Say What?
Once again, in John Grooms’ attempt to show a certain level of benevolence (“Speaking the Same Language,” Boomer With Attitude, Aug. 30), he completely made no sense. His effort to push this language issue (as many others) is irrelevant. You all keep talking about “Spanish as a second language.” I pose a couple of questions to you all. What about all the other cultures immigrating here that don’t speak Spanish? If we are so proud to be the land of immigrants, then why cater to the Spanish culture? Historically speaking, as I am sure you are aware of, immigrant groups come in waves. You also know that many of these cultures will not be retiring here. Just as our nation’s name states, “United States of America,” why not have one united language? I mean, if we truly want to be the land of immigrants, we need something that will unite the masses. Liberals always see things as white/right resistance. In actuality, a lot of others are in the mix. I know tons of Asian immigrants who struggle to learn English. Now you people want them learn Spanish. What’s next, Swahili, Russian, French, so on and so on? I just think that this country is too diverse to start catering to just the Spanish/Latino cultures. Just as they are not the only ones illegally immigrating to this country, they are not the only ones living here. It seems as though you all (the Spanish pushers) have a pseudo-attempt at pushing culture when a really cultured person would be diverse and respectful to all cultures (whether it is native or foreign-born). You all want Southerners not to be. It seems like you are from the north. If not, then I apologize (unlike you). Not all Mint Hill or Landis people speak that way. The same as not all Northerners have that Jersey/New York accent. The thing is that those who make fun of others’ accents are only showing their inept ability to grow (culturally speaking).
–Kenneth White, Pineville
Terrorism Through The Years
I could not agree with John Grooms more about BushCo and their many shortfalls, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our troubled environment and national debt (“Parrots of Doom,” Boomer With Attitude, Sept. 6), but to write we have only been attacked by terrorists one time is way off base.
We have been and are in a holy war that will not end. Terrorists have been attacking the US since the killing of Bobby Kennedy in 1968 by a Muslim terrorist. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by Muslim extremists. During the 1980s, a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by Muslim extremists.
In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut were blown up by Muslim extremists. In 1985, the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70-year-old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by Muslim extremists. In 1993, the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by Muslim extremists. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by Muslim extremists.
Muslims are moving in quietly, and today there are over 3,500 mosques in the US. Americans should be concerned. Many don’t know or care about anything outside of their hometown, the great unwashed. The threat is real.
–Doug Squires, Waxhaw
Mainstream media Tune-Up Needed
I just read Tara Servatius’ article “Reviving the Electric Car” (Aug. 23) and then did a little research on the company on the Internet. Sign me up for some of the IPO when, and if, it comes to market. But, seriously, why isn’t the mainstream press all over this story? I guess it makes too much sense, and besides, the government isn’t involved. So thanks for the story.
–John Drawbaugh, Charlotte
Taking The Rap
If Decker Ngongang is going to compare a urban pop culture feud with Middle East unrest (“Rap and the Middle East,” Brother With A Pen, Aug. 30), then at least he could get the facts right. Tupac was not on his way to “Bad Boy studios” when he was “shot.” Actually, he was just on his way to a recording studio. Suge Knight and Puff Daddy never were “trying to steal each other’s artists.” When you’re speaking to an audience that may know little or nothing about the specifics of a situation, it’s not good to pass along incorrect information to them. Carry on!
–Raymond Sowell, Charlotte
This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2006.
