enforce English-only laws are either not conservative, or not consistent in your conservative principles.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:37pmAn official language means that said government will conduct business in that language only. thereby saving said government money.
Report Post »Speak whatever you want in everyday life, when conducting affairs with government representatives ( includes police, EMT’s) speak official language.
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:31amSantorum said PRIMARY language, not official language. Leave it up to the MSM to make hay of nothing. I think we DO need to MAKE English our official language, though.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:42amActually, he said principle.
Report Post »Minonkman
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:28amI like Santorum more everyday,he is right on target. Our once great country has been belittle for way to long. I would even charge for government forms that were not in English.
Report Post »hogtrashhd
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:27amokay.. i agree with Santorum.. Fox is propping up Romney.. I don’t care for either one… but I agree with Santorum.. mitt is on in glowing interviews it seems like at least once every half hour.. i’m beginning to hate his face and voice… it’s waaaaaaaaaay over the line. especially when they do have gingrich or santorum on and they pretty much are snotty to them.. i’m not liking this.
Report Post »whereareyourbrains
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:35amWhen they do get the other candidates on their shows……they tend to ask what they think of Mitts views. Or what do you think Mitt would do? Or do you think Mitt is over the line? etc..
Report Post »They rarely ask these guys their programs……….Gretta does with Newt. I don’t see these morning shows doing anything but cater to Mitt. I also am already tired of seeing his face. I turn it off, like I do Obama……………………that is not a good feeling.
Boycott the Media Let the People Decide
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:12amIf Santorum and Mitt is the choices, 2012 is the year the GOP dies and GOP is the only way I’ve ever voted, but will gladly help in destroying this party if they continue picking John McCain/George Bush candidates….
Report Post »whereareyourbrains
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:27amWow Fox is giving Mitt a lot of air time right now. And they deny helping him………He has been getting inteview MSNBC style. He is getting protected like Obama was…………………..how hypocritical.
Report Post »Romney is acting like he is the new crowned king already……………I see a lot of Obama in him…arrogant………….
jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:37amI do see your point. Romney gives off a vibe sometimes where it reminds me of Obama but anybody is better than Obama. I’m more worried about losing the whole thing if Santorum gets it. The young voters ..college age…for some odd reason just can’t stand Santorum. Everyone is telling us Romney has the best chance with the idiot independents and maybe that is why Fox is pushing him. The supreme court could be a nightmare if Obama is choosing the next two. We have to get Obama out and even though Romney is not my choice I can be on board with him. I’d want Gingrich the most but there is no chance he will win now…too much baggage. Reality is setting in. Santorum is a nice guy but he is going to alienate many even though I like that he has the guts to stand by his faith and ideals.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:26amAnother non-issue having time wasted on it.
Why should Puerto Rico become a state anyway? What value does America gain from that happening? Since when did America get into the business of creating a state to simply appease some of its citizenry???
Crazy.
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:18amDemocrats want another blue state.
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:26amIf the Puerto Ricans vote on Nov. 6th to become a state and congress approves it then they will be required to pay income taxes which they are not required to do while being a commonwealth. Why would they vote to become the 51st state? Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate is about 15%.
Report Post »They currently are US citizens and can serve in the military but cannot vote in presidential elections but do not pay federal income taxes. Why do they get 20 delegates on Sunday? They get a vote on who the candidates are but not on actually voting in the election. Wierd rules in my opinion.
Santorum may have stepped in doodoo with this one.
If they do become the 51st state their state will be blue and not red. I hope they just stay as is. Becoming a state would probably mean the Democrats will win forever. We don’t need them or their tax money.
SpeckledPup
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:25amif Puerto Rico keeps on accepting American MONEY and defenses and perks, they better become a US state and OFFICIALLY adopt the American English language… or cut them loose and let them sink.
Report Post »sbs21078
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:24amForget the learning English language part, we can’t even afford the 50 states we have now let alone taking on another state. Goofball!
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:18amENGLISH IS the “main” language of the USA. Just like FRANCE list it’s official language as FRENCH, our’s is ENGLISH! Our founding fathers established English, from the Brittish, as the language of the States when they came here and settled. When did that change? The OFFICIAL language of the USA is still ENGLISH.
