Should You Be Allowed To Vote/Drive In America If You Can’t Speak/Read English?
- Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:52pm by
Mike Opelka
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Just over a year from now America will cast ballots in the 2012 election. The Presidency is up for grabs, as is the entire House of Representatives, and a third of the Senate. Based on predictions from the pundits, voter turnout is expected to be strong. And, as we get closer to the Nov. 6, 2012, you can expect the contentious debate about standardizing the language of the ballots to resurface.
Some have suggested that printing the ballots in English-only is a great idea, but what about the tens of millions of people for whom English is a second language? Should the non-English speaking public be expected to learn the un-official language of the land in order to vote?
Or, is it appropriate for all eligible and registered voters to expect that the government will provide election support in whatever language they desire?
And what about the questions about drivers licenses and English?
As it concerns the privilege of driving a car in America, the question of English proficiency is also popping up again. Currently, nine states offer motor vehicle certification in English only (Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, & Wyoming…) That number is up from just five in 2005.
Of the 41 multi-lingual, driving-test states, most offer just English and Spanish, however some offer the test in a host of languages. The New York DMV website lists 13 languages available in printed forms. In California, you can take the written license test in more than 30 different languages.
Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Rumanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Tongan, Turkish, Vietnamese.
A curious fact – California offers printed tests in more than 32 languages, and yet all of the street signs are printed in only one language – English.
Where do you stand on the questions about requiring proficiency in English in order to vote and drive?
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Comments (414)
1947
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:26pmHow easy is this – NO -
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:24pmSimple answer, no.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:44pmIf it was only that simple…wait it is!… there’s so many “mexicans” that refuse to speak English…I know I used to live in California.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:01am@snow… i was going to say that exact same thing, exact words… LOL
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:04amI think you people are so far behind with your little amusing debates as if you are stuck 25 years ago. You should have been having these debates 25 years ago. You see, you have put people in power who have been waiting for these days for 120 years. And they are not going anywhere and I think it’s very unlikely they will leave with the U.S still standing.
Report Post »JMorcan
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:05amOf course those who are qualified should be allowed, but the US shouldn’t have to provide instructions in their native language.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:10amI know you find this hard to believe, but the lord has been treading back and forth in the vineyards of your hearts for well over 30 years trying to wake you up, and some Conservative Radio personalities heeded the call, but it seems to me you are much too late.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:15am@GodLovingMom — I live here in AZ, and we have many LEGAL, green card carrying spanish immigrants (from Mexico, Spain proper, and other latino countries where they wait years for the time to come here)…each of them works hard to learn the english language and to become citizens of the land.
One of my friends at the nearby church where I volunteer at, she is a grandmother, sells hand made tortillas and sandwiches to construction crews in the area, and practices with me her english skills.
I have to say, in less than eighteen months her skills have gone from basic “how are you…” to full paragraphs of intricate descriptions — and heaven help one of her kids that slips back into Spanish speaking around here — she slaps them on the head “Speak english…only…”
The day she becomes a full and legal citizen of the nation, we are planning to have a “welcome to America” party for her.
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:19amI can’t believe this is even an issue???
Report Post »How can anyone obtain a driver’s license without being able to read English? The street signs are ALL in English.
How dangerous is that!?
Wrong Way
One Way
Do Not Enter
Railroad Crossing
Do Not Pass, etc.
I’m so sick of the tolerance.
Meyvn
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:00amNo. And we wonder why we’re going broke? Insane.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:04amSnow..Thats exactly what the American dream is…and this friend of yours seems to be livin it…nice…I too have a friend from the Phillipines…she got her driving permit and asked me to teach her to drive…she knows nothing about driving…but I’m helping her…I love to see people who truly want to be Americans…as I said…when I lived in California…many of the mexicans there did not want to learn the basics, like our language…sad…they could go so much further if they did.
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:24amJust let anyone from any country vote in our US elections.
Report Post »We already see people voting multiple times, dead people voting, dogs, whatever.
If we’re going global, let the entire globe vote here.
Seriously, we’ve to some extent made our voting system fraudelent. Thats the agenda of the UN and Marxists here in the US. Let La Raza bus people around to vote wherever. Let Acorn do the same.
we’re going to have armed revolution, so let it begin.
Exrepublisheep
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:44amThe question leads right to illegal hispanics of course, but there are communities of non-english speakers in every major city that I know of. You don‘t have to speak English to be American so you can’t enforce a rule exempting them from voting especially.
bmwrider
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:51amWhere in the constitution does it say that rights are only reserved for English speakers?
Maybe conservative are more interested in MEIN KAMPF than the U.S. constitution.
Report Post »Lemon Party Patriot
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:18amSo far, The Blaze hasn’t reported on the story of the first mexican freight haulers being allowed to cross the border instead of passing off goods to u.s. workers, thereby eliminating u.s. jobs and threatening our security.
