Comments on: Gingrich: Bilingual Education Must End

Possible Presidential Hopeful Says Children Should Not Learn "The Language Of Living In A Ghetto"

[j0hnwi11iams]

He is creating a straw man. He doesn't want to talk about real issues. He wants to talk about stuff that is not significant. What about Global Warming and our dependence on foreign oil? The sound of silence is deafening.

Just because he is right about one thing doesn't make him any less of a scumbag. He sucks on so many other issues. Precisely the ones he wants to avoid talking about.

[ed_doc]

The research of Stephen Krashen indicates that the most rapid assimilation from a native language to a second language is through instruction taught in the native language. Immersion in English removes the native language as the transport mechanism.

The influx of Spanish speaking citizens into our country has created a dilemma that cannot be solved by the rants of those advising a return to their prior country. Public education institutions do not have the luxury of choosing which students to educate. With a system based upon not what's best, but what's most affordable, educators must continue to use methods that provide for the fastest transition for the fastest growing population.

Get used to it folks -- American is becoming more diverse than it has in the past 100 years. Let the research drive the decisions rather than the emotions.

[wa_dem]

tbweb wrote: "The point is the English language must be learned and not avoided."

I agree, tbweb - thanks for your note. In essence, that is what Mr.Gingrich is attempting to say... My issue with him is that he is using very charged language to make this simple point.

When we start saying: "You have to speak English in America", then we have lost the meaning of America.

Let us be warm and compassionate to those who bring so much value to this country, and who go mostly unrecognized... Even if you speak fluent English, you have to work very hard here to be successful.

I should just mention that ideally the inter-active menu systems on phones should let you speak any language - now THAT would be great customer service. "Press 3 For Mandarin Chinese, Press 4 for Hindi".

Some of you people need to be a little more open minded... Or you could move to countries where everyone has to follow the rules, as specified by the ruling classes, such as Cuba, Iran, or Zimbabwe.

[mbievtea]

Good for Mr. Gingrich. The continuation of bilingual education for an extended period of time is counter-productive. Of course, someone like Mr. Zamora picks the statement apart and focuses on the word "ghetto". This is the same problem with Islam. Being politically correct is nice, but it only makes people "blind and mute" because citizens start to think 'I can't discuss that ... someone may not like it'. This is a democracy and discussion is open to facts not etiquette. Let's discuss facts. Extended, prolonged bilingual education is counter-productive ... that is the fact! As for me, I want a politician -- especially one who may influence policy and direction -- a candidate who talks about facts. Keep it up Newt!

[macusweil]

Have to say that in any language and adulterer and hypocrite are still the same, although I do agree ballots should be written in English.

[actornaught]

Funny how this scumbag is out in public pushing anything. One after another, he and his scandal-ridden 'Contract on America' cronies have had to scurry into the shadows.

[tbweb]

--realpatriot1

The smart people with the Masters Degrees and PhD's will need to figure out the administration of bilingual education in a way that makes everyone happy. Because of School Bus schedules and School course curriculums, will those learning bilingual education need to miss other classes to do it or will students who don't want bilingual education be forced to learn it! This is where it gets tricky and the administration of bilingual education will need to be worked out but I think it is a plus if done correctly.

[michellem99-2009]

It is true that the children do need to taught in both and once they have mastered english then move on the english only. I think it is wonderful that they will beable to talk in both but we are an english speaking nation and english is spoken thru out the world as USA and other nations do use it.What I am saying here is in the company of english speaking people and in a nation that uses english.The person wishes to live here.It make common sense that he/she learn english as they learn to become American. I know english is hard for some people. They try and that a step for them as they met people who speak english only so therefore they must use english.

[whatithink-2009]

Realpatriot1,

Also to mention that the NEOCONS like using inflammatory race baiting language when speaking to their constituents. I assume because most of their constituents are inflammatory racists.

[realpatriot1]

tbweb,

I totally agree with you that English should be on the menu and be the primary Language. I know there are plenty of cases where Spanish only becomes the norm. If we need to make improvements in how Bilingual Ed is being implemented that's one thing. For Gingrich to advocate eliminating it is another. Calling Spanish the language of the ghetto is just plain rascist and ignorant.

My problem isn't with you or others raising concerns about how biligualism is working and wanting people to learn English. My problem is ambitious politicans who prey on those concerns and lead us down a path of intolerence.

Spanish-speaking kids need to learn English before they can learn any other subject taught in English. How does Gingrich expect them to learn other subjects while learning English if they aren't taught bilingually? Since when are extensive course offerings and educational choice a bad thing?