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Posted on 06/05/2005 12:07:11 AM PDT by snippy_about_it
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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
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 Speaking English preserves our national heritage Nathan Tabor December 1, 2004 "Breathes there the man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said: 'This is my own, my native land'?" Most of us have heard those famous lines. But exactly why do they resonate across the years? I believe it's because they capture the essence of patriotism and national identity. Today we have a large and rapidly growing population of immigrants, both legal and illegal, surging into the United States, many of them Hispanic. As a result, some well-meaning folks are advancing the idea that our schools should teach classes in Spanish to accommodate those who don't know English. America, the modern politically correct theory goes, should become a multilingual culture to reflect the multicultural backgrounds of the various ethnic groups who now live here. Thus our election ballots, laws, public records, court proceedings, etc., should all be conducted in at least two languages and possibly more. This misguided idea represents the epitome of enlightened liberalism. I believe that such a move would be a cultural disaster because it would result in the Balkanization of American society. After all, there are currently more than 300 different languages spoken by various groups within America. It is true that we are a "nation of immigrants," and that the proverbial American "melting pot" contains individuals from a variety of different cultural backgrounds. It is also legitimate for people to remember and preserve many of their ancient traditions and their ethnic heritage. However, the essence of immigration has always been assimilation into the larger American society. People flocked to our shores en masse because America alone promised them freedom and the opportunity for a better life than they had elsewhere. While they might speak their native languages at home, in public they did business in English so that they could flourish and prosper in this new land. To become naturalized American citizens, these newcomers had to learn our language and our history, and then take a solemn oath to obey our laws and defend our way of life. In other words, they had to change and adapt to the new common culture they desired to join. They might retain their own personal cultural distinctive, but their new national identity made them all uniquely Americans. "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americans," pronounced President Theodore Roosevelt a century ago. "The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities. We have but one flag. We must also learn one language and that language is English," TR shrewdly observed. Roosevelt's authoritative proclamation came at a high tide of American immigration, when literally hordes of immigrants from Eastern as well as Western Europe were flooding America's shores and filling her cities and factories with the raw human resources of the Industrial Revolution. He saw the dangers as well as the blessings of this massive influx of humanity. Today there is an effort afoot to pass legislation declaring English to be the official language of the United States. This was not done by the Founding Fathers, because back then there was no reason to pass a law mandating what was already true in fact. The overwhelming majority of settlers in colonial America came from what Winston Churchill later famously called "the English-speaking peoples." Thanks to the navies of the British Empire, the English language has encircled and dominated the globe. Declaring English to be the official language of America today would mean that official government business at all levels must be conducted solely in English. This includes all public documents, records, legislation and regulations, as well as hearings, official ceremonies, public meetings and election ballots. Today twenty-seven states have some form of "Official English" law, and there is an ongoing effort in Congress to pass national legislation. Of course, the ACLU opposes this idea, despite the fact that 82 percent of adult Americans favor it, according to the latest Zogby poll. An Official English laws will not only preserve our cultural heritage, historical documents, and uniquely American way of life, it will also enable immigrants to fit in and flourish here. At a bare minimum, Official English legislation would: Promote unity within the society; Empower immigrants to prosper in the community; Produce efficient, common-sense government. "I believe we are being dishonest with language minority groups if we tell them they can take full part in American life without learning the English language," said S.I. Hayakawa, the founder of U.S. English, Inc., the leader in promoting Official English. Hayakawa's sentiments thus agree with those of President Ronald Reagan, without question the most respected and beloved American leader of the 20th Century. "By emphasizing the importance of a common language, we safeguard a proud legacy and help to ensure that America's future will be as great as her past," Reagan said. For both our great nation and her diverse people, Official English makes good sense.      |
As always at the Foxhole, feel free to discuss as long as the discussion remains civil. ;-)
To all our military men and women past and present, military family members, and to our allies who stand beside us
Thank You!
Stormy Nite Shift Bump for the Freeper Foxhole.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
I believe those days, the "melting pot", are over, Snip. For better or for worse.
"One nation under God" is no longer true in the last part, and the first part will follow.
Raising my kids from this point of view.
The "Blue States" are already not America.
I remember New York City. Had seen some of Asia by then, and Asia was no more foreign than New York City.
Good morning, Snippy and everyone at the Foxhole.
Good morning I have to work today. 3 of the higher ups were in yesterday...they said my salads were picture perfect.
Present.