Seems like that would be catnip to this place.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:20amNo where in the constitution does it say you have to speak English…Common sense should tell you that!
Report Post »shift
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:36amThis is the same question I keep asking about the 50 percent of this country that is not paying taxes. Seriously if you are too f’n lazy to go out and work or you are living permanantly on the government dole, not counting the truly disabled then you shouldn’t be able to vote. I have a family member in Florida who knows someone who has overstayed their visa and she drove all the way back to Texas so that she could get a drivers license from a specific DPS office that was known by the latinos to allow people to get their drivers license no questions asked. When is this b.s. going to stop.
Report Post »mad_hatter
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:49amHerman Cain is strong on this issue. He stands by his principles and would one of two I think would be the best for the Presidency. Especially after seeing him handle himself in front of CNN’s Piers Morgan: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2011/oct/cain_piers_interview.html
Report Post »1ONE1
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:00amHere is a better question. If you go to another country on vacation or whatever and you understand the rules of the road and know what the traffic sign and lights mean but cannot speak their language should you be allowed to rent a vehicle in their country? Personally I believe if you can demonstrate that you can understand and obey the rules of the road then you should be allowed to drive even if you can’t speak the language of the country you are in. As far as citizenship goes, I think you should have some understanding of the language of the country you are in, however a lot of the people that have been born and lived here their entire lives can barely read or write English…
Report Post »scarebear83
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:22am@ Snowleopard “The day she becomes a full and legal citizen of the nation, we are planning to have a “welcome to America” party for her.”
That’s awesome :) If I make it back to the west in time it’d be awesome to come meet you all.
Report Post »312
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 4:21amIf you don’t read and speak English, how can you read and understand the Constitution to know the difference and your rights
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 5:07amNo! Also, there should be no driver’s license exams or ballots in any language but English.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 5:32amThe question is whether “people should be allowed to vote or drive if they don’t speak English?”
Report Post »The driving ‘privilege’ can go either way: Most roadsigns are now the ‘universal’ driving signs that nearly every person in the world knows and understands.
The question should be, “Should people who cannot speak or read English be allowed to take driver’s license tests?”
In that case: No. If they can’t read the test, they can’t answer the questions, they shouldn’t be given a license. (The tests should be in English only, BTW. Not in a multitude of languages.)
As to being allowed to vote… Definitely No, they should not be allowed to vote if they don’t speak English. As to who should be allowed to vote, since basically, only property owners have a vested interest in the country, only property owners should be allowed to vote, especially in issues involving property taxes.
tarbush
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:05amWhy not? The dead vote democratic every election. Mentally ill people are bussed in to the polls to vote democratic. How else would a democrat win?
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:13amDoes anyone know of any country that I
Report Post »Can sneak into be given money, given health care, given reduced
and paid for education(which they don’t want to use just make sure I pay for it), free rides on not only breaking the law by being here,
And to be protected for dui’s and other charges
The answer is a resounding NO
drago
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:29am@ekiasim aka encinom
Report Post »Huh? Dude, like lay off the crack for a change, dude…….
loriann12
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:36am@Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
I agree. I have a friend who came here legally from Columbia. She is furious with illegals who break the law. She’s also furious with the Democrat party. She said most Hispanics are conservative, they just get propagandized by the left. I wrote a blog on Progressivism in America, and she helped me translate it into English. She is even a cub scout leader! That’s how I met her, she was translating for my husband in his pack. I mean, why do we offer ESL classes if not to help them assimilate? We’re not asking them to give up their culture, or speak English at home, just learn it to interact with us.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:48amSimple response: until we have a national language formally adopted (through law or an amendment to the Constitution), you can speak any language you want.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 6:53amIt is foolish to try to talk illegal immigration without also talking welfare reform.
The Mexicans come here to fill a void. We created that void, when we pay 46 million Americans welfare. Basically, we pay people not to work, and then we snivel because the Mexicans come here and do work that those on welfare should be doing.
If you could wave a magic wand and make every illegal Mexican be gone, you would find that your local grocery store is out of fruit and many vegetables, as there is no one to pick them. You would find the construction in places like Atlanta shut down, as they do much of the labor.
This is such a simple fix, and we do not need a fence to fix it. Systematically end welfare, while also checking and enforcing employers not to hire illegal aliens. It would lower crime, lower taxes, and have other parallel fixes. It will never happen though, as it would take power from the democrats that are trying to put more on the system, not take them off.
Report Post »Obama_Sham
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:10am@Decendentof56
“we’ve to some extent made our voting system fraudelent”
I wish we were still in the days of our voting system being somewhat fraudulent… It is now, completely fraudulent…
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:21amShould You Be Allowed To Vote/Drive In America If You Can’t Speak/Read English? << NO !! I don't even have to read the story..
