Republicans need to embrace the future.

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: tec699
2. Immigration

-If given the chance most Republicans would rather close the Mexican border then let these people enter America. Who founded America? Immigrants! Europeans don't come to America like they did in the past. The makeup of immigrants now consists of Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Haitians and other non-white people. These people are usually poor so this goes against middle class values. In most cases the poor always feel the wrath from the Republicans. This party will always cut services for the poor unlike Democrats.

3. Language

-Sorry guys but Americans especially on the east and west coast should learn to speak Spanish. IT SHOULD BE A MUST! The Latino population in America is growing at an extremely high rate. Take a look at the current population figures and the expected population figures for the future. It really is amazing. In the past Immigrants assimilated into American culture but not anymore. Now we really are a multicultural society and we need to act like one.

Actually, the fastest growing group are Asians (just in case you thought Latinos were the fastest growing... but they're huge). I think we're already multicultural - nobody really drops their culture when they immigrate over. There was also a study that found something like 80% of the illegal immigrants in a state (I think it was CA) eventually enter the middle class and get a home. So they may be poor when they come here, but a lot find success.

 

[lozina]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: SViscusi
Maybe the people you talk to aren't the best representation of the rest of us.

This trend is only going to continue.

Possibly, but then again maybe that poll isn't the most accurate representation of the country? again look at the percentages of minorities and how they feel on the subject, as someone above said the latin american population is growing and rapidly, they along with the black populations are strongly against homosexual marriage...could be interesting when they become the majority.

Someone provided a poll indicating the younger generation is more tolerant to homosexuality, do you have a poll to support your statement that the latin american population and the black population are specifically "strongly against homosexual marriage" ? I'd like to see one for reference.

Also it looks to me like you are trying to spin the situation. You're taking the defensive position that someone is trying to force you into 'accepting' homosexual marriages, but in fact you're in the offensive, trying to impose your will on others. If they want to get married, so be it. Why do you feel you can tell them how to live? They're not trying to force you into a homosexual marriage, afterall. And by them getting married, it won't turn you into a homosexual, so what's the fear? Why not let them live the way they want?

 

[DanceMan]

Originally posted by: NesuD

Originally posted by: tec699

Originally posted by: NightCrawler
Speak english it's AMERICA...go back to YOUR homeland if you want to speak a foreign language.

One problem. American society is now multicultural, and I think you guys fail to see this. The reason I say that we should embrace Spanish and not Chinese is that the Latinos make up the majority of immigrants. Other immigrants pale in size when compared to the Latino population.

You seem to be forgetting that America has always been multicultural And has always been made up up Immigrants who's native languages never became a requirement. Immigrants have always learned english to help them assimilate into american culture. I think it is pretty arrogant of you to think that now we should all learn spanish.

The difference between immigrants in the past and now is frankly, racial. In the past, there was more assimilation due to the fact that most immigrants were white, so they could more easily assimilate. However, now more immigrants are non-white, and can't assimilate as easily. Also, since most new immigrants are now the new worker class, there is more and more push by employers and individuals to cater to them mainly because of their lower employment costs. There's no need to learn English if your employer dosen't require it and you can live in a community where you don't even have to speak it (stores, banks, schools, etc), and still have no problem meeting day-to-day needs.

It's interesting that most people think of America as a 'melting pot', it's more like a big stew, where you have a mix of some, but there's big chunks scattered here and there.

 

[SViscusi]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: SViscusi
Maybe the people you talk to aren't the best representation of the rest of us.

This trend is only going to continue.

Possibly, but then again maybe that poll isn't the most accurate representation of the country?

Look at some of the other polls. Are they all wrong?

again look at the percentages of minorities and how they feel on the subject, as someone above said the latin american population is growing and rapidly, they along with the black populations are strongly against homosexual marriage...could be interesting when they become the majority.

Any evidence to back this claim up?

All I could find was this.

According to a Feb. 24, 2004, Field Poll, 57 percent of Latinos in California -- the state with the largest Latino population -- oppose a federal constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage.

And this

In New York state, a recent poll of Democratic voters showed that 27 percent of Hispanics thought gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry legally, compared to 47 percent for whites. The poll was taken earlier this month by Edison Media Research for five television stations and the Associated Press.

