Obama Knocks Critics Of Language Comments

Democrat Dismisses Conservative Critics Of His Comments About Americans' Lack Of Foreign Language Skills

(AP)  Democrat Barack Obama batted away conservative criticism Friday over a comment he made about Americans' lack of foreign language skills.

"The Republicans jumped on this. I said, absolutely immigrants need to learn English, but we also need to learn foreign languages," the likely Democratic nominee said as the 1,000-plus crowd in a school gymnasium cheered. It's a position he long has held.

"This is an example of some of the problems we get into when somebody attacks you for saying the truth, which is: We should want our children with more knowledge. We should want our children to have more skills. There's nothing wrong with that. That's a good thing. I know, because I don't speak a foreign language. It's embarrassing," Obama said chuckling as his audience did the same.

At issue was a remark the Illinois senator made Tuesday in Powder Springs, Ga., that drew laughter from the crowd - but disdain from conservatives and groups advocating English as the official U.S. language. His remark has caused buzz on the Internet and talk radio.

The Americans for Legal Immigration PAC said in a statement, "Barack Obama has stepped on a political land mine by stating Americans should be forced to learn to speak Spanish." But that's not what Obama said.

Obama was answering a question on education when he said he doesn't understand people who say "we need English only."

"I agree that immigrants should learn English," Obama said. "But instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English - they'll learn English - you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. You should be thinking about how can your child become bilingual. We should have every child speaking more than one language."

He argued that the country should be emphasizing foreign language study in classrooms.

"You know, it's embarrassing when Europeans come over here, they all speak English, they speak French, they speak German. And then we go over to Europe and all we can say is 'merci beaucoup!"' Obama said, laughing.

The Obama campaign on Friday also shot back at John McCain and Republican Party assertions that Obama voted to raise income taxes even on individuals who earn $32,000. In a radio ad airing in northern Virginia and in Dayton, Ohio, the Obama campaign accuses McCain of "just makin' stuff up."

At issue is Obama's vote on a non-binding budget resolution in March that called for President Bush's tax cuts to expire. Such a step would have allowed tax rates to return to pre-2001 levels, meaning that an individual with taxable income of about $32,000 would have faced a tax increase. Taxable income is what's left after taxpayers account for deductions.

Democrats have routinely called for an end to Bush's tax cuts, but many, including Obama, have proposed to replace them with tax cuts aimed at lower- and middle-income taxpayers.

[ariel133]

NO, he did not say that "immigrants need to speak English"- and everytime he is questioned he has to re-say whatever it is he meant to say- but didn''t say-before and than make it appear that he did say it-- liar and fraud- and it is getting sooooo old. The man is insane.

[six-six-seis]

the man is right.
american Schools are the same as they used to be, the problem is foreign schools have surpassed us on most fronts.

[ariel133]

No, American schools are not the same as they "used to be" I grew up in the 70''s and they have come a long way- Open your eyes.

[frootloop47]

NO, he did not say that "immigrants need to speak English"-
Posted by Ariel133
---------------------------
Ariel, This the quote right out of the article. PLUS, I listened to it.
"I agree that immigrants should learn English," Obama said. "But instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English - they''ll learn English ..."

[nanc12]

The man is insane. Posted by Ariel133

He''s insane for saying we shouldn''t force immigrants to learn English, but that they should, and do, learn English? He''s insane for saying American kids should be bilingual? He''s right. I was in Mexico, and it was embarrassing to see that Americans were the only nationality that could not speak more than one language, and felt that every Mexican should speak English for the Americans'' convenience.

You''re sounding a lot like Rowdy, there Ariel.

[six-six-seis]

Sure theres been aprogression, but come on,
in other countries they learn different languages,
im very fortunate to be Bilingual,
someday if time permits id love to learn onother language, depends on where the Career takes me,
whats wrong with learning?
is Obama being knocked over this because????

[sgtrds10-4]

What in the world could possibly be wrong with Barack encouraging Americans to learn a foreign language, esp as part of their High School curriculum? I thought at least one foreign language course was a requirement in most High Schools and if it''s not it sure as hell should be. I wish I knew a foreign language.