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:27am@Eliasim.. Speak for yourself I Always vote the correct way.. So, I didn’t put anyone in power ,my vote gets canceled out by one of these non english reading/speaking idiots that jump the fence…
Report Post »MakeTheMiddleEastAGlassFactory
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:34amEnglish only please.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:11amI’m going to go against the grain here and say “Yes” to driving, but “No” to voting.
Yes to driving because there are plenty of *tourists* that come here and drive on their home nation‘s driver’s licenses through reciprocal agreements between the U.S. and that nation. For example, I can drive in France with my Ohio driver’s license, legally, without having to know a lick of French. The wisdom of doing such driving in France, especially Paris, is another debate entirely. But you see what I mean. The basics of traffic law, such as “Stop” (Arret), etc. are easy to pick up in a few moments and requires no proficiency in the language in question. So “Yes” to driving.
No to voting because 1) there is not and should not be a translation service for the bajillion languages for each ballot issue, nor is there sufficient foreign language debate forums/discussion areas to come to good conclusions about such issues. If you want to vote here, first get citizenship and learn English.
Report Post »lgccac
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:11amNot only should “they” not be allowed to vote/drive; but if you don’t pay taxes, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Report Post »RichNGadsden
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:32amSnow, excellent story and consider this a pat on the back for helping someone who is legal to fit in with our society. Your first post is dead on the nail head. I never had to speak the language such as French when I drove through Quebec, or through France. As far as that goes, the one and only time I entered Mexico, and other nations such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Holland, or Denmark. But for many border crossings I did have to show identification, vehicle registration, drivers license, proof of insurance, and very often my paperwork that allowed me to cross borders. Getting into Canada and France I had to answer a number of questions too.
Report Post »There is no reason to idiotically allow just anybody to enter our country just as it is stupid and shows a lack of imagination to require all drivers to speak and read English.
OpenRevolt
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:34amI bet Herman Cain wouldn’t have a problem with it–in fact he’s going to turn all sanctuary cities and minority areas in America into “Empowerment Zones” where the 9-9-9 plans is 3-3-3 or less.
See the CNN interview video for yourself: http://www.redstate.com/paulkib/2011/10/14/cain-blows-up-999-plan-with-empowerment-zones/
Don’t be fooled by the Corrupt Federal Reserve Banker Cain.
He’s just Obama with a red tie and pizza!
Report Post »lobster
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:15amTry going to Soto and Fourth in East L.A. and trying to find a sign in English. My grandparents came here in 1900 from Switzerland and lived in a small cloister in St. Paul. They spoke german and my dad delivered german newspapers. Then the first world war changed all of that. I am a strong proponent of English only in America. We used to live in L. A. area for too long. It’s a mess.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:20amAmend the Constitution to make English our national language, then, amend election law so that only LEGAL, tax-paying citizens are able to vote. People, who pay NO taxes, should NOT be allowed to control the tax money of those who do.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:23amMoreover, shouldn’t even be in America.
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:26amno?? HELL NO!!!
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:32am@bmwrider—Do you mean the Constitution that is written in English?.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:33amI will hear no more of this extraconstitutional discrimination.
Stop entertaining it.
Report Post »joe1234
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:53am“Where in the constitution does it say that rights are only reserved for English speakers?”
where in the constitution does it say we have to print everything in every language under the sun?
“Maybe conservative are more interested in MEIN KAMPF than the U.S. constitution.
”
there is no doubt liberals are.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:10ambmwrider
Look at the position of Art Laffer, Kudlow, Jeb Bush, Bush II, McCain & the WSJ on immigration & amnesty.
Many other conservatives/republicans/libertarians/tea party (not all) would approve of amnesty if effective border enforcement was achieved. That is build & man an effect border fence. That illegal border crossing are down is a lie because of what this administration has done is a LIE. It is down due to a bad economy. Reagan signed Amnesty I. But funds for effective border control were never appropriated. The saying “Fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me” is apt. Even now the Democrat leadership refuses to extend fences that are working quite well in San Diego & elsewhere. They work well enough that illegal immigrant smuggling moves to other areas. Thus proof of the worth of the fences. The deadlock in amnesty is the result of the Democrat party refusing to build a fence.
Report Post »Amnesty II is feasible. McCain would vote for it. George & Jeb Bush would support it. But the base of the Republican party will not. Why not? No Fence. Janet Napolitano gave up on it last year. She gave an excuse that no technocrat should give. She said it wouldn’t work. Well she is a lawyer by training. Never send a lawyer to do work that a person with good sense could accomplish.