Report Post »HappyStretchedThin
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:28amTake it from this conservative linguist: you need to get your facts and conservative principles straight. In France, French is the official language because there are LAWS that forced their minority language groups there to speak it. Several regional languages originally found in France are dead or near dead because of it. You want to say that’s a good thing because France is now unified, fine. But forcing people to talk a certain way is NOT the way this country was founded. English is the MAIN language in the US, but has NEVER been an OFFICIAL one because there’s no force of law behind it. That’s the way it should be. We should be unified by language, yes, but because we want to be, not because the government forced us to be. Govt force doesn’t produce true unity anyway.
Report Post »Polarized America
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:34amFYI
In 1780, John Adams proposed to the Continental Congress that English should be declared the official language of the United States. His proposal was deemed “undemocratic and a threat to individual liberty.”
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:12amI am really beginning to wonder about Santorum now. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the U.S. Since a treaty in 1898, and it’s citizens were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. They have been accepted as part of this country all of this time the way they are. I served with a good number of fellow troops who were from Puerto Rico and in my opinion most spoke far better English than the OSW idiots. But, their common language is Spanish. For Santorum to want to make them to adopt English as their official language is going overboard. It is slowly changing to mostly English anyway as I have been told. I lived in Tampa back in the ’70s and it did not bother me at all that there were pockets of descendents of the original Spanish and Italian settlers who only spoke Spanish or Italian. It didn’t bother me in any way. Puerto Ricans being Puerto Ricans should not bother Santorum either.
Report Post »HappyStretchedThin
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:23amAmen RJ,
Report Post »The English language is one of the unifying forces in the country, but it needs no force of law to be effective as a culturally unifying element. Those immigrants you reference learned enough English to get by in public and made sure their kids learned English, even if it was easier for them to keep things in their native language at home–just like new immigrant groups do now. You can make English official all you want, people still won‘t speak it until it’s important enough for them to do so, and here, it just IS. An incredibly small minority of 2nd generation immigrants don‘t learn English here in the mainland because it’s just too seductive not to learn. Puertoriqueños will learn it too, when it becomes important for them as a people–no need to force the issue.
jujubeebee
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:41amI doubt Santorum wants them for a state. Leave things alone. If it ain’t broke why fix it. Are they not happy enough over there in Puerto Rico being citizens without having to pay any federal income tax?
Report Post »The only ones pushing for statehood are some of their progressive politician and some of our progressive politcians. They can keep their language and their commonwealth status.
Nevermind
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:12amNo real surprise here. Just another GOP/TEA party politician that wraps themselves in the constitution but has no ideas what it actually says. I see this all of the time, folks on the right love to quote the 2nd amendment but its really all they know of the constitution. Sad but typical
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:18amNEVERMIND, You are full of Sierra Hotel India Tango, or maybe that should be full of yourself, the same thing. Typical liberal punk, hunh?
Report Post »HuskerDave
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:36amYeah, it’s not like he said there are 57 states, right?
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:11amFace, meet palm. I can understand his sentiment (that English is useful to know), but he’s definitely wrong about there being a federal law, Constitutional mandate, or even an official language in the United States. As most children in Puerto Rico must learn English in school anyway, his point is makes me scratch my head even more.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:09amI think this is a minor incident that will naturally be spun into a tale of racism and ignorance.
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:04amCan you imagine if Romney said this, it would be all over the news accusing him of not knowing the constitution but since its Santorum, the media is rather silent about it. Dems want Santorum so not surprising.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:15amGee..I wonder if the whole world can become a part of the United States if they adopt English..this pretty much makes sense now..If I recall correctly..Santorum worked hard on a bill to get medicade ($400 million sent to Puerter Rico..which he in turn received $395 thousand upon his being voted out of office.. I also understand that Santorum was voted 2 yrs running as being one of three of the most corrupt sentators. People on here who have had him in their state say he is just a big government guy.. Go GOP
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:22amAre you joking? The Democrats were the first ones to start the fallacy that Romney is the only candidate who is “electable”.
