Live In America? Speak English!

The following excerpts are from a very well written view point from John Rocker, former major league pitcher. This article parallels the message I was trying to communicate in the posting from 11/13/06.

...This campaign is in no way intended to degrade or demean the cultures or heritages of others' nationalities or races. There is never an excuse to show disrespect to anyone based simply on the diversity of his or her culture. However, this is a two way street. When immigrants vote with their feet and come to this country with the intent to live, work, raise a family and enjoy all of the incredible advantages that America has to offer, but make no attempt to learn the language, observe the customs, or celebrate the holidays, these immigrants are showing a tremendous amount of disrespect to their hosts. They are showing a tremendous lack of respect as well to the men and women who over the course of history have sacrificed much to make this country great.

...My life during my time abroad was certainly much easier trying to conform to local society rather than trying to make local society conform to me.

...Every current and future immigrant should realize what all early American immigrants knew, that assimilating the American culture is the only way to truly realize and enjoy all that this great country has to offer.

...The fastest way to destroy America is to destroy the cohesiveness that Americans feel toward one another, and the fastest way to destroy that feeling is to encourage people to separate themselves from one another along the lines of culture and language. The historian Seymour Lipset observed, “The histories of bilingual and bi-cultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy.”

...These new immigrants, however, will strengthen America and realize genuine prosperity for themselves and their families only if they are willing to integrate themselves into the fabric of this country and truly become Americans. Without assimilation, America will grow more and more divided; and a country divided against itself cannot stand.

Thank you,
John Rocker
September 25, 2006