[frootloop47]

As BajaJohn, I wish I to were multi-lingual.
However, even as an Obama supporter, I do not support his position that every American NEED speak another language.

Therefore, I''m am placing myself on "Blogging Probation" concerning this issue.

:-)

[thcarson-2009]

NO, he did not say that "immigrants need to speak English"-
Posted by Ariel133
---------------------------
A
riel, This the quote right out of the article. PLUS, I listened to it.
"I agree that immigrants should learn English," Obama said. "But instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English - they''''ll learn English ..."


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Posted by frootloop47

What is their incentive to learn english, every automated service you call says press 1 for english 2 for spanish. How will they learn english if they can use spanish for every transaction they do?

[six-six-seis]

What is their incentive to learn english, every automated service you call says press 1 for english 2 for spanish. How will they learn english if they can use spanish for every transaction they do?


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Posted by thcarson...

people learn as they need to in order to better themselves,
if you have to press 1 for english or 2 for spanish its because the majority of immigrants done read or write well enough to do their business,
by the second generation it evens itself out though.

[nanc12]

What is their incentive to learn english, every automated service you call says press 1 for english 2 for spanish. How will they learn english if they can use spanish for every transaction they do?
Posted by thcarson

Because not everything in America is an automated robot caller. There are actually people they need to talk to, you know?

[cbs_monitor1]

Gee, I wonder how many languages Yobama speaks.

One : English
Two :Arabic (he can recite the Muslim prayer)

[thcarson-2009]

I went to France 3 times when I was in the Navy, and yes some spoke english, but most of the people didn''t. It''s not as if every citizen in europe has dual language skills, far from it.

[six-six-seis]

Dont you guys get it?
the next Generation of americans just coming out of high school in the next few years are going to have to make drastic changes in order to just keep up
with the changing world economic times.
Obama is right, im sure his advisors see this,
the world is changing,
change with it, or be swept aside....

[thcarson-2009]

What is their incentive to learn english, every automated service you call says press 1 for english 2 for spanish. How will they learn english if they can use spanish for every transaction they do?
Posted by thcarson

Because not everything in America is an automated robot caller. There are actually people they need to talk to, you know?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by nanc12 at

Yeah, and they have Spanish speaking people to handle this also.

[cbs_monitor1]

change with it, or be swept aside....


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Posted by six-six-seis

Just what you''d like, he socialist?

[six-six-seis]

Posted by CBS_Monitor1
on the contrary,
im worried for the bible tumping english only crowd who get left behind with no jobs.
they will tend to blame everyone Xcept themselves for thir narrow mindedness.

[sgtrds10-4]

Because not everything in America is an automated robot caller. There are actually people they need to talk to, you know?

Posted by nanc12 at 05:17 PM : Jul 11, 2008

I live in L.A., which has a huge Spanish speaking population, yet every one of them I know either has or is learning to speak English. This whole lie that they can''t or won''t learn English is a total myth. It''s simply not true.

[thcarson-2009]

I live in L.A., which has a huge Spanish speaking population, yet every one of them I know either has or is learning to speak English. This whole lie that they can''''t or won''''t learn English is a total myth. It''''s simply not true.


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Posted by SgtRDS10-4

Well sir I live in Texas and I can assure you that there are plenty here that are not making an effort.

[sgtrds10-4]

Well sir I live in Texas and I can assure you that there are plenty here that are not making an effort.

Posted by thcarson at 05:27 PM : Jul 11, 2008

That must be a Texas problem then, because it''s not the case here in Southern California.

[six-six-seis]

i guess in Texas if you have an accent thats considered not speaking english?

[sgtrds10-4]

i guess in Texas if you have an accent thats considered not speaking english?

Posted by six-six-seis at 05:30 PM : Jul 11, 2008

In Texas if you''re not wearing a western hat and boots you''re not speaking English or at least they won''t listen to you.

[thcarson-2009]

That must be a Texas problem then, because it''''s not the case here in Southern California.


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Posted by SgtRDS10-4

Your problems are far worse in Cali, hospital closings, mexicans flying their pathetic countries flag over the American flag, huge state defecit,police department closings, Illegals are doing great for your state.

