Politics

TX State Sen. Interrupts Immigrant’s Testimony: ‘Why Aren’t You Speaking in English?’

If you are giving testimony in front of Texas State Senator Chris Harris, he’d prefer you speak English.

During a Senate hearing on Monday, Antolin Aguirre of the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition was testifying against Senate Bill 9, a law that would crack down on illegal immigrants in Texas. But instead of giving testimony in English, he decided to give it in Spanish and speak through an interpreter.

Harris wasn’t having any of that. KTRH-RADIO explains:

Two minutes into Antolin Aguirre’s testimony, Sen. Chris Harris, a Republican from Arlington, interrupted asking Aguirre’s interrupter, “Did I understand him correctly that he has been here since 1988?” Harris asked. “Why aren’t you speaking in English then?”

Through his interpreter, Aguirre said Spanish is his “first language and since it is his first time giving testimony he would rather do it in Spanish.”

“It is insulting to us,” Sen. Harris fired back. “It is very insulting. And if he knows English, he needs to be speaking in English.”

You can watch the fireworks below:

The bill, which would allow police officers to check a suspect’s immigration status, eventually passed the Senate and will now go before the House.

What do you think?


Comments (394)

1 2 3 ... 11
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:04am

    Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition
    Thank you for visiting the AIRC website. This site is currently under construction and will be back online soon.
    Please visit us again soon.

    Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:03am

    He said, “I’ve been here about 20 years”. He’s bilingual, and even after being asked to speak in english, he cotinued to speak in spanish. He doesn’t know how to follow instructions, or how to count.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:03am

    I will be calling Mr harris’s Office at 0900 hrs to thank him for saying this to the Mexican activist.
    Illegals you are long past due for leaving

    Report Post »  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:59am

    I have lived with and worked with many illegals all my life not all feel the way this POS does many really want a better life and believe in “melding” into the United States. Today we have groups that want what we paid for in lives and blood for nothing. The corruption across the border is out of control, Mexicans think they have been wronged because that is what they teach on BOTH sides of the border. Everybody wants to be free yet they really don’t have a clue how to gain that freedom either because they are just too ignorant or have been taught that socialism will give them freedom. In any case if we do not secure our borders we will soon cease to be a Nation and become instead a group of TRIBES….we are very close to that now with our divider and Chief obama. As for speaking Mexican (a version of Native Indian and Spanish what we around here call Tex-Mex) just go to the towns close to the border if you don’t speak it you are in the minority and will have a hard time communicating with everyone around there even the Americans that live there have a hard time speaking English because it is ingrained into them that they need to speak the “native” language….what a crock. I worked in Zapata for about a month back in 83’ and had a very hard time in stores trying to buy stuff because NO ONE spoke English even back then. When a local who was white ask me why I did not speak ‘Spanish’ I said “This is still America isn’t it?” and they just laughed and sai

    Report Post » TexasStu  
    • let us prey
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:13am

      Language borders culture.
      Immigrants, not Americans, must adapt.
      They should take advantage of another freedom, the right to leave.

      Report Post » let us prey  
    • west1890
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:07pm

      Wow, sounds like Nogales, Arizona… which I not so fondly call Mexizona. Even advertising flyers that come in the mail are in Spanish. Assimilate? Heck no, they have no intention of assimilating. They want the Mexican culture, Spanish language and by golly you’d better give them those liberal U.S. entitlements and don‘t forget their ’earned income credit’

      Report Post »  
  • nostromo
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:56am

    Of course it was insulting to speak Spanish. That’s why he did it. Offending European Americans is a badge of honor among these activists.

    Report Post »  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:57am

      …and protecting offensive speech is the whole point of the first amendment! The good thing is this exposes the people for who they really are! Gives you a chance to disagree with them!

      Report Post »  
  • Bluebonnet
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:54am

    If I lived in Mexico for even 5 years, I’d have learned the language and used it to be a part of their culture while living there, which is merely being considerate to the host nation.
    Living here for as long as this man has, and giving testimony in another language, when he can speak English should not be allowed. Yes, We are America and need to start acting like it and demand people who want to live here speak our language and become naturalized and feel the love for our Country as we do. Thank you Senator for speaking up. Too many weiners here. (ha)

    Report Post »  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:51am

      Nah I wouldn’t want to assimilate into Mexico. I want my right to be who I am and be a patriotic American. I will not hide my light under a bushel! Other countries be damned!

      Report Post »  
  • travlman77
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:53am

    Why did they allow him to proceed in Spanish? Why didn’t Harris refuse to allow him to proceed!
    I suppose next, each state house will be like the UN with everyone needing their own translator!

    Report Post » travlman77  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:10am

      yes and if they get like la in ca there will ballots printed in over 100 different languages

      Report Post »  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:48am

      Why he was allowed to proceed?

      A little thing called the constitution and the first amendment. It protects speech including offensive and annoying speech, like people speaking in other languages.

      It might be annoying but unfortunately that’s what it is therefore.

      Two many people on both the extremes of right and the left want to erode the constitution in many ways. Pick and choose how they interpret it.

