quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have many, many Mexican immigrants that refuse to learn the language
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is "who" refuse ....by the way. It is also these people who perform back-breaking, filthy, minimum wage work that no native born American is willing to perform.

I didn't mean anything bad by this. Of course I value those from other countries, especialy those I live so closely with. It is sad that these people are basically made to take all the "lowly" jobs, its terrible, but others do do them as well, mentally challanged people for one. There are so many more Mexican immigrants who are doing very well.

What I was referring to above has been based on my experience in living in Southern California for 24 years. It was in no way rude or ethnocentric.

For example, the child that I advocate for has a mother who refuses-literally refuses-to learn the language she needs, to understand what she is being charged with in court. She utterly refuses to learn the language that would be somewhat important to know if you are in the court system. Her daughter ("my child"), has told me that her parents refuse to speak/learn/understand Engish. I don't think it is meant to be offensive, they just don't need to learn it. California has enabled them not to have to learn the language, just like Soledad was talking about.

I don't mind at all that her family doesn't speak the language, what I DO mind is when they act like they can't understand words like "Is Cristina OK???" After she's been taken to a hospital just because I'm the "enemy".

Anyway, off the subject, sorry about that. Just wanted to clear that up.