Is it just me...........

[Mini 9]

Yes, you could go as far as people like Mother Theresa. This could be your defining moment. You could decide to change, and devote your life to others. But don't be surprised when everyone else does not decide to. Because, that's just the way it is. For better or worse. Just be responsible for your own contributions, whether big or small, noticed or not.

[testcase]

Speedy, I have seen many such hard workers (sadly, many of the "slackers" are American born). However, the US cannot save the world by accepting unlimited numbers of immigrants. We already have a generous policy of accepting hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of legal immigrants each year. Because they have followed the rules, they tend to be hard workers and an asset to their new country.Those who sneak in or, remain illegally after a lawful visit, just make it harder for those who do follow the rules. If our laws are flawed, then work to fix them.

In addition to direct government aid the US already provides to other countries, there are numerous programs run by private companies and individuals that bring aid and education to those in need in their respective countries. By improving conditions outside the US, the incentive to leave is lessened. Those who still choose to come here should learn English as millions before them have done. There's no excuse for "outsiders" to demand / require us to to change to accommodate them. Many years ago, I counted 26 languages that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles provided the basic written driver's test in. Then (and now) road signage is ONLY posted in English (the de facto official language of the US). How is giving people a test in Russian, Chinese, Spanish etc. actually helping them? Such idealism actually only weakens our systems.

[Speedy]

> Such idealism actually only weakens our systems.

I think it strengthens it. Sort of like Europe.

People who speak three or more languages are called polyglots. People who speak two languages are called bilingual. People who speak one language are called Americans.

[Lux Interior]

testcase wrote:
How is giving people a test in Russian, Chinese, Spanish etc. actually helping them?

Allows them to get a job so they can afford/drive to English lessons?

[OWC Jamie]

Record it and send them a copy.

[testcase]

Everyone in the world could easily communicate with anyone else if Esperanto was made the official second language of all countries. People could still maintain their "Mother Tongue" and, with learning only one other language, Esperanto, they'd be able to speak with anyone, anywhere. Since Esperanto is not anyone's "Nation Language" it shouldn't have the stigma of being associated with one just one country.