      The US has no national language law and cannot because of the ‘pesky’. Even states that have attempted to pass such laws can’t enforce them because of the constitution.

      Texas doesn’t even have a official language law.

      Report Post »  
    • Igno Ramus
      Posted on June 19, 2011 at 1:37pm

      If I want to speak to you, would it not be to my advantage to speak in a toungue that you understand?
      All this stunt did was to draw attention to the speaker. If that was his intention, then he obviously has succeded. If his intention was to enter into a conversation, then he has done one of the worst things a person can do when trying to communicate. He has antagonized his audience through his lack of respect for them. Usually this causes a breakdown in communication. That is exactly what has happened here. A different message was sent and received. A message that is be-littleing and dis- respectful to his audience. Most times, this does not work out well.

      Report Post »  
  • politicianssuck
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:53am

    Did you see that look of disgust by the other guy who said he may not be speaking for everybody. There is a perfect example of a Politician with a spine and sticks up for America and a one that panders. Texas I do believe you are becoming Galts Gulch! Get rid of the sanctuary cities and start doing immigration reform Like Arizona and I think you will Qualify!!!

    Report Post »  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:34am

      You obviously didn’t hear the latest news. The Senator that introduced the hate filled law in Arizona is beinig recalled.
      Have a nice day.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • 2smart
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:37am

      Just because your recalled doesn’t mean that your out of office. It only means that some liberal individual or group has submitted papers requesting that another election be held to determine if the politician should continue to represent his constituents. Who knows, he could be re-elected by an overwhelming majority because they believe he is representing them and their views. Whats a matta with you, Amikeus? Don’t you understand how it works or is this a poor attempt to cloud the issue? TROLL!!!!

      Report Post » 2smart  
  • Wyatt's Torch
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:52am

    Speak American!

    Report Post » Wyatt's Torch  
  • beekeeper
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:52am

    At the same time In far away Philadelphia, Joey Vento, of Geno’s Steaks smiled, for reasons no one around him quite understood… http://michellemalkin.com/2006/05/31/genos-says-speak-english/

    Report Post » beekeeper  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:50am

    You go, AMERICA! Yay, TEXAS.

    Immigrants, you are on notice: You speak our language here just like we have to learn (choose to learn) the languages of your countries when we live in them.

    Get with the AMERICAN program, or leave. Now!

    Thank you, Senator, for your courage!

    Report Post »  
  • JEDhbo
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:48am

    Kudos to Senator Harris…….and he should have reminded Mr. Aguirre that he’s in the United States and “OUR” first and ONLY language is English.

    Just in case Mr. Aguirre, and ALL others that are currently “living” in the U. S. of A. and continue to ignore our daily usage of proper English and are there-by showing that they refuse to assimilate and shall continue to refuse to assimilate, may I say to you…….”GO THE HELL BACK FROM WHENCE YOU CAME!!!”.

    Report Post » JEDhbo  
  • TRILO
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:48am

    I can understand being nervous giving testimony. However, he needed to speak in English. It was just a marketing gimmick in my mind for him to speak Spanish.

    Report Post » TRILO  
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:48am

    If you want to live here, learn the language or get the F out!!

    Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
  • Stu Pedaso
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:47am

    You people continually mistake my “tolerance” for weakness. If you can speak and read ENGLISH do so in a public forum. I do not care what you speak at home, but when you are in this setting how dare you?
    My mother in law would smack the taste out of this clowns mouth for disrespecting the country that has given him such a leg up on the rest of the world.
    Hey hommie try this sort of crap in your “homeland” and see what happens.

    Report Post » Stu Pedaso  
  • rabblechat
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:46am

    Wow a politician with a spine and ******!

    Report Post » rabblechat  
  • Fulksie
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:46am

    Figures, another Texan saying what the majority of America is thinking. Way to go! Keep going!

    Report Post »  
  • ds333
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:45am

    Assimilate to our American, English speaking culture or get out!

    Report Post » ds333  
    • GulfPeg
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:54am

      Yes! I lived in several Latin American countries, including Mexico and I had to learn Spanish. The governments do not make special translation for anybody, believe me. To survive you have to learn their language. Why should the legal, and/or illegal immigrants feel entitled for everything?
      They can learn the language BEFORE they come to our country, PERIOD.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:44am

    .
    It should be ENGLISH ONLY……….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Opinionmonger
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:05am

      You are wrong in that one.
      It should ONLY be required in ‘official’ dealings with “government” and as the only language used in education. (ex learning foreign languages)
      But otherwise everyone should be free to use any language within their private sphere.

      Report Post » Opinionmonger  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:54am

      Allowing these people to speak their own languages, explodes them, and let’s us know who they are and their loyalties! They aren’t hiding in the shadows!

      Report Post »  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:05am

      That should be ‘exposes them’.

      Report Post »  
    • shirelover
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:26pm

      @SacredHonor1776
      Ah, come on now, that was a great typo.

      Report Post » shirelover  
  • LastAmerican
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:44am

    I welcome all hard working , tax paying , law abiding, English speaking immigrants. All others get the EFF out!