Death frightens many of us and makes us feel awkward in the presence of a terminally ill person. But our greatest opportunities to help someone in Jesus' name may come during a person's final days on earth. The Bible speaks of a friendship that knows no limits. "A friend loves at all times," said the wise man (Proverbs 17:17). And "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (18:24). Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jesus is both our Great Physician and our Friend, and He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He calls us to stand with our friends and family in His name as their earthly journey nears its end. That's what a true friend would do. -David McCasland
When the cold wind of trouble blows, Who comes in dark and stormy night With friendship's glowing lamp alight. -Mason A true friend stays true to the end.
What Is Real Love? |
Back when I had a real job, I handled all the foreign accounts. By law, everything printed in Canada had to be printed in English and French. This is why we had so much Canadian business. They could print stuff here at almost half the price.
Good morning, Aeronaut.
Morning Feather..
On This Day In History
Birthdates which occurred on June 05:
470/469BC Socrates (d.399BC) was born in Athens
1718 Thomas Chippendale England, furniture maker (baptized)
1723 Adam Smith Kirkcaldy Scot, economist (Wealth of Nations) (baptized)
1819 John Couch Adams co-discover (Neptune)
1823 George Thorndike Angell Mass, lawyer (ASPCA)
1825 Jabez Lamar Monroe Curry Georgia, educator (Rep-Ala, 1857-61)
1878 Francisco (Pancho) Villa Mexico, revolutionary/guerrilla leader
1883 John Maynard Keynes Cambridge England, economist/math/journalist
1887 Ruth Benedict US, anthropologist (Patterns of Culture)
1895 William Boyd Ohio, cowboy (Hopalong Cassidy)
1900 Dennis Gabor inventor (holography (3D laser photography))
1905 Art Donovan NFL defensive tackle (Balt, NY Yanks, Dallas)
1928 Robert Lansing SD Calif, actor (12 O'Clock High, Equalizer, Automan)
1934 Bill D Moyers Hugo Okla, news commentator (Bill Moyers' Journal, NOW)
1937 Waylon Jennings Littlefield Tx, country singer (Dukes of Hazzard)
1938 Marion Chapman smallest known premature baby to survive (280 g)
1939 Ken Follett spy author (Eye of the the Needle)
1946 Stefania Sandrelli Viareggio Italy, actress (The Key)
1959 Michael Winans gospel singer (The Winans)
Hey all! I'm only gonna have a second of Lazy Sunday to enjoy ya'll. :-) The moving truck is an hour and a half away so I've already been busy for a couple of hours. But, joinin' all you fine folks for a sip of morning caffeine. :-)
[sip]
Actually we had a Canadian store owner chime in, french was also going to be included. This store is in BC and the fella said the Canadians were alreadys sick and tired of their government craming french down their throat. He didn't want the space wasted on the products either. It wasn't necessary where he was. He had the same arguments.
Have a safe trip.
Sipping java with ya, Wneighbor.
Happy day to you.
morning, and safe travels! prayers go with you.
Thanks Snippy!
[sip]
Stopping by for a few more sips!
Nice company I've got here. :-)
Thankee ma'am.
We've got a load of someone's furniture to unload in downtown Dallas this evening or tomorrow morning. ~sigh~ But, we're on too uncertain of a schedule to think of a visit. Just going to try to get things done as quickly as possible.
This is an excellent reminder of how, left unchecked, our culture can be ripped off by an elitist mentality.
When I was living in Texas, I remember a big "bi-lingual" push with the state legislature. This was before they had studies showing that prolonged bi-lingual education actually hampered the students English development. As things intensified and the PC forces screamed that NO foreign student can make it through HS without bi-lingual education, along comes a Vietnamese kid that was part of the "boat people" flotilla. He came to America at age 6 not speaking a word of English. He went on to graduate second in his class at Memorial HS and was receiving offers to top Universities. Someone finally asked the liberals how he was able to accomplish this without bi-lingual Vietnamese education. They were forced into confronting whether to admit out loud that Hispanics need "special" considerations. Needless to say the measure to force bi-lingual education into the school systems failed.
Good morning Ms. Feather.
"Farewell we call to hearth and hall! Though wind may blow and rain may fall. We must away ere the break of day. Far over wood and mountain tall."
Ya know.... we're still dealin' with that. ~sigh~
~snif~
Another elf is going to the havens. :-)
Just remember to use your palantir when you get a chance.
BTW, yesterday's thread you said "Why thank you Ma'am!". I'm a guy. ;^)
Good morning sweetie, house all finished?
It's finished! Looks great and am very proud of my work. I saved easily $3000.00 doing it myself but I think this is the last "major" weekend warrior project. In the word's of Clint Eastwood, "I'm too old for this sh_ _ ."