[six-six-seis]

SgtRDS10-4 ..

LOL.... actually this is very true,
i deal with Rodeo Comitte people all the time.
they are the nicest people though, but man they vote Republican on everything.....

[six-six-seis]

thcarson ..
hey Bubba, how many flags flew over Texas
before they flew the lone one?

[thcarson-2009]

In Texas if you''''re not wearing a western hat and boots you''''re not speaking English or at least they won''''t listen to you.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by SgtRDS10-4

Ha-Ha, good one, you really got me there, you forgot to throw in something about riding my horse to work.

[sgtrds10-4]

Ha-Ha, good one, you really got me there, you forgot to throw in something about riding my horse to work.

Posted by thcarson at 05:37 PM : Jul 11, 2008

Even I know better then that. Texans drive Dodge pick-ups these days, with the gun rack and the "Don''t mess with Texas" bumper sticker too.

;-)

[six-six-seis]

SgtRDS10-4..

GAZZ Guzzling Dualies are becoming Xtinct,
theyre putting their old mudflaps on import now.

[thcarson-2009]

thcarson ..
hey Bubba, how many flags flew over Texas
before they flew the lone one?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by six-six-seis

Which lone one are you talking about? The Lone Star Flag?

[six-six-seis]

thcarson ...

Si

[thcarson-2009]

Even I know better then that. Texans drive Dodge pick-ups these days, with the gun rack and the "Don''''t mess with Texas" bumper sticker too.

;-)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by SgtRDS10-4

Not bad you got 1 out of 3 right.

[sgtrds10-4]

GAZZ Guzzling Dualies are becoming Xtinct,
theyre putting their old mudflaps on import now.

Posted by six-six-seis at 05:42 PM : Jul 11, 2008

A Texan? Driving an import? It''s been awhile since I''ve been to Texas, but I think I''d have to see that to believe it. No offense.

[sgtrds10-4]

Not bad you got 1 out of 3 right.

Posted by thcarson at 05:44 PM : Jul 11, 2008

The bumper sticker?

[six-six-seis]

SgtRDS10-4...

the Dealers are practically giving the trucks away here at cost, Ford, dodge, you name it.
......

I see Allot of toyotas, Nissans, and Lexuses,

of course i live in the City, which technically,
isnt representative of the Boonies.

[thcarson-2009]

Not bad you got 1 out of 3 right.

Posted by thcarson at 05:44 PM : Jul 11, 2008

The bumper sticker?


No, the truck, you actually don''t see to many of the bumper stickers anymore.

[thcarson-2009]

thcarson ...

Si


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by six-six-seis

Sorry, no habla

[six-six-seis]

thcarson..
press 2 then... and si habla english for u senor.

[sgtrds10-4]

No, the truck, you actually don''''t see to many of the bumper stickers anymore.

Posted by thcarson at 05:48 PM : Jul 11, 2008

Wewll like I said, it''s been awhile since I''ve been there. I remember there used to be a country song from the 1970''s (Up against the wall redneck mother) that claimed the big bumper sticker in Texas was "Goat ropers need love too".

[sgtrds10-4]

He was born in Oklahoma,
His wife''s name''s Betty Lou Thelma Liz
And he''s not responsible for what he''s doin
''Cause his mother made him what he is.


And it''s
Up against the wall Redneck Mother,
Mother, who has raised a son so well.
He''s thirty-four and drinkin in a honky-tonk.
Just kickin hippies ***** and raisin hell.


He sure does like his Falstaff beer,
He likes to chase it down with that Wild Turkey liquor;
He drives a fifty-seven GMC pickup truck;
Got a gun rack; "Goat ropers need love, too" sticker


And it''s
Up against the wall Redneck Mother,
Mother, who has raised a son so well. (so well, so well, so well)
He''s thirty-four and drinkin in a honky-tonk.
Just kickin hippies ***** and raisin hell.



Ahhh play it for momma



M is for the mud flaps you give me fer my pickup truck
O is for the Oil I put on my hair
T is fer T-bird
H is fer Haggard
E is fer eggs, and
R is fer REDNECK





Up against the wall Redneck Mother,
Mother, who has raised a son so well. (so well, so well, so well)
He''s thirty-four and drinkin in a honky-tonk.
kickin hippies ***** and raisin hell.