    Report Post »  
  • BrerRabbit
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:43am

    Don’t mess with Texas!

    Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:29am

      Amen! We have been accommodating non inclusion for Hispanic people too long, just as EU has done for the Muslims, we have done for the Hispanics! It never works!!

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:32am

      When we remove the last of the RINOs we will have a shot….I personally wish we could let California have Austin Texas. Maybe then we could secede…

      Report Post »  
  • one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:42am

    Agreed.. But he will only be called a racist by Ed Shultz and the like… Oh well ,as I said, that race card is faded and torn, no one can see the print anymore.. If you catch my drift.

    Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • AKMIIKEUS
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:36am

      That’s exactly what racist would want us to think, nice try.
      As if racism doesn’t exist in this country. Not only are you ignorant but a liar.

      Report Post » AKMIIKEUS  
    • Smug
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:12am

      @AKMIIKEUS

      People are getting real sick of the PC Bull S#!t. Just because you‘re a specific race doesn’t mean people are supposed to bend the knee, to your every whim. I suppose to you, asking someone who has lived in this country for over 20 years to speak ENGLISH is an assault on yours and their sensibilities. Well get over it! If you’re going to live in the U.S. than act like a U.S. citizen and quit whining about every little misinterpeted insult. People are getting immune to the race card ploy, it doesn’t work anymore. We don’t dislike people because of the color of their skin or their race. We dislike them because they act like Jack A$$es and then expect us to tolerate their behavior……..MSSMUG

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:47am

      @Smug

      How is having an interpreter for a conversation “bending your knee”? Your views are a bit extreme. The representative didn’t need to speak or even understand Spanish; all he had to do was listen to the translator. How terrible (rolls eyes).

      Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:26pm

      Amiikeyus: Why don’t you crawl back under your rock or go back to the Huff & Puff?

      Report Post »  
    • Smug
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 5:04pm

      @LOCKED

      The Guy didn’t need an interpreter HE COULD SPEAK English! He just refused to. Don’t you think that was a bit extreme! (rolling eyes).

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 6:58pm

      wrong…racism is alive and well…part of nature,birds of a feather flock together so do people of the same race.this political correct diversity is lib propaganda to confuse the masses.

      Report Post »  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:42am

    After 23 years in the US Aguirre should have been able to speak fluent English. He was just trying to make some kind of point by using Spanish. I am sick of people coming here and trying to turn America into a version of their original homeland. If they want to live here, they can at least learn to speak our dominant language. I am surely not going to learn theirs just to accommodate them.

    Report Post »  
    • NJTMATO
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:54am

      Illegal immigrants should not be called “immigrants” at all. It puts shame to all of the immigrants who came here during the great immigration. Those who came to Ellis Island and elsewhere with few or no possessions to have a better life and ASCIMILATE to the American Way and to BE Americans! They learned our language! I was thirteen years old before I knew that my father could speak Italian! When he was growing up, it was an embarrassment to speak your native tongue, English was required, even in his home!

      Report Post » NJTMATO  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:45am

      We have no national language; why on earth should he NOT use an interpreter if he felt it could better make his point? Making your point is why someone gives testimony.

      No one says you need to speak Spanish. But no one can legally say in this situation “You need to speak English.” The representative was out of line.

      Report Post »  
    • rayblue
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 5:03pm

      To really irritate them, speak German or French. They get especially upset when I mix languages up and include enough spanish for them to get the idea that I understand them and am playing with their minds.
      It’s all in my book; “How to Make Everyone Mad at Once”.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • avenger
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 6:48pm

      screw this bozo…learn english or get fk out…

      Report Post »  
  • Ironeagle
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:40am

    Right on Senator!

    Report Post » Ironeagle  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:39pm

      it takes over 60 years to learn English it’s so difficult .
      Thanks to the senator but I wish that he left the meeting ’till that guy speaks english .
      Same thing with most of the Los Angeles schools all their notices in the hallways are in Spanish but @ least the headlines are in English , it’s ridiculous .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • THE-FINAL-ACT
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 7:16pm

      This guys Spanish is terrible. He is a liar and ashamed of the English language.

      Report Post » THE-FINAL-ACT  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:25pm

      And these illegal mexicans are driving down the same streets as our 16 year old chidren that just got their driving license. BUT these mexicans cant read a road sign printed in english.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:35am

    Excellent and about time indeed. Take the stand and fight back.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • NOTAMUSHROOM
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:44am

      ‘Bout time indeed!

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:46am

      The Senator was 100% correct this man know English and is testifying in an American court. They should revoke his citizenship and say since you prefer to talk in your 1st language you can live in your first country.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:47am

      The Senator was 100% correct this man know English and is testifying in an American court. They should revoke his citizenship and say since you prefer to talk in your 1st language you can live in your first country.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:47am

      .
      Rick Perry is a RINO. Run for your life. And why didn’t you arrest the illegal Immigrant right there on the spot, then drive his behind to the border. It’s not that far from Austin.

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • EgoBrain
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:48am

      Dude sounded like a dang fool.