PATTY HENRY
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:14amWhat SNOWLEOPARD Said…only add the word HELL as in HELL NO
THIS IS THE ISSUE (after BIG GOV. JOBS for 2012) GO CAIN!!
Report Post »JRook
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:16amAgreed. As long as it is applied across the board regardless of native language. That would include wealthier individuals who might be able to afford translators. It would have to be an all or nothing situation to pass the sniff test.
Report Post »Brizz
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:17amNot so simple. The problem is not rooted in the language you speak when testing for a drivers license. The problem lies with the people and companies that enable them to stay enslaved by catering to those that do not speak english. If they had to learn english to survive, they would. It has the same effects as any other handout.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:17amWhen the constitution was written, you had to own land to vote, because our founders knew you had to have skin in the game, or you would vote yourself a living, and never work. Those that hated this nation slowly took that away, the liberals may be evil and dim witted, but they do think long term, their efforts are finally paying dividends, and our kids are going to be slaves because of it.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:29amThe enlightened & oh so smart LIBS tell us that we are backwards compared to other more socially more advance countries around the world like Europe or South America.
Well I have been to many of their countries. Many of those countries have laws that designate an official language. It is used for government purposes. They could care less if you speak another language (not really Europeans are horrible hypocrites & racists; seen it first hand).
Not only do they have official languages but they have laws saying what you can a name your kid so they don’t get bullied.
Anyway if the more advanced countries have national language laws how come the LIBS don’t copy this?
I don’t expect in progressives or liberals to answer this.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:41amThere have been bus fatalities because the drivers could not read English well. If you can’t read the speed limit signs, you shouldn’t be driving.
The cost of printing the ballots in a number of languages is phenomenal. Our state used to subsidize the cost of that, but no longer.
My grandmother came from Eastern Europe and although she never grasped the intricacies of English firmly, she always voted. She never learn to read. My aunts and uncles would discuss the candidates with her. We would write down the names she wanted on a piece of paper and she’d match the letters in the voting booth. If you can’t manage that, then you shouldn’t be voting.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:09amTaquoshi
Modern technology can bring costs down. But idiots are not looking at it from a cost standpoint. Whether it is affordable.
Liberals are idiots. China counts 51 different nationalities in that country. Don’t even mention regional dialects. They have one character system for writing, but one would be assuming that an immigrant could read in their native language or any language. How many languages do we have ot cater too?
“Chinese joins Spanish as the only foreign language in which ballots are available in Cook County. The Justice Department also ordered Kane County to include Spanish ballots in parts of that county by November.”
http://yellowworld.org/politics/184.html
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:15amI work in europe a lot these days. I don’t speak Dutch, German, Italian or Malay. But I drive in those countries. Should commerce be shut down due to government not doing its job on the borders?
Report Post »JRook
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:21am@sWampy That’s not exactly an accurate reflection of the debate held by the founding fathers as shown in the federalist papers. Congress quickly deferred to the States, who made a real discriminatory mess of it. And besides the fact that one owns property does not mean they are wiser, more constitutional or of sound intent in the exercise of their vote. While I understand your attempt at simplicity the issue is not loving or hating the country. The current situation is brought about more by individuals voting and acting increasing in their own self interest as they ignore the community focus and collective sacrifice of those who came before them. It is understanding and exercising ones responsibility as a citizen that is lacking in the form of action. A mere statement that one loves the country means nothing if their actions don’t reflect a desire to make it better for both them and their fellow citizens.
Report Post »jeffile
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:25amBMWRIDER
Where in the constitution does it say that rights are only reserved for English speakers?
Maybe conservative are more interested in MEIN KAMPF than the U.S. constitution.
C’mon, it’s right their in the section about right to abortion, separation of church and state, lifetime welfare benefits, right to violent protests, and the rest of the liberal distortions of the Constitution. Maybe liberals are more concerned in the writings of Karl Marx than the U.S. Constitution.
Report Post »Go Glenn
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:37amDriving and voting should be for citizens only……and one of the provisions of being a citizen is that you should have to learn the language.
Of course, the lib’s want illegals to vote too.
Report Post »motonutt
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:02pmSimple NO!
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:31pmWhat about the amish that only speak German?
The correct answer to this question is YES. So long as you are a citizen of the United States of America you should be able to vote. And as for driving… The mandatory issuing of driver’s licenses to individuals who are not directly taking part in commerce across state lines is unconstitutional. Also, the presence of officers on the road is one of the leading causes of traffic congestion, accidents, and wasted energy and time in the United States. Police should not be out on the road trying to hide in ditches on the shoulder endangering everyone and their mother just to catch soccer mom’s and people going to work who happen to be traveling faster than a pre-set limit.