Yeah it''s
Up against the wall Redneck Mother,
Mother, who has raised a son so well. (so well, so well)
He''s thirty-four and drinkin in a honky-tonk.
Just kickin hippies ***** and raisin hell.

What''s that spell ?

Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA

[sgtrds10-4]

Love that song.

[six-six-seis]

SgtRDS10-4
LOL.........

wasnt that remade by Samantha fox?
into "Naughty girls need love too"

[sgtrds10-4]

wasnt that remade by Samantha fox?
into "Naughty girls need love too"

Posted by six-six-seis at 05:53 PM : Jul 11, 2008

Maybe it was in tribute?

Well I have to go wash the dogs. If I neglect them too long they get little flecks and lumps of George W. Bush stuck to their backside fur. Back later.

[six-six-seis]

SgtRDS10-4 ..

gotta run,
ill count how many dont mess with Texas bumper stickers i see before i get home,
ill let ya know how many there are....
be safe,

Hasta luego, be safe.

[element51]

It doesn''t matter what Obama says, the other side is going to twist and pervert it into something totally different. I lived in LA almost all my life and I regret that I did not learn spanish. Besides, what harm can there be in learning another language. I don''t think he said we should make it mandantory. I am so sick and tired of all this "let''s get Obama and give McCain a free pass" I could scream. What I am really concerned about though is Obama''s safety. When you read some of the posts on here you can sense the hatred toward this man. I hope that nothing happens but the possibility does exist that some right wing red neck will hear God tell him to do something rash. The simple fact that this man has the cohones to put himself out there shows me that he is dedicated to serving the country.

[thcarson-2009]

I''ll bet it''s zero.

[G H M]

I wish you people stop referring to Republicans conseritives,

I am a conseritive that is a democrat!!

IF you check you will find that over half the democrat are conservative!!!!!! !!!!

Republicans are nothing more then Republicans

You know they are the ones that:
;do not love other people
; think only of them self
; Its all about money!
;Its all about me!!
;Philanthropy is a terrible thing with them!
;It''s all about *** everyone or anything to get more money!
.

[oneamerican-]

From NewsBusters.org:

"Back in March, a celebratory NBC Nightly News story about Obama%u2019s childhood in Indonesia described the future candidate as %u201Cmastering the Indonesian language.%u201D But Obama %u2014 who this week has voiced displeasure that many Americans do not speak a foreign language %u2014 admitted on Friday: %u201CI don%u2019t speak a foreign language. It%u2019s embarrassing!%u201D he said."


So...you really never mastered Indonesian, Barack?

It''s too bad you have the liberal media lie for you - now you and they are caught in that lie.

[grammawhamma]

My mother came here from Germany in the late 1940''s. In order to get her citizenship she had to learn English. Is this no longer a requirement?

[concerned222]

When I travel, I''m amazed at the number of people who speak English when that is not their native language. I wish I could speak another language. I admire those who do. Our children would be wise to learn and speak another language. Who could argue with that? We faced many criticisms over the year that our school children lag behind those of other nations. Well, here''s one way to show that WE CAN!!!

[mcvet]

So...you really never mastered Indonesian, Barack?

It''''s too bad you have the liberal media lie for you - now you and they are caught in that lie.

Posted by OneAmerican- at 07:01 PM : Jul 11, 2008
+ report a

Don''t you folks feel sorry for these poor Fascist! They have NO grasp of the issues confronting us. They have NO reason for the Complete and Absolute Failure of their Party or their Economic Policies! They have no Answers for the INCOMPETENCE and FAILURE to do their jobs of Oversight on the WORST President in US History... so what are they left with?? Trying to somehow keep alive a useless story about the Birth of our Next President.... Even Money now has McCain not making it to the finish line, let alone win. It is truly sad that people who live in a free and open society would lower themselves to this point but SOMEHOW I think this Klan Member can go a LOT lower and somehow I think we are going to see just how low!! SIEG HEIL BUSH