      Report Post » EgoBrain  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:50am

      While we’re at it, will the last native English speaker in Miami-Dade county PLEASE bring the American flag with you when you’re forced to leave? I swear, when you’re down there. it feels like you’re in another country altogether. Doesn’t ANYONE in that part of my state speak English anymore??

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • The Big Pickle
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:59am

      I get so tired of people saying we can’t deport 15 million people, when we don’t have to deport one single person to get them to leave. All that needs to be done is to make it ILLEGAL to rent a home to them, ILLEGAL to hire them, ILLEGAL to sell food to them. Without a job, a home or food they will leave on their own.

      They will DEPORT themselves.

      Problem solved!

      Report Post » The Big Pickle  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:59am

      Yes, it is excellent. Way to go Senator Harris! This is a waste of our leaders time, a waste of our money, very inefficient as well as insulting. Send them out the door unless they assimilate.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:01am

      I think the Senator was completely right. I think by the man doing this it was going against his Point. I think that was a ridiculous thing to do.

      Snow,,,,,,,Good Morning…… Hope you and Kitty are doing well.

      Report Post »  
    • Class2000Generation
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:02am

      Yes! How refreshing it is to see a leader take a stand. Will keep him in mind… we definitely need someone like him around. Anyone know much about him?

      Report Post » Class2000Generation  
    • cowdude
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:04am

      Speaking Spainish? I ran a crew of 35 Mexican kitchen workers who had been in the USA for 10+ yrs. They spoke Spainish all the time as if to exclude those few caucasians around then and even said my “English is poor.” Amazingly, if their paychecks were off a penny, they spoke perfect English! It was amazing!

      Cowdude

      http://conservativewatercooler.com

      Report Post » cowdude  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:08am

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States

      Texas doesn’t have an English as an official language law, ironically California does, wow. Perhaps Texas should pass a law making English the official language of the state. Otherwise mr. Aqurre was within his rights.

      Granted first ammendment rights protect freedom if speech (including sign language!), that includes languages as well, so I’m not sure how constitutional language laws are. Cansuch laws be upheld?

      Also aren’t their menonite compounds were the individuals speak primarily dutch or German? I also understand first generation Hmong also resisted adapting to the language, they were brought over after they became persecuted for helping the USA out during Vietnam war. Actually it‘s pretty common that often it’s 2nd or 3rd generation that assimates into the culture. It’s often quite rare that first generation fully assimilates. Unless they took the time to learn the culture and language before they cAme to America.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:11am

      .
      Rick Perry is a RINO. He has John Edwards Hair, he tried to make our daughters submit to Perry Care, wanted to steal the land from folks to build a ******* trucker super highway and the list goes on and on and on and on………………..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Code_Orange
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:12am

      I guess we don’t pay attention to Star Wars, where multilingualism is regarded as a virtue.

      Giving testimony is a reason for extreme accuracy, and if this witness was extremely or even very confident in their English testimony, it seems they would have presented it that way.

      I think the Representative was trying to railroad the witness, just happened to use this approach.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • SLEUTH
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:13am

      the Senator is right and is speaking for all ‘real’ Americans. more proof that American English should be the official language of our country. let’s make it so Senator..

      Report Post » SLEUTH  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:14am

      Let’s see…Mzzzzzzzzzz Lee is a….can you say…. “Marxist” Militant…

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:20am

      I agree with that. To bad the poll won’t let me vote. I have been having trouble with the site for the last week or so. Not sure whats going on with it. Cleaned my computer and checked for viruses but still get dead links and redirects and at times can’t even get to the site. Sounds like some people out there are having issues with the content of this site. The truth can be hard for some to swollow. Reminds me of the movie Gremlins and their hate of sun light. LOL

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:21am

      Oooops…was listening to Glenn’s show about Sheila Jackson Lee and posting here at the same time…too early for me, huh?…sorry for my previous post!

      What I meant to post was this…(Glenn needs to see this!) Most here at The Blaze are probably familiar with the book, “The Dumbing Down of America” by Charlotte Thompson Iserbyt…here is Part I of a series she has done on the subject…you need to TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH and PASS IT ON! I mean it…if you have children, grandchildren or if you JUST CARE…you will watch this and be sick!

      Charlotte Iserbyt: The Miseducation of America 1/5
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1wVB8gBkD8&feature=feedu_more

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:29am

      I blame all of this on GWB and Rick the dick Perry. They are RINOs. Rick the dick could do something about illegal immigration, but would rather sit on his thumb and look like they are doing something.

      When I see an Mexican work crew mowing yards or something, I go ask them questions. If they dont speak english, I confront the owner of the company about hiring illegals. I then tell evetyone I know, including the homeowner that illegals are doing work for that company. I shame them for hiring the company to do work on their yard…

      If EVERYONE would do this we could stop illegals cold. They would go back to Mexico.

      Report Post »  
    • butler180
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:29am

      Can we clone Sen. Harris and put them in each State? Boy do we need him.

      Report Post » butler180  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:39am

      Another point to consider free speech protects offensive speech. If Aguirre was using his foreign language to insult, he was well within his rights as well.

