Star Spanglish Banner

Several weeks ago I took on the topic of illegal immigration and the many protest marches being held across the United States in which they are demanding rights.

It stymied me that hundreds of thousands of people, here illegally, would deign to think that simply because their numbers are so great, they have some sort of power that supercedes the law. Basically, "Look how many of us got in! That makes it ok, so give us our rights!"

I said then, and I stand by it today,11 millions wrongs do not make even a single right.

So, our borders are as porous as SpongeBob Squarepants and the ideas to deal with the problem hold just as little water as our cartoon friend. Quite frankly, Spongebob and Patrick could probably come up with better solutions than the plankton and seaweed that currently clog up our legislative branch.

But here we sit, a country that has long prided itself on its melting pot image, a big stew of people mixing and mingling and bringing unique flavor to our land. We embrace that. We brag about that. Americans have some of the biggest hearts on this planet.

What we ask in return for citizenship, residency, amnesty, and our hospitality is really quite simple: Follow the rules.

If you want to be here so badly, don't break the law. If you truly wish to pursue and embrace a better lifestyle in this country, assimiliate a little bit. No one is asking you to turn your back on your culture, your history, your uniqueness. But if you are going to make this country your new home, you need to get on board with the little things like...oh, I don't know...the language?

We speak English. That's the language of the United States. If Spanish or Russian or French or Chinese (etc) is the language of your living room, so be it, but when you brush up against American society, it is up to you to communicate in English.

I would not move to France and expect the entire country to bow down at my feet and learn English simply because I am too lazy and bullheaded to learn French.

We speak English.

Which brings me to today's rant. The new Spanish language version of the Star Spangled Banner. Yes, a Spanish version of the American National Anthem, composed by British music producer Adam Kidron as an ode to the millions of immigrants seeking a better life.

Pro-immigration protests are planned around the country for Monday, and the record label is urging Hispanic radio stations nationwide to play the cut at 7 p.m. EDT Friday in a sign of solidarity.

Solidarity? Of what? Ignorance and balls?

Illegal immigrants marching for American rights while carrying Mexican flags last month was bad enough, but now they can sing a version of the National Anthem in Spanish while protesting for rights they do not legally deserve? How about you learn the actual song, in English, and grab a history book while you're at it to better appreciate the country you are currently exploiting.

Sorry amigos, but you need to take a good look at your organizational structure and get some people at the top who can actually help you garner a tad of sympathy with United States citizens.

Because right now you don't have a legal leg to stand on and the addition of the Star Spanglish Banner is certainly not music to our ears.

To listen to the new Spanish language version of the United States National Anthem, CLICK HERE

Comments

[robert mccormack]

What can we do to stop this? Our politicians don't listen. I went to vote and the signs are in spanish. If they can't read , vote here .why are they allowed to vote?

[mksalta]

Daring stand to take. I am surprised you haven't gotten more responses yet.

I appreciate your patriotism,and agree . However, we make it awfully easy and attractive in this country for illegal immigrants to live here by exploiting them for the cheap labor that many US citizens are unwilling to do.

In reaching out to any person whos second language is English,or even if it isn't yet a second language, I am thankful for many public service announcements (in airports, on 411 directory calls, for police and emergency announcements that are available in Spanish, Japanese, Russian,etc.) that make it possible for a person who doesn't know English to understand. I would want the same thing in a foreigh country.

The desire to hear the SSB seems like a propagandist move in some ways, but of course it depends on who is pushing the cause and why.