Report Post »flasho
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:39pmYou must be psychic, I was just going to post the exact same thing.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:59pm@JROOK
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 10:16am
“Agreed. As long as it is applied across the board regardless of native language. That would include wealthier individuals who might be able to afford translators. It would have to be an all or nothing situation to pass the sniff test.”
You crack me up Rook.
Snow gave a very concise comment. “Simple answer, NO”
She made no qualifications as to rich or poor, or language, nor would she ever, but yet you find the opportunity to get your little dig in on the “wealthy” that might be able to afford a translator.
Too funny.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:19pmAt SGTB
The Amish can’t even take care of themselves. They could take care of the viscous beard trimmers carrying wicked scissors. They couldn’t take care of any Islamicists or anyone else unless they were safely cocooned in a civil society. I appreciate some aspects of their culture & want to emulate parts of it. Can they really participate in the issues of the day such as AGW or net neutrality?
You need to a minimal knowledge of English to become a naturalized citizen. Or do we just pay lip service to that? That a multilingualism costs money & time. If it didn’t everyone would be multilingual
http://us-english.org/view/301
Report Post »Faith1029
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:09pmEnglish only, for everything. If this is a problem for them, then they can always go back to the country they came from.
Report Post »ACLUHater
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:29pmNot a chance. These imports already drive like they haven’t a clue where they are going.
Report Post »standupbcounted
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:53pmEnglish should be the official language in this country. People who love this country and want to be here for the right reasons learn English because they want to be part of our country and make it their own. My ancestors learned to speak English because they loved this country and were proud to be Americans. They would learn if everything were done only in English. If they want to be here they should learn to speak our language and if not go back to where they came from.
Report Post »whywonder
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:22pmSnowkitty
Report Post »For once i agree with you. How do know to stop if you can’t read?
thepatriotdave
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 11:47pmShould You Be Allowed To Vote/Drive In America If You Can’t Speak/Read English?
Report Post »============================================================
No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no…. and heck NO!
Watchingtheweasels
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 9:01amI can see giving people on visitors visas a temporary international drivers license after proper instruction. Many countries will do this for visiting Americans who don’t speak the native language. A permanent license? No. A voter registration card? Never.
Report Post »mils
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:14pmNO…
make those “foreigners” learn the language of the country they live in …then they can vote and decide..
otherwise..they are at the mercy oof the people that speak “their” language on over all views etc and cannot decide for themselves. they need to speak english anyway..
Report Post »If not..go back where you came from. People come here to
escape” their country and turn it into the hell hole they came from..
2patriotic
Posted on October 21, 2011 at 5:45pmI live in San Diego,which is now just northern mexico!!!
Report Post »team1blazer
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:23pmI don’t even have to read the stupid article. I read the headline / question….and the answer is NO!
Report Post »babylonvi
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:06am@FRIAR-3MICHAEL – I would ask you this, Sir, is it not as much or more oppression for the poor to continually vote themselves more and more of the property earned by those actually paying into the system? Since about half pay no federal tax, why would they stop at taking more and more from those paying into the system? Answer: They have not and will not stop, that is why we are at this fatal junction. Even Marx wrote “…..for as soon as the people learn that they have a voice in the fiscal policies of the government, they will move to vote for themselves all the money in the treasury, and bankrupt the nation.”
Report Post »Wayne
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:50pmI agree this is the only country on earth where anyone can come here and do as they please. they can break our laws, kill our people and the Government will give them money and help them break the law. if they can’t speak English and are not citizens. NO DRIVING.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:21pmSorry to be Politically Incorrect but: if you don’t pay taxes ( which fund all of the programs ) then you shouldn’t be allowed to vote. Sorry “poor” people. Maybe that would give you a reason to get ahead. And it would protect the rest of us tax payers from funding your endless government “gimme programs.” Sorry, Democrats. You might actually have to have a real agenda rather than the endless “give away” programs you make us pay for so you can “buy” votes ! Ironic since the New Democrat / anti-capitalist Party is all about “buying” votes while they support all of the OWS anti-capitlaists! Ironic ? Hypocritical ? Hello / Wake up : Media, where are you ??
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:39pmAgree
Report Post »Friar-3Michael
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:42pmWhile I understand your sentiment, the ‘poll Tax’ idea has been vetted and it failed. By preventing the poor, or non-land owners from voting, laws can be passed that will effectively oppress the ‘have-nots’. The country only works if it is made up of ethical and educated people. If people CAN vote themselves other people’s money and they don’t, they are ethical. If they realize they can take from others without having to work as hard and they do, they are unethical. When this country loses its soul, it is doomed. Too many people have sold their souls for flat screen TVs and expensive houses.
Report Post »mrbuff1959
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:30am@barber2 i im with you 100%, also i chalange any one to show me where in the us constituon we have a RIGHT to vote.
Report Post »Cat
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 5:27amWhat’s even more frightening is people who speak deceitful English.
