What's the problem with the Democratic debate in Spanish?

Question

Spanish people are protected by the same first amendment that protects your freedom to speak English or any other language you choose, right?

So, what's the problem?

Seems like a pretty smart tactic by the Democrats.

My counterargument against pandering is appeasing to the hispanic voter. It's a smart tactic.

Stony; how in god's name does language prevent unity?

Answer 1

Its the best thing the dems could do for the republicans

Answer 2

Stony is right. A language barrier will prevent unity. Look what is happening in Canada. Quebec wants to become a sovereign nation that speaks French. Studies show that people that do not speak English in America, are much less likely to achieve economic prosperity and success.

Answer 3

Agreed.I'm amazed too at the upset it causes even in people who are usually very rational and reasonable.
Currently, although all the official documents in the U.S. are written in English, the United States federal government does not specify explicitly an official language.
Spanish is the second most common language in the United States after English. There are more Spanish speakers in the United States than speakers of French, Hawaiian, and the Native American languages combined. According to the 2000 United States Census, Spanish is spoken most frequently at home by about 28.1 million people aged 5 or over.The United States is home to more than 40 million Hispanics, making it the fifth largest Spanish-speaking community in the world, after Mexico, Colombia, Spain and Argentina. Roughly half of all Spanish speakers in the US also speak English "very well"
The Spanish language has been spoken in North America since the 16th century. Ponce de León is the first Spaniard known to have visited the present-day US, in 1513. In 1565, the Spaniards founded St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the modern territory of the United States.
The United States’ Spanish-speaking population increased historically because of territorial expansion due to wars and land purchases. Modern factors continue to increase the Spanish-speaking population.

Answer 4

That's fine, but the democrats are catering to people who are unwilling to learn English. The more and more people see this, the less likely they are to learn the language. Then there'll be a language barrier between Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. If you moved to Mexico or some country that didn't have English speakers, I'm sure they wouldn't go out of their way to learn English for you.

So are you willing to learn Spanish if this happens?

You are right on one thing, though. It's a smart move on the Dem's behalf.

Answer 5

I think the problem is that a lot of Americans are having a hard time seeing the future of this country.

it seems obvious to me at least that America and Mexico are becoming a dual-nation and will one day merge...of course, America will absorb Mexico and be the dominant culture, but it will also be changed, just like its always been changed, by the changes in population, religion, language, etc. We absorbed Spanish California, French Louisiana, Russian Alaska and so on.

It's just racism and xenophobia that's getting in the way---which are two things that are also part of the American way of life and have always been.

Answer 6

Canada has problems because of the dual language issue. If you want to bring people together they have to have similar characteristics. One characteristic is language. It is used everyday, by everyone. It becomes a hassle when you have two people who cannot communicate because of a language barrier. My question would be why should we acquiese to speakers of different languages when, if we were in Mexico (or France, for that matter) you wouldn't get two feet with the idea of speaking English and appealing to the english speaking population?

Answer 7

"Its the best thing the dems could do for the republicans"

really? I would love to see the republicans keep alienating the Hispanics especially in Florida with their 25 electoral votes...dont forget about the Puerto Ricans and the Cubans...but anyway...keep up with the xenophobia reps...the dems will laugh their way into the White House. They are now the largest minority and I would love to see how the reps will win FL, TX, and CA without the Hispanic vote...

Answer 8

I have no problem with this. Spanish is spoken at home by more than 28 million people. That number is large enough to justify a debate in the language.

Answer 9

No problem... Although it DOES seem alittle odd that none of the Republican Candidates wanted to do it. Don't they want any of our Naturalized Mexican-Americans to vote for them?! It's kinda strange that they would conceed them all to the Democrats- after inviting millions MORE to cross over the Border in the past 6 or 7 years... :)

Answer 10

Dems are trying to include everyone that can vote. They are simply expressing a willingness to think outside the neoconservative box. I do believe however that immigration without assimilation is flawed thinking.

Answer 11

United we stand, divided we fall.

If everyone is speaking a different language it can impede or prevent real unity among the masses.

It's in our nation's best interest that before graduating high school or becoming a citizen, you must be able to speak English and another language of your choosing fluently.