      Be careful, about trying to limit one’s speech. Besides let someone sleek their minds, it gives a better picture of who they are, and a reason to disagree and discredit them! Don’t force people into the shadowed!

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:42am

      What do I think? I think I may move back to the state of my birth, Texas. They seem to have sense and think straight, there. I will stay away from the border, though.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Eraldo NY Tea Party
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:50am

      English Must be the official language by law and right know.

      God bless.

      Report Post » Eraldo NY Tea Party  
    • FLPAINTBRUSHMAMA
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:54am

      Biohazard – We’re in Palm Beach County.It is getting to be the same here. My son attended public school for the first time starting this Jan. Yesterday we got his FCAT scores – in English,Spanish, and Creole. Made the ******thing so hard to read as I had to skip from place to place to find the English sections! To tick dh and I off further, we were sent a bill of $5 for “damaged” text books even though our son was NEVER issued any of his own books. There’s no mention of a particular book or teacher, just a “damage” assessment. I’m wondering how man of the Spanish and Creole speaking families received the same notice…….just sayin’! When I signed my son out of school one day because he was sick,the sign out sheet was also tri-lingual. Ridiculous!!!!! Go, Senator Harris and I hope other politicians follow your courageous lead!

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:06am

      Speak English or get the #$@! out.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:06am

      This was nothing more than a publicity stunt for Mr. Aguirre. Assimilate or go home. If you’re here illegally, go home anyway. If you dislike your native country enough to leave it, don’t try to change the US to be more like your home country.

      Border control is not about race, as many of the race-baiters would have you believe. Among the many reasons, disease control is one of them. Many diseases, and conditions, which were at one time almost completely eradicated are making a come back in the US. There’s no mystery to the origins of their resurgence.

      Come here legally or don’t come at all.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Dahart
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:18am

      @BIOHAZARD23

      It is no better here in Orlando….. They can speak English but choose not too

      Report Post » Dahart  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:19am

      @FLPAINTBRUSHMAMA,

      It’s getting pretty bad in the Tampa Bay area, too. In the southern and eastern parts of Hillsborough, it’s all agriculture which means lots of illegal workers. At my kids’ school, there‘s A LOT of kids whose parents won’t speak English at all. That must make the parent-teacher conferences interesting, eh?

      We don’t have a problem quite as bad as you guys do in South FL, but Orlando IS just as bad. That was a huge part of my decision to move out of Orange County and to live elsewhere. The Pine Hills area of Orlando is affectionately known as Crime Hills due to the large number of illegals and Puerto Ricans living there. They are spreading out all over the Central Florida area and bringing their crime with them. Orlando is starting to resemble Miami-Dade more and more everyday. I’m just praying the Bay area resists the influx and stays majority English just the way it is. :)

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:21am

      ?Que?

      LOL

      Make English a national language – it will be good for the environment – have you noticed how much paper is wasted in instruction manuals and on boxes printing everything in mexican? Er, I mean Spanish?

      Not to mention, food labelling – have you noticed how TEENY TINY the print has gotten to allow printing of spanish along with english? This is just getting ridiculous.

      LEGAL IMMIGRATION – require you be able to speak, read, write English – require you pass the Citizenship test – require you get your IMMUNIZATIONS!!!
      (TB and WHOOPING COUGH are getting out of control, and stem from illegal immigrant population cetners – according to my VERY LIBERAL M.D. friend!!) He points out it is both Chinese and Mexican illegals that are causing this, so it is not racism, it is just that illegals are not immunized and spread disease due to not assimilating and due to living in crowded, isolated populations.
      Now, don’t go hating on me. I’m reporting what my DOCTOR told me – NOT what I came up with on my own.

      SEAL the borders. PERIOD.
      McCain stated on Gretta last night that WE are to blame for the drugs and cartels in Mexico because of our demand for drugs. WELL, SEAL THE BORDER, then the drugs cannot get in. Then the Mexican cartels will have no market for their drugs (Using RINO McCain’s and the socialist democrats arguments).

      Watch for an unemployment spike on January 21, 2013, when all the czars and blue-ribbon panels and committees and activist heads-

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • NJD
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:37am

      Good job Senator, finally someone with a backbone. Just shows which country he and many others stnad with. It isn’t America! Ignorant people

      Report Post » NJD  
    • 2smart
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:41am

      The Blaze is being or has been attacked by a virus or software called internet blackhole toolkit 7. I wasn’t able to get in this past Tuesday because my software recognized the pattern and canceled the navigation. When I googled the toolkit the info went over my head. So this could be the reason that you can’t access the poll, I couldn’t. And beware of your own computer.

      Report Post » 2smart  
    • KPEdwards
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:53am

      first @thebigpickle: why is it that you think the government should get in the way of what I do with my property? You’d really want to make it illegal for me to rent to someone who can pay? Or is it you’d like that everyone needs to show a larger amount of personal information in order to make purchases? And when did it become illegal to sell something to non-citizens?

      secondly, @texascommonsense: “Assimilate or go home?” Really? This country was literally founded, by the Pilgrims, on the idea of finding a land to live life the way you would want to. Yeah, we as a country have some requirements that all of our citizens have to assimilate to, but nowhere is language in them. So, why do they need to speak it if it is not legally required of them? Until it becomes the official language, don’t assume people will speak it. Also, assimilate to what? What norm would you want them to assimilate to? I‘m guessing you wouldn’t want them to assimilate to the American citizens who are actual Anarchists, right? Do they just not count as American enough?