After fellowship, I'm gonna just spend the day reading and accidentally falling asleep on my chase lounge.
Oh! I have to share this. While I was finishing the gate to the backyard a hummingbird just flew up and hovered three feet away (maybe closer) from me. It was so cool. I said hello, asked him if he liked the color, his new feeder (you know guy/bird talk). He just stared at me, did his little chirp sound and then Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. He was gone!
The B-29 was first reported in action on June 5, 1944, in an attack on railway yards at Bangkok, Siam, and on June 15 the first raid was made in Japan from bases in China. Following that date, attacks on the Japanese mainland were steadily stepped up, mainly from bases in the Marianas and in Guam, with forces up to 450 and 500 Superfortresses.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
Cool. I'm always startled by the hummingbird when the get close. My first thought is always that it's a giant bee headed for me. It's a good day for taking nap. :-)
Good morning Snippy.
Every day I'm beginning to feel more and more like a foreigner in my own Country. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
It's finished! Looks great and am very proud of my work. I saved easily $3000.00 doing it myself but I think this is the last "major" weekend warrior project.
Until the next one :-)
Same in this part of the country of the Northeast. They learn English quickly and are doing well economically.
Some of the franchise owners are in a heated debate with our "home office" about including spanish on some of our product.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Corp. America
Most voicing an opionion are against it.
Of course they're only in it for the money so are (it goes w/o saying evil
This prompted one in the group to call the others racists. I'm still steaming!
Don't blame you a bit.
A couple of years ago a guy who runs my line on 1st shift was sticking me with extra work....words were spoken, I expressed my...displeasure at him. He ran to HR and made the same kind of accusation against me. A meeting was held, I have a friend who's a lawyer,and I threatened to sue everyone unless I got an apology. I won. Defamation of character can be a wonderful thing.
I understand your situation is different (I had nothing to lose) but remember the best defence is a good offence.
Try to console...it'll be all right.
So you'll be about as predictable as the weather.
Thanks.
So you'll be about as predictable as the weather.
Almost!
LOL! Yeah well the next time the wife asks me do "the next one", I'll just borrow another line from Clint Eastwood and say, "go ahead, make my day".
Their father was Rais Ortega the weaver and Melita occasionally happily related how he taught himself English by reading newspapers.
I lived ten years in the house he built with walls like a bunker, the double-adobe giving a counterbalance to the temperature change; all you add is a fire.
Here the neighbors all speak Spanish but we had the salesman of the year Johnny who spoke both English and Spanish quite well--and laughed at his hispanic bros who did not--grasping the obvious: to profit, speak well.
I think perhaps there will be yet another assimilation, after all the Europeans, the French like moi, although it will be poco a poco.
Ike Ortega would say that, you know, not right away, but little by little.
The militant bilingualists will fail--there is already bastante Spanish in the lingo, it's the Romantic thing, the sixty percent Latin and Greek, et cetera.
The universal language is courtesy--there can be no rude insistence on Spanish, nor on English for that matter.
It is simply the river flowing to the sea, and it will pick up anything of interest, anything loose or of use, and carry it along.
Sirhan didn't shoot RFK--thanks to 300-lb Rosie Grier, Sirhan didn't get within two feet and never behind RFK.
The chief medical examiner for Los Angeles County Dr. Thomas Noguchi said the four shots in RFK were point-blank from back to front, down to up, right to left.
Sirhan's gun was an eight-shot and he shot Schrade, Stroll, Weisel, Goldstein, Evans, put two in the door frame and at least one in the ceiling tile--eight, and still didn't get to point-blank range behind, below and to the right of RFK to fire those four shots.
The LAPD made the door frame and ceiling tile disappear.
Sirhan was the finger pointing to the moon, but he was not the moon.
I disagree. When it comes to our country, my country I can in fact be rude when others try to tear it done. This destruction of the language, of our culture if you will, is just one small piece of the big picture. I don't like what I see.
The best way to encourage assimilation is to keep immigration controlled with reasonable numbers. We have legal immigrants in the area but it's not overwhelming as out west so they quicky learn English and it's not a major problem.
That is a big part of how we do it in the military, too. (DLI-FLC, Monterey, CA)
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Traditionally, medical schools have trained their students to help patients live, while offering little instruction in helping them face death. But that is changing with the addition of courses in end-of-life care. Physicians are now taught that when they have used all their medical expertise without achieving a cure, they should seize the opportunity to stand compassionately beside their dying patients and be a friend. 