Houstonist: Friendswood: America's new melting pot?

lauren

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:48:15 -0600

i would assume it is because english always has been and currently is the standard - it is the de facto language... obviously a few are feeling threatened about the future of that.

webelder

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:53:19 -0600

Something like this would not stop others from speaking whatever language they wish..but when conducting business as a local,city or state government English should be required. It's funny how people bristle at requiring those involved with the public speak English...I wonder what they would say if it were ruled that Police need not speak English?? Or when you go to City Hall nobody spoke English?? Or when the EMT's show up all they can speak is Spanish or whatever?? It appears it's legal to require English for these jobs,so why not others where the public is involved.

lauren

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:17:35 -0600

Peden linked non-English speaking to illegal immigration, too - and threw in sex offenders, as well (via the Chronicle): ...the proposed measure would be a safeguard for Friendswood and compared it to the city's ordinance prohibiting sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of places where children gather. "We do not have, in my opinion, an illegal immigration issue in the city of Friendswood, but I don't want to pass legislation after we get one," Peden said. Laura Ewing and current LULAC president Rick Dovalina express how they believe pushing this proposal will have a bad effect on the city - guess what guys, it already has! but yeah, Reeves' thoughtful comment was my absolute favorite: "You're free to leave if you want to speak another language," said Reeves, 38, a mortgage broker who has lived in Friendswood for four years. wtf?!