They’re called politicians …
@Barber2
We need to shut down income tax and go with a national sales tax on everything except housing and anything associated with healthcare.
Report Post »(1% for 100 years with a 0% maximum over GDP spending limit comes to mind)
RichNGadsden
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:51amBARBER2, So, you’re essentially saying No representation without taxation? I’ve often sarcastically joked about this, but while it is a thought to be pondered, it will never happen.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:25amI’d agree with amendments.
You can vote if you’re poor, however, any tax issues concerning those who do earn money for a living can only be voted on by those with a job. Any property issues can only be voted on by property owners. And if I had my way, and I know this is a fantasy, I’d have a 10 question Constitutional literacy test and a basic math test (including percentage calculations) required with at least an 80% pass score, in order to vote. The Constitutional questions would be taken from a large pool of questions, the pool being available for free at any government building so you could study them (kind of like how HAM radio tests work). The math is up to you. There would be no trick questions, just straight forward questions, multiple choice even. It just seems absurd to me that non-property owners get to vote to tax me into oblivion, that non-income earners get to vote to tax me into oblivion, and that people without even a basic ability to do math or a basic understanding of the Constitution are allowed to determine the fate of the nation. All of the testing would be free, all of the materials to study for the test would be free (and, frankly, you should have attended school, which is free, long enough to learn basic math). You’d present your proficiency “pass” card at the voting booth, along with photo ID.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:52amWhich is why I believe only property owners should vote: they will always be paying taxes for property- and usually when a city, county, or state enacts a new tax law, it affects property owners more than non-owners. Especially when it comes to increasing property taxes to subsidize one program or another to help the ‘poor’ non-property owning leeches.
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:04pmAgree whole heartedly….plus the 14th amendment must be repealed…no more anchor babies or chain migration!!!!
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:20pmNo vote .Why come here if you don’t want to learn english unless you plan on us being forced to learn your language .
Report Post »Californiasodbuster
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:19pmOn June 6, 2007, the senate voted to make the english language not the primary language of this country.
Report Post »33 senators, all Dems. except 1 repulican, and 2 independents.
Included
biden
obama
hillary
boxer
durbin
dodd
kennedy
kerry
lieberman
reid
schumer
Quite a few dumb voters to keep them in office.
JJ Coolay
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:21amThese people should all be out on their asses when their terms come around.
Report Post »Voters better smarten up!
Californiasodbuster
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:37amAround 1972, i watched my neighborhood slowly turn into mexico, i don’t think there is one gringo left on that street.
Report Post »Their mindset is, they are taking back what they think was once theirs, that is what ca. schools teach them.
Our government has raked us over the coals, coming to a city near you.
getmeoutofcalifornia
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:36amI hear you! It’s the same in my city. I’m now a minority here and when I happen to go into one of “their” grocery stores they look at me as if to say “what are you doing here?”. And it’s true our schools are not teaching the truth about how the US obtained California, as well as several other states. We paid them for it, as well as canceling their debt to us, as part of the treaty to end the Mexican War.
And we have a gang problem here. They are the Norteno‘s and the Sureno’s. In other words, the north and the south, or as I prefer to see it, the legals and the illegals (but I‘m not positive that’s the distinction).
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:25amI go down to panorama city california and all the streets have big barricades in the middle of the blocks, that weren’t there 20 years ago…why..because so many gang/drug related stuff…so you tell me what the problem is?…and it ain’t white people.
Report Post »Californiasodbuster
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 2:52amI don‘t know much about the norteno’s , but im sure they are the same lowlife as the sureno’s, i have heard of them, a bunch of gay bean bags none the less.
Report Post »Watch out for yourself, i want to buy a piece of land in the mountains, high enough to see when they come.
And i am not a doomsday type of person, but will say, things are headed this way.
Nevada and Idaho, i think is a good choice to relocate, might be able to live out your life with less complications.
Californiasodbuster
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:25amWhen i was 12 years old , i would go down to watch the latest movies in panorama city, what a sh’ t hole that town turned out to be, van nuys blvd in that part of the valley is now mexico.
Report Post »No put down on you, my home town of sylmar is the same.
Was a nice place to grow up in, but our government screwed us big time.
Open borders, what a shame.
godlovinmom
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 3:58amNo put down taken…when I started having my children, I moved…I knew back then that this wasn’t the place I wanted to raise my children. My daughters were born in sylmar and tarzana..but they would NEVER live there…I have nothing against anyone that wants to make their life better, I just have problems with people who want to run my country down…and that‘s exactly what’s happened to that area amoung many others. Until we get control of our borders and our illegal immigration problem, it will only get worse, I’m afraid.
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 4:12amDo Not Enter…Do Not Pass…One Way…Liberalism will get you killed!
