Witness Statements

[brosometal]

Just a quick insert:  America has a distinct culture.  It should be celebrated because at its core, it is (or used to be) Freedom.

[DesertMarine]

So what is the American "culture".  Even in the early days, it was a mix of people from different parts of Europe.  Every culture and language has added to what has become "American culture".   Is "American Culture" English culture, European culture and is  the lament, that now we have something not totally European or English?  That our "American Culture" has changed and that is scary.  Not all of us want to be like Europeans or the English.  If that is what someone wants, fine but don't impose it on everyone else and shout that they are not "Americans" because they feel and think different.  Nothing stands still, everything will change.  I always understood that American meant that you were free to express your self in whichever language you wanted to, do things in how you felt was right for you, as long as you do not impinge on someone else's freedoms and rights.  So why do you want to impinge my rights and freedoms in how I speak, think and see as my way of life and culture?

English is the language of the this country and is the business language of the world.  But their is nothing wrong with other languages and other cultures to being a part of this country.

Tom, you are right but that is not the case anymore.  This country has grown into something different and a lot better than when it started.  I don't see being diverse as being divisive.  If you and I had served in the Corps together and had to go into combat together, we would have taken care of each other even though we are diverse in our cultures.  That is what is so beautiful about this country.  The Mexican culture in the United States has changed so much since my generation.  It is very Americanized now and that is ok, it is going to change like everything else.  Our kids speak mainly English, understand Spanish and live their lives very different from ours and it is ok.  My son and several nephews and nieces married "white" people and that is ok.  Don't worry about "American culture" it will surive and get better. 

Even though we think and feel different about some things, there are a lot of guys on this forum like Tom, the Haz and others that I would like to meet in person and drink a beer with.

[Ping]

Native Americans are the true Americans who got their land and families torn apart. Mexicans are actually Native Americans and the only reason they speak Spanish instead of their traditional language is due to Spain's Conquistidores. The rest of Americans were transplants from Europe and Africa.

Of course English is the dominant language in the United States and should remain to be the dominant language. When I lived in Italy, I respected them and learned to speak conversational Italian. I respected them and was only there as a representative of the United States Air Force. If Mexicans come to the United States, they need to speak English. Period. If Cubans or Hondurans come to the United States, they need to speak English, Period.  People from India, Russia, or the freaking Middle East need to speak English in the United States.

Keep in mind that I am not racist. I am a realist. This is our country and we need to preserve our traditions and quit allowing others to interfere and taint it. I am tired of the politically correct cause foreignors walk all over us and I am personally sick of it.

Some of us served this Country and served our Flag. The dominant language of the American Flag is English. I sacrificed years of my life as along with others on this forum in service of the United States Military. While serving under our flag we were trained while speaking English.

I agree with respecting your heritage and it's language. But if you are north of the Mexican Border and south of the Canadian Border, you should speak English.

[tombogan03884]

I'm going to post my reply as inserts to your post so that I can keep my train of thought straight.

So what is the American "culture".  Even in the early days, it was a mix of people from different parts of Europe.  Every culture and language has added to what has become "American culture".   Is "American Culture" English culture, European culture and is  the lament, that now we have something not totally European or English?  That our "American Culture" has changed and that is scary.  Not all of us want to be like Europeans or the English.  If that is what someone wants, fine but don't impose it on everyone else and shout that they are not "Americans" because they feel and think different.  Nothing stands still, everything will change. This previous part I really can't answer beyond saying that being of Irish decent I do not celebrate St. Paddy's day, I don't believe in it or "Cinco De Mayo" or "Bastille Day" I celebrate the 4th of July because I'm an American. (and Nov 10th )  I always understood that American meant that you were free to express your self in whichever language you wanted to,  NOT SO, the Constitution guarentees Free Speech, and a free Press, this is NOT the same as "freedom of expression" which is the specious argument that was used to justify burning and otherwise showing disrespect for our Flag and other National symbols. do things in how you felt was right for you, as long as you do not impinge on someone else's freedoms and rights.  So why do you want to impinge my rights and freedoms in how I speak, think and see as my way of life and culture? I don't care what language you speak at home, or what foods you eat,(so far I have not met a Mexican Thai, or Chinese food that I have not liked) or how you dress etc. But when I go to DMV  I DEMAND that the person I deal with speak ENGLISH, I don't care where your people were from, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Gettysberg address and every other worth while document of America was composed and written in English, why should WE adapt to the languages of nation that were unable to even conceive of the Ideals America is supposed to represent ?

English is the language of the this country and is the business language of the world.  But their is nothing wrong with other languages and other cultures to being a part of this country. If people want to come here they need to adapt to OUR ways, not vice versa, if their country was so great they probably should have stayed there.

Tom, you are right but that is not the case anymore.  This country has grown into something different and a lot better than when it started.  I don't see being diverse as being divisive. You don't see it as being divisive ? Look at all that you and I have have in common, Marines, guns, Conservative politics etc. but this subject has us who, as your next lines point out, are Brothers, arguing among our selves, Furtunately we are both reasonable and intelligent people and keep it a debate of ideas, but what about the less gifted sheeple ? These are exactly the things that lead to wars in other counties. If you and I had served in the Corps together and had to go into combat together, we would have taken care of each other even though we are diverse in our cultures.  That is what is so beautiful about this country.  The Mexican culture in the United States has changed so much since my generation.  It is very Americanized now and that is ok, it is going to change like everything else.  Our kids speak mainly English, understand Spanish and live their lives very different from ours and it is ok.  My son and several nephews and nieces married "white" people and that is ok.  Don't worry about "American culture" it will surive and get better.  America was built as a melting pot, to blend the best features of ALL cultures, not to seperate them into their little ghetto's as in Europe, or "Quarters" as in the East, as long as the blending continues we ARE in pretty good shape.

Even though we think and feel different about some things, there are a lot of guys on this forum like Tom, the Haz and others that I would like to meet in person and drink a beer with.  Yes, I agree

[Timothy]

Veterans Day, young Thomas, is November the 11th....not the 10th.....geez.....

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

Tom,

Well stated.

DM,

You KNOW I still like and respect you.  (and I'll even buy the second round )

[Timothy]

I don't drink but I'll buy the first round, the balance you can fight amoungst yourselves....


 

[tombogan03884]

Veterans Day, young Thomas, is November the 11th....not the 10th.....geez.....

Ha Ha, You KNOW I was referring to the Marine Corps Birthday.

[Timothy]

Ha Ha, You KNOW I was referring to the Marine Corps Birthday.

Then I stand corrected and you need to add the 11th to your list, young Sir...

[Hazcat]

Yeah, the Marines (Nov 10, 1775) have been around ALMOST as long as the Army (June 14,1775).