The GOP, the media (including Fox) and the Democrats have been pushing Romney from day one. The old cry is that Romney is the only one who can get the Indies and the “disgruntled Democrat” vote.
I‘d like to know which media you’ve been watching.
Report Post »Goldi
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:00amFrom Ace this morning:
Santorum went to San Juan, Puerto Rico yesterday, where he told a newspaper, El Vocero, that Puerto Rico should only gain statehood if the territory makes English its main language.
“As in any other state, you have to comply with this and any federal law. And that is that English has to be the main language,” Santorum told the paper. “There are other states with more than one language as is the case in Hawaii, but to be a state in the United States, English has to be the main language.”
Santorum is apparently unaware that English is compulsory in Puerto Rican schools from first through twelfth grade. He’s also apparently unaware that there is no federal law that says that “English has to be the main language.” The immediate response of the newspaper staff should have been: “Just what language do you think you’re speaking with us right now, idiota?”
Santorum then went to a town hall where he charmingly referred to himself as “Senator Puertorriqueño.” Next it was off to an evangelical church on the 85% Catholic island where he campaigned on social issues again. But please, he’s really tired of the media always bringing up social issues.
There are 20 Puerto Rican delegates at stake in Sunday’s primary. If a candidate wins a majority, he takes all 20 delegates. If no candidate wins a majority, delegates will be awarded proportionally to each candidate who gets more than 15% of the vote.
Report Post »Heaven help us!
Stuck_in_CA
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:29amRick is not prepared to be prez. Ppl are voting for him b/c he’s a nice guy. He’s sold himself as a principled conservative, but in his own words, “taken one for the team” at times. That’s selling out your own beliefs. What good are beliefs, if you ignore them for political gain?
Report Post »Mitt will owe literally millions & millions of $$$ to the lobbyists and Wall Streeters, if elected. The “good ol’ boys” club supports him big time. Aren’t THESE the guys we need to defeat?!? Aren‘t these the guys who’ve corrupted our system, and polluted the process???
On the other hand, the “establishment” HATES Newt Gingrich. HE IS the ONLY one candidate (of the top 3) who swears to CHANGE the way the political machine works.
NarnianWarrior
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:19pmStuck_in_CA
That makes two of us stuck in this liberal hell hole of insanity. I completely agree with you on your assertion that Newt is still the best man for the job. He has the experience, knowledge, prowess, leadership, intelligence and communication skills to take on the Obamamania machine.
Newt 2012
Report Post »Goldi
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 9:59amThis from Ace:
Santorum went to San Juan, Puerto Rico yesterday, where he told a newspaper, El Vocero, that Puerto Rico should only gain statehood if the territory makes English its main language.
“As in any other state, you have to comply with this and any federal law. And that is that English has to be the main language,” Santorum told the paper. “There are other states with more than one language as is the case in Hawaii, but to be a state in the United States, English has to be the main language.”
Santorum is apparently unaware that English is compulsory in Puerto Rican schools from first through twelfth grade. He’s also apparently unaware that there is no federal law that says that “English has to be the main language.” The immediate response of the newspaper staff should have been: “Just what language do you think you’re speaking with us right now, idiota?”
Santorum then went to a town hall where he charmingly referred to himself as “Senator Puertorriqueño.” Next it was off to an evangelical church on the 85% Catholic island where he campaigned on social issues again. But please, he’s really tired of the media always bringing up social issues.
There are 20 Puerto Rican delegates at stake in Sunday’s primary. If a candidate wins a majority, he takes all 20 delegates. If no candidate wins a majority, delegates will be awarded proportionally to each candidate who gets more than 15% of the vote.
But this is the man Beck supports! Eh gads!
Report Post »NarnianWarrior
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:11pmGoldi,
As a Hispanic living in the mainland, I completely disagree with that notion of mandating such requirement on Puerto Rico. Rick is absolutely wrong on that issue, so I hope he takes my advice and changes his position. Personally, as a Hispanic American, I do believe that English should be the primary language, but I think Puerto Rico is the exception rather than the rule.
I really do believe he made a error in judgement on that issue, because it give the nuts on the left more fodder for the fire. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Newt for President 2012
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