      For all the prose about loving America’s freedoms, this is putting America into a box and trimming all that doesn’t fit inside.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:02am

      @Dahart, that’s one of many reasons why I left O-town. I feel for you, my friend. :)

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Unix
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:12am

      In THIS country we speak ENGLISH, nuff said. Speak our language or bugger off to whence you came, comprende?

      Report Post » Unix  
    • 1proud_Texan
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:29am

      The taxpayers were probably paying for this interpreter.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:33am

      KPEdwards had a good translator type that stuff out for him, didn’t he? Or maybe he just used Google Translate….. Bypass the English speaker completely.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • stifroc
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:38am

      Easy solution… well easy if you had anyone with integrity or a pair of stone in Washington.

      “To show our solidarity and support of our Latin American brothers and sisters, and to show the world that we are an inclusive Nation, we hereby adopt the immigration standards, regulations and laws of Mexico.”

      BAM! Done deal. Ya‘ll should look up Mexico’s immigration laws. It’s pretty awesome… and staggering at the hypocrisy as well.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:43am

      Ridiculous. If there is a law requiring a national language, then it’s fine. If not, pass one. Otherwise, this Representative is only representative of being a jerk.

      Report Post »  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:56am

      Yesssss, it is about time this started happening, and every single business in this country needs to make the same statement.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 12:00pm

      KPEdwards, yes, assimilate or go home. You can expect a country to remain strong if it’s continually trying to be reshaped by every immigrant with an agenda. If the country was good enough for them to emigrate here from their country of origin, then it is more then good enough for them to assimilate. Again, if their home country was so bad they had to leave it, why try to change this country to be like the one they left? My ancestors assimilated and became prosperous, despite prejudices against them. Those who don’t assimilate have a much more difficult road to prosperity.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • greenherring
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 12:19pm

      Amen! This is exactly what is needed. All of this “PC” stuff needs to go away. This is one of the biggest problems with modern America

      Report Post » greenherring  
    • Kalidor835
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 12:39pm

      West Virginia passed an English as official language law a few years ago and since then the illegal population has dwindled to almost none. Perhaps if more states did the same they would start to leave from those places as well. Here you can’t get any “state assistance”, driver’s license, or any other “benefits” if you can’t both speak and read English as part of the law.

      Report Post » Kalidor835  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 12:50pm

      Hey Pickle ,
      Even ifcan’t deport 15,000,000 people at one tome we should at least the the ball rolling and deport every illegal found and revoke the citizenship of every child born to illegals in the decade.

      Report Post »  
    • KPEdwards
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:04pm

      I’m guessing you had meant to type, “You can’t expect a country …“ instead of ”You can …”
      If I’m wrong in this guess, let me know. However, if I am wrong it would sound more like you are arguing my side.

      Either way, I can most definitely expect a strong country that is continually being reshaped. It allows us to be flexible with a change in personal beliefs while still having the same government structure. In fact, I would argue it makes our country stronger.

      Also, I’d like to point out that you have not really addressed what norm it is that people should be assimilating to exactly, nor have we even touched on the issue of Americans who do not fit into this norm.

      As for your reasoning that, to paraphrase, if an immigrant decided to move here, they should not bring culture from their country of origin with them – could it not be said that they moved not because they disliked their old country, but because our country provides them with the freedom to live their life as they want. What if they can’t enjoy their personal culture in their country of origin?

      Also @biohazard
      I must admit, I am not entirely clear how you are attempting to malign me, although I get the distinct impression that you are trying to. Are you supposing that, because of my view point, I must not be fluent in English? Well in any case, English is, in fact, my native tongue.

      Report Post »  
    • iheartusa
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:36pm

      Please, fellow citizens who love America, please go to http://www.numbersusa.com and help fight to get our country back! A country is defined by it’s borders, language and culture, without these, what do you have? This country’s immigration practices are out of control and we Americans need to take action! This is the website where you CAN take action. The members of this organization have been instrumental in getting e-verify passed in several states. Now the fight is on to make it mandatory across the United States. Educate yourself, then make your voice heard! http://www.numbersusa.com

      Report Post » iheartusa  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:39pm

      This liitle scenario was well prepared. The Mexican was READING a written statement. You know, one that was written out AHEAD OF TIME. Then someone hired an interpreter to “interpret” his written statement which was written IN ADVANCE. WHAT A BUNCH OF BS! Now why would a well meaning English speaking immigrant sit down and deliberately write his statement in SPANISH?
      The Senator was right, and the chairman unobservant, to say the least. It was rude and insulting–and prepared in advance.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Dont-hate-on-me-2
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:10pm

      I think when you come to this country you learn the wonderful language. I refused to take a second langauge in H.S. for one reason I didnt understand why i had to learn a langauge that would not benifit me at all in my life.they mandated you take spanish first, I refused and won. I took french instead, I currently am considering learning Arabic and Chineese.
      WAY TO GO TEXAS

      Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
    • IndependentAmerican1776
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:12pm

      Thank you Texas State Senator Chris Harris for Standing Up for our Country. You 100% correct, the gentlemen should be testifying in ENGLISH. His allegiance is with MEXICO and not the US. If I was to move to any other Country I would be required (and should be) to learn the Language. No special signs or literature should be made to appease me and my first language. If I choose to live in a different Country other than my home then I know what is expected of me and I MUST respect their laws and assimilate.

