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Tancredo: “A Spanish debate has no place in a presidential campaign”
GOP presidential candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo released a statement Friday explaining why he was boycotting the upcoming Republican debate hosted by Spanish-language network Univision.
“It is the law that to become a naturalized citizen of this country you must have knowledge and understanding of English, including a basic ability to read, write, and speak the language,” Tancredo said. “So what may I ask are our presidential candidates doing participating in a Spanish speaking debate? Pandering comes to mind.”
In addition, he said: “America has been a melting pot of people from all over the world but it can not survive as a nation if our immigrants do not assimilate. A common language is essential to that goal. Bilingualism is a great asset for any individual but it has perilous consequences for a nation. As such, a Spanish debate has no place in a presidential campaign.”
At the debate Sunday in Miami, Fla., candidates will answer questions in English and their answers will be translated for Spanish-speaking viewers. All other Republican candidates are attending.
Democratic presidential hopefuls participated in a similar debate in September.
Tancredo is shown here at a debate hosted by CNN and YouTube.
Comments
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By Fernando
December 7, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, we have another 4.3 noncitizens (legal “resident aliens”) working, many of them in governmental jobs—why aren’t U.S. citizens taking these jobs? The State of Texas is a case in point. These legal immigrants are “representing” U.S. citizens in their policy jobs. Enough already with this practice. Contact your representatives today.
By Dr. Long
December 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Then it should be translated in Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, French, Italian, German, etc. You don’t hear other people from other cultures demanding such a thing. We cater to the Hispanic constantly. “Press 2 for English”.
By Larry
December 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Everyone that immigrates to the United States learns English to better fit into our melting pot. We have folks from every country in the world and every language….which is why we all learn to communicate in one language in public, English. This is one of the reasons for our greatness. Those wanting to retain Spanish as their primary language will always have problems in America since everyone else has learned to communicate in English. Also most of us know the danger we face if our country is divided into areas split by language.
By F. Irvin
December 10, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
Way to go Tom! What you say certainly proves you can walk the walk!!! Wish the other candidtates had your back bone and dedication to stand up for America!
McCain sticks to his guns, but I’m afraid the poor fellow took the wromg path. You are on the right one, just wish the media would report your courage and dedication. I feel that if more americans understood your dedication to this country you would definitely earn their trust and votes.
By george
December 10, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Ya right. I lived in Arizona. McCain hires illegals and it is said he takes a cut from their organizations.