Report Post »BLACKBART24
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:15pm13TH IMAM
Report Post »No federal? Maybe if they still pay state or their property taxes!
godhatesacoward
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:13pmIf you are legal, then yes, if not absoutley not. Case closed!
Report Post »I SPY
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:13pmThis is the USA.
Report Post »alcarfl
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:11pmI think CA should incorporate 32 sets of traffic signs at each intersection as to not to offend anyone. Get on the funding Finestein and Pelosi. You could decorate the signs with fruits and nuts. Get on it Brownie. You da Gov. You da man, in 32 launguages. The big problem, what launguage gets top billing? That should keep you busy. Hark, is that a tsunami or an earthquake? Naw, just chem trails.
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:16pmOnly if it’s paid for by Pelosi and that moron they elected as a Governor.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:08pmIs English a requirement for citizenship ?
“Most applicants for U.S. citizenship must be able to speak, read and understand basic English, though there are exceptions for older lawful immigrants. If the applicant is 50 or older and has legally lived in the country for 20 years or more, the English requirement is waived”..http://www.ehow.com/list_6116490_u_s_-citizenship-application-requirements.html
So YES speaking English should be required, and furthermore anyone who’s here for even a few short years learns English by rote. Wether or not they’ll admit knowing it is another matter.
As for driving, how about learning the language and learning how to drive.
Report Post »Kellyirishtoafault
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:08pmAs someone who would love to learn another language and also agrees we should teach a 2nd language young I still believe everyone who come to America should learn English right away. I am sick and tired of every company, state or federal organization having Eniglish press 1 and then goes on in spanish or what ever else language. How much does federal and state taxes are wasted on all this.
Report Post »jollylama
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:08pmAfter WW2 My parents waited almost 10 years to come to this Country. They were required to know the language, know the history, have an American sponsor and suitable employment lined up before they could come over.
It really ****** me off that illegals can now stroll across the border, have babies, demand entitlements, never assimilate with no intentions of ever learning the language and culture.
Report Post »Agnes
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:37pmNo English – no benefits of any kind!
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:11am~^~v~~^~~v~^~
Similar story here:
On my mothers side of my family my great grandparents came over from Italy, raised kids(my grandparents) to speak and read english to assimilate into AMERICAN CULTURE in both her mothers and fathers family. They could speak italian but no one did in the household. They all came here with pretty much nothing and made something of themselves. My grandmothers side they had a construction company building roads and bridges I am sure some of you have driven on! My grandfathers family was similar but they had to suck it up during the depression while they owned a small mom and pop shop. I learned that some cousins and uncles went and fought for the US during WW2. I know of one cousin that died at Normandy on D-Day
My fathers side is more recent. He came to America in ‘65 after serving in Italian navy. He left everything to his brothers and sisters in Italy. He had to be sponsored for a job, demonstrate he would contribute something to America. My grandfather (mothers father) had to sign for him that he would have a place to live and a job. While my parents dated and after marriage my mother use to drive my father to school to learn to read and write in english and learn US history to gain citizenship. When he became a citizen he spoke his oath in english. My father did everything possible to make money from door to door selling vacuum cleaners & insurance to working for a paint company.
Report Post »Cont….
SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:13am… He spoke 5 languages and spent the majority of his career in sales. He lived a good life, even though he was down for not being rich. But seeing that he came here with nothing made something of himself to at one point being an International Sales Manager for a chemical company I think he did okay. He traveled the world saw places and met ppl doing something people only dream of. My siblings and I had nice things and a good upbringing.
He didnt complain and whine nor did he expect someone to speak italian to communicate with him when he came here. He never went looking for a handout or expecting things to be given to him. He died 6 years ago I cant imagine what he would think today. Many times it goes through my head they would be watching the news and he would look at my mom and say “well lets sell everything and get the he11 out of here.”
I like to think I have that spirit in me trying to make something from nothing in taking on the destroyers of this nation (via STR http://tinyurl.com/yhglscs). I am 100% italian but I dont march around saying Im an Italian-American, or walk in stores saying things in italian expecting someone to know what I am saying.(usually an insult anayway! lol). I am an American. Point of all this is I take exception to the immigration thing knowing my family history. I am beyond offended by anyone who comes to this nation that doesnt read, write and speak in English; people who REFUSE to assimilate.
Report Post »Ordie69
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:36pmI agree with you. The politicians do not care about this. They are doing what they can to get votes today. When the impact of their bad decisions or lack of action come to pass, they will be long retired. That is why there needs to be term limits and scrap their pension.