      Report Post » IndependentAmerican1776  
    • Ryan Beaulieu
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:15pm

      It’s about time someone said something for once. On another note sort of off topic is I am tired of the preferential treatment that is given to illegal immigrants but people in government. I am tired of people in government saying it’s “okay” that people came here illegally because “They were just trying to do whats best for their family.” Call me am a$$ but you still provided for your family illegally by sneaking them into a country unlawfully and did it full knowingly that it was illegal.

      If that argument works for illegals then I guess it‘s okay for drug dealers to sell crack and dope because even though it’s illegal they are just trying to provide for their family. They just want to make money for their family so even though its illegal it’s okay because it was done with good intentions right? So glad this senator said something to this man who has been here for 23 years. Anyone think this sounds just like the baseball player (I believe it was Sammy Sosa) that testified in a congressional hearing in spanish and used the exact same excuse of “Spanish is my first language” even though he knew perfect english.

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:16pm

      I’m a Texan that has lived in Brazil for the past 38 years. I had to learn to speak “Brazilian Portuguese”, which is the official language. I believe English should be required learning for all immigrants, for their on welfare as mush as for respect of their adopted country. I was raised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas and it wasn‘t uncommon to meet Latin Americans that were born and raised in Texas 30 or 40 years old that couldn’t speak English, thus limiting themselves and families for job opportunities and many other things. If you live in China, you should learn Chinese. Just saying……

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:28pm

      The Constitution doesn’t say that people have to speak English does it? So this is more big government from the TP, demanding people speak one language or another. Next, it’ll be telling everyone what clothes to wear (nothing “foriegn looking”) then it will be absolute control over our lives. We all know that’s what the TPs want, government edicts telling everyone – not what is illegal – but imposing the morality of the few on the rest of us. Like Hilter. And, you know, Stalin and Marx. All those guys.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • thinkinghuman
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:31pm

      Senator was rude. It is possible to be here 20 years and still feel handicapped when speaking English. So, if the man was here 3 months, it would have been OK with the Senator? The Senator has NO RIGHT to assume that all people who come to America must learn to speak English. Sorry, this is just another racist type attitude, a prejudice, a stereotype, and a projection of his own personal views onto others while he abuses his senatorial powers in trying to intimidate the man.
      I really disdain abuse of power.

      Report Post » thinkinghuman  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:35pm

      Speal the language or face deportation!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

      You should maybe review Mexico’s immigration laws. While they (Mexico) says we should lighten up and allow illegal immigration,,,,,Mexico makes it illegal to house, feed, or employ illegal immigrants,,,,in other words, a crime to support an illegal immigrant in Mexico.

      The United States DEFINITELY needs to impose the same laws within our countries borders-ELSE BE PREPARED TO HAND OVER YOUR COUNTRY TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. To all the ‘uninformed’ and those who take a politicians word for it,,,,,,take a nice short vacation to the southern states and drive thru some of the towns and cities. These locations are already lost. But the immigration has spread to ALL of the states. Now take into cosideration how many illegals are on the books for financial aid, health care, unemployement, and social security. Think they’re not???better think again. Wise up.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 3:26pm

      I am here and I strongly disagree with your law. I am a drug dealer, child molester, arsonist, burglar, bank robber, embezzler, and I htink your law is unjust because it effects our families.
      (sarachasm off)

      Is he for real??? You come here you obey OUR law not your will. You speak OUR langauge the that of the third world country you left for here. You come here invited, through the front door, not the bathroom window. How about we just adopt Mexicos immigration law instead. I like theirs much better.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 3:33pm

      thinkinghuman… Senator was rude. It is possible to be here 20 years and still feel handicapped when speaking English. So, if the man was here 3 months, it would have been OK with the Senator? The Senator has NO RIGHT to assume that all people who come to America must learn to speak English. Sorry, this is just another racist type attitude, a prejudice, a stereotype, and a projection of his own personal views onto others while he abuses his senatorial powers in trying to intimidate the man. I really disdain abuse of power.

      Your liberal mindset is why we have the country we have today instead of the country we had in the 50′s. Langauge, borders, and culture. If you do not protect these three things you do not have a country, an America. You know you cant even fly an American flag in Mexico. Your logic suggest that the young muslim who comes here for conversion and jihad must also be catered to, or we are biggots.

