Philadelphia "English-only" eatery faces probe

Reuters ^ | 6/12/06 | Jon Hurdle

[USMA '71]

Saw a clip on the Philly evening news about this. It seems that their business was especially brisk today as they eventually ran out of rolls! A local poll was decidedly in favor of letting Geno's keep the "offensive" sign in place.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

But the world could do without those monstrosities

Yeah, we should all eat tofu and brie.

Posts like yours are a reminder that some FReepers are nothing more than closet liberals.

[PhillyRepublican]

Sign says "please" speak English! They do not refuse service to anyone. Also, the sign has been there since October!
What about places that have signs saying, "no shoes, no shirt, no service"? Isn't that discrimination ?

[jebeier]

I have traveled the World knowing only two sentences of the local language, wherever I happen to be. "I'm sorry, I don't speak (insert local language here), could we please speak English", and "Two more beers, please". In my younger, single days, I also made it my business to know how to say "You look lovely tonight". These stock phrases allowed me to have a good time everywhere except Somalia, where there are simply no good times to be had.

But if I were a foreigner in Philadelphia, I would also make it my business to learn how to say "Gimme one of those Geno's Cheesesteaks and a Coke!"

[A CA Guy]

They know some English words.

Welfare
Food Stamps
Materity Ward in Emergency Ward
Beer
Home Depot

[Liberty Valance]

[GregoryFul]

"The complaint will say that the sign discourages patronage by non-English speakers because of their national origin and/or ancestry," Lawton, whose agency enforces the city's anti-discrimination laws, said before the official filing.

Furthermore, Lawton ordered, Geno's must henceforth be ready to take customer's food orders accurately in any language the customer chooses: French, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Italian, Celtic, Arabic, Egyptian, Armenian, Turkish, Chechen, Russian, Portuguese, Ebonics, Navajo, Siouan, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, International Sign Language, ....

[mlstier]

I don't see how it's in PCHR's jurisdication.

Thier mission, as stated on their website doesn't cover this.

... discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status. and gender identity

Geno's does violate any of these. He's even said on interviews, that if they can order in english, he simply sells them whatever they are pushing.

[rbg81]

Exactly what authority does this "Civil Rights Commission" have? When exactly did small business owners lose the right to free expression? Where is the ACLU when (really) you need them?

[Vietnam Vet From New Mexico]

To Rachel Lawton:
I knew you would waste the taxpayers money and try to persecute Gino's for thought crimes.

Freedom of speech is only for those who parrot the liberal line. Anyone who dares to express politically incorrect ideas will feel the wrath of the Thought Police.

Are you going to require an interpreter for every known language? Force him to acknowledge his sins and shout I LOVE BIG BROTHER?

[Grut]

Gino's should respond to the Commission... in, say, Pushtun.

[Fruitbat]

This guy does not refuse service to non speaking people, he just gives all non English speaking people a steak with cheese whiz on it.

If he is forced to take the sign down, he should instruct his staff to make whatever they think that they first hear from anyone not speaking English.

[Fruitbat]

Usually when a "civil rights" organization is involved, it takes the word "probe" literally.

[Intolerant in NJ]

I hope Geno fights back...owner said on TV tonight he's had over 4000 supportive emails from all over the country as well as offers of financial contributions and legal service - looks like it will be quite a battle......

[MarineBrat]

"...Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Pepsi, Pepsi..."

"No Pepsi... Coke!"

[posterchild]

I have traveled the World knowing only two sentences of the local language, wherever I happen to be. "I'm sorry, I don't speak (insert local language here), could we please speak English", and "Two more beers, please". In my younger, single days, I also made it my business to know how to say "You look lovely tonight".
The art of travelling well:)

[antiunion person]

That would be out of character for Kerry. He prefers a French cheese like Camembert or Gruyere. A glass of chardonnay is required as well.


He orders butter peanut and jelly sandwiches from his man slave who follows sKerry around like a little puppy.

[Solemar]

"'..watch the lefties pull his business license..' "

There would be riots.


So true.

Think: "Iggles" fans in Geno's withdrawal.

Plus - you don't really order in English anyway. All you really say, mumble or slur is: "Wit'", or not.

[Callahan]

He's not asking much. The only English you need to know to order at Geno's is "Cheese" and "Cheese With."

[garbageseeker]

Good for Geno. Time for a good Italian street fight against political correctness.