Report Post »korbin
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:08pmNo english, no school, no food stamps, no healthcare, no drivers license, no social security, no drivers license, no nada nada nada, the Government needs to quit abusing their power and wasting our tax dollars on illegals. Further these politicians are full of shiittt they listen to polls . Polls from who I am 46 and know hundreds of people and none have ever been polled, so where and who do they poll???? these are all skewed and thats where all of them get their idea as to what we the people think and want. They are wrong the vast majority of Tax paying amercians don’t want anything handed out to any illegal or white dirt bag for that matter. Fk the hispanic vote.
Report Post »lylejk
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:07pmIf you can’t speak or read functional English, you should not be allowed to either drive or vote imo. My mother took over 7 years of nightschool in order to pass her naturalization exam in English. She also took the Alabama Drivers license test in English and passed that too (won’t say how well a driver she was though; lol). At least driving is not a right; it’s a priviledge and rules need to be observed. All our signs where I live (and I bet where most live) are in English. That’s just the facts. If I move to Germany, I would expect everything would be in German and I would have to learn to read and take any examinations in that language. For voting, I also agree, it should be taken in English only; if you don’t have the respect to learn the language of the land, you don’t deserve to vote either or be a citizen for that matter. ‘Nough said. :)
Report Post »RealAmerican2
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:06pmTo not speak or read a language, is to not fully understand it. So, common sense tells me that if a person cannot read or speak the language of the country they live in, they should definitely not be driving and they absolutely shouldn’t be voting. Driving requires being able to read road signs, and voting requires being able to understand what you are/aren’t voting for. This is a no-brainer!
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:17pmTotally agree!
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 12:25amVery well said.
Report Post »Hollow
Posted on October 24, 2011 at 2:03amI agree. Also some of the people who can‘t speak English are illegal’s. If you don’t pay in to the system( pay taxes) you shouldn’t be able to vote to get money from that system.
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:06pmEnglish only would save us millions of dollars, it should not cost us money it should cost the non english speaking person to learn english, our country keeps bowing down to immigrants instead of them being grateful for living in this country by learning english
Report Post »Impenitent
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:03pmEnglish proficiency for voters? It could get too close to Jim Crow laws…
English proficiency for American high school graduates on the other hand…
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:02pmMexican truckers begin hauling on US roads and interstates from south of the border on Friday. Watch out! If you think they will know our driving laws or speak English, think again.
http://www.statesman.com/news/nation/1st-mexican-truck-to-cross-texas-border-for-1923947.html?cxtype=rss_news
Just remember it was our tax dollars that paid to upgrade Mexican trucks to take away trucking jobs here in the USA.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:01pm“Should You Be Allowed To Vote/Drive in America if You Can’t Speak or Read English?”
Not just no … H E L L NO!
TEA!
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:01pmShould you be able to vote if you pay no Federal Income Tax??
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:31pmNot just no, but HELL no!
Voting associated with responsibility………say, oh I don’t know, maybe land ownership! Those who hold land and private property have reason to elect principled men. Those with no responsibility have reason to elect men with no principle and will take from those who have, and give to those who don‘t have because they don’t exercise their equal rights to achieve success.
Report Post »LubbockRN
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 1:17amNope!!!!!!!!! At least not if your only source of income is via government welfare. And not if you don’t have at least a minimal understanding of English. Only the hispanics get this special treatment and I believe it is racist to say that they are too dumb to learn like all of the immigrants from every other culture in the world that come here.
Report Post »knighttemplar999
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:59pmMany reasonable people would say why bother, just exterminate the whole of the Arab world. After all they are trying to exterminate Israel and all Christians, don’t kid yourselves they are busy doing this right now. This view is not as extreme as it may seem. After the Arabs are exterminated we can give the Mexicans jobs developing the oil reserves for ourselves.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:30pmJollylama: From what I’ve read, it sounds like our immigration laws have gone the way of our home loan laws – which is basically gone to “no standards.” Becoming a citizen should have standards and restrictions just like our home loan laws should have. Witness the housing loan fiasco . Sorry if these standards make you “feel bad” or feel bad about “competition ” BUT we want the best here. If you don’t want to compete – don‘t come and don’t vote.
Report Post »team1blazer
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:59pmFirst off: If you don’t pay taxes, you GET NO VOTE. Second; If you don’t speak English, get the HE!! out !
Report Post »Marlin2009
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:58pmI fully support making English the only official language in United States of America. Get rid of the multiculturalism, diversity, and affirmative action craps. These are the biggest enemies to the prosperity of America.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 9:54amAgreed 100%. Look at our affirmitive action president. Hows that working out?
Report Post »angry nerd
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 10:57pmYes and yes.
Report Post »To be a productive citizen in any country communication is key.
I wouldn‘t expect citizenship in any other country if I couldn’t
speak their common language.
Truth and Justice
Posted on October 20, 2011 at 7:01amBut you feel people should be allowed to vote and get a license?
Report Post »