      Stop the racial crap mary. This is America. Come here legally, speak OUR language. Follow our laws. Remeber he cant use mexican MONEY in most of the US either. What a pansy.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • quiet little lamb
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:02pm

      I don‘t understand how people find this offensive when if you go to a foreign country and don’t learn their language you will be a pauper! I am pro immigration. I would love to open the door wie open to India. I have never met an Indian on welfare, or not self-sufficient. In fact, in my community they emply several of the locals.
      This guy was just saying this in Spanish to get more attention. The Senator was kind of prickish, but i‘m sure i’d be frustrated too if someone was taking up my time having an intrepreter after living here for 20 years.
      Jus sayin

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • bibleguntoter
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:38pm

      My ancestors came to this country and learned to speak ENGLISH,no problem with them speaking their native language,but there are times like this they need to be respectful enough to speak in english in certain settings . But I forget that many of todays immigrants don’t respect this country and what it stands for!

      Report Post » bibleguntoter  
    • Acegard
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:54pm

      We should not be say one thing and do another. While I agree that 23 years is plenty of time to learn a language, there is no law stating one should speak a certain language in the U.S. And for a congressman to forget about civility is not right. There were better ways to go about it, instead of being classless and bigoted. I wonder if this is how they treat known terrorists from 9/11 who need interpreters? Yet they treat this man worse because of his inability to speak our preferred language. Hypocrisy has many faces, we must choose to
      Wear none.

      Report Post » Acegard  
    • Edct
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:59pm

      I hate fing mexs that can‘t or won’t learn our language…I have the illegals….I hate our political whores who are selling our country for a vote….I hate listening to an announcement on the phone for the mexs or at the ATM…..and I am disgusted at any American who doesn’t have the balls to look at mexs speaking mex and tell them that in this country we speak English and any American who has not joined Fairus.org or Numbersusa.com shoud be ashamed for not helping our country and has no right to bitch.

      Report Post »  
    • Eblaze44
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 5:37pm

      It’s time for the States and the United States to make English the OFFICIAL language of the United States of America.

      Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:01pm

      What Aguirre was doing was a slap in the face of the entire USA. I’m glad he got called on it.

      http://www.AMillionGoWest.com Help us get 1 million signatures on a petition that asks Allen West to run for President in 2012.

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:03pm

      Sometimes I hate the internet. Right after I posted my last comment, this page reloaded and a large banner ad comes up at the top of the page for a paper towel product and the entire thing is in Spanish. Good grief!

      http://www.AMillionGoWest.com Help us get 1 million signatures on a petition that asks Allen West to run for President in 2012.

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:46pm

      Yea, Yea again!!

      Report Post »  
    • GadsdenPatriot
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 12:14am

      GOOD! It’s about time someone sticks up for the language this Nation was founded in.

      Report Post » GadsdenPatriot  
    • TruthDarts
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 9:53am

      aHHHH…

      Obozo’s answer to this Mexican Invasion problem in AZ?
      Put up a sign saying: “DANGER – PUBLIC WARNING
      TRAVEL NOT RECOMMENDED…”

      He gave away USA land telling OUR citizenry to ABANDON IT!

      Raises his hand to swear to uphold our Constitution…then proceeds to NOT do his first job…
      SECURE OUR BORDERS & PROTECT THE PEOPLE
      from ATTACK…FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC!!!!!!

      Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

      Report Post » TruthDarts  
    • Boilingfrog74
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 10:00am

      English should be your first language. This is america the most advanced nation in the world and the youngest. This nations standards are regressing people took pride in coming here. the new age takes advantage of coming here. We dont wnt to become a third world nation!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » Boilingfrog74  
    • frodis
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 4:40pm

      Doesn’t matter if he has a right to speak Spanish. It’s about respect. Respect the country that is giving your people a better way of life. Hey Mexicans. If Mexico was great and we English speaking people flocked down there and started breeding and living off your taxes and only speaking English, well wouldn’t that tick you off?? You know dam well it would.

      Report Post » frodis  
    • mils
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 11:28pm

      Go Texas!!! learn to speak the language of the land you are invading, illegally living, breathing, being

      Report Post »  
    • Igno Ramus
      Posted on June 19, 2011 at 12:43pm

      I have no problem with anyone coming to this country to try and improve their lot in life. I wan them to enter legally and to learn the language. I don’t think that thisa is too much to ask. When I was in the Navy, I was homeported in Greece for about 6 months. I learned enough Greek to get by just about anywhere that I went in Greece. A lot of Greek nationals couldn’t understand why I wanted to learn and use Greek. I wanted to use the local language so that I could better experience the country of Greece. Greece was one of the cradles of western civilization. You go farther when you use the local language. Most Greeks wanted to learn American English worse than I wanted to learn Greek. I have not used Greek for several years now, and I have lost the use and the ‘flavor’ of the language. If you don’t use it, you lose it I guess.
      No problem. I am a US citizen by birth. I grew up here. I will not give these illegals a pass on the language. If I go to another country to live or work, I will make EVERY effort to learn the local lingo. The same should hold true for everyone else. It’s a matter of common courtesy and decency to do so.
      This guy has been here how long? Damn, man, can’t you get it together? Holy Crap!

      Report Post »  
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