In Florida, a recent poll showed that 20 percent of Hispanics in that state support same-sex marriage, compared to 29 percent of whites. The phone survey by Schroth & Associates for the St. Petersburg Times had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

Harry Pachon, president of the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California, said that the survey results are no surprise.

Around 40 percent of Hispanic voters are foreign-born, naturalized citizens who come from very conservative, Catholic Latin American nations, he said.

"There are a lot of home-country attitudes" against homosexuality, he said.

But the tolerance for gay marriage and gay clergy increases markedly in the second generation, Pachon added.

Seems in line with every other group.

 

[jpeyton]

I am an immigrant and I say no to 2 and 3.

I immigrated legally, and I learned English.

 

[phantom309]

Originally posted by: NightCrawler
Speak english it's AMERICA...go back to YOUR homeland if you want to speak a foreign language.

I'm a staunch Democrat and I agree with this. If an American moved to a foreign country and refused to learn the language, instead demanding that everyone else learn English - you wouldn't call him "multicultural", you'd call him an arrogant pig.

 

[Gen Stonewall]

In comparison to past generations, the college-age generation of today is astonishingly vulgar, sexually promiscuous, and self-centered, so I would hardly look up to their views about homosexual marriage.

Concerning the effort to stop homosexual marriage: Preserving stable, strong families is one of the most important steps in preserving a strong, productive society. History has shown that monogamous heterosexual marriages are the superior environment in which to raise a family.

 

[Cypherdude1]

I agree with all points:
1. The Massachusetts court ruling is based in the theory that separate (civil marriage), is not equal.
2. We need immigrants because they take jobs most Americans don't want.
3. Most Americans don't know this, but most Europeans speak at least 2 languages. I personally wish to learn Spanish.

BTW, the Republican Party doesn't really need to worry about the future. The Republican Party caters to the Christian Right. The CR has grown quite powerful over the last 20 years. 40% of all American voters are said to be Evangelicals. I don't know how accurate this is, but that's what I read. Regardless of the numbers, CR'ers are consistent Republican voters. That's why most Republican representatives in the mid-western and southern states are pro-life, pro-public funds for private schools, pro-Israel, pro-public school prayer, etc... Often Republicans will invoke God in their speeches. If they didn't hold these views, they wouldn't even be in office. Because the Republicans have this huge ready base, they will always hold these views. They cannot turn away from them because if they did, they would lose half their base.

Don't expect the Republican Party to change their party platform. Your points, especially #1, would make their base go into a catatonic state. LOL. It would rip their party apart. You would see a new Christian Right party a week later. The Republicans would never allow that to happen because they would lose half their seats in Congress and never get another shot at the Presidency.

 

[IndieSnob]

I also stronly disagree with numbers 2 and 3.

As far as immigration goes, yes, immigration made up this nation for many years, but let's live in the present and accept the fact that we really need to start controlling our population. I really don't agree with the arguements of 'well the hispanics do jobs americans won't' and 'they're coming here for a better life'. I know this is going to sound very socialist, but why don't we ask the people at all of these huge 'tent towns' of homeless people we have now if they want to work for those wages, or why don't we try to put welfare lifers into these jobs. We need to be focusing on getting natural citizens into the work place, whether the job sucks or not. In my hometown of Spokane we have loads of 60 and over russians immigrating daily, so they can sit on their butts and not earn a dime, all while we pay for interperters $85 an hour so a dentist can understand these people.

As to learning spanish, I say hell no. I am not racist, elitist, nor an ahole. I just see it as why should we have to put in the effort, when they chose to come here. It's as simple as this, if you can't learn the language, work, and contribute in a certian time frame, you're out for good.

 

[DanceMan]

Originally posted by: IndieSnob
As to learning spanish, I say hell no. I am not racist, elitist, nor an ahole. I just see it as why should we have to put in the effort, when they chose to come here. It's as simple as this, if you can't learn the language, work, and contribute in a certian time frame, you're out for good.

The way I look at this is that people can say they are not going to learn spanish, but I think it's already at the point where this matters little. Spanish-speaking people are an economic force, and by sheer numbers, spanish speaking will happen and on a large scale, whether people like it or not.

What drives language is not convenience, it's economics.

DanceMan

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: DanceMan

Originally posted by: IndieSnob
As to learning spanish, I say hell no. I am not racist, elitist, nor an ahole. I just see it as why should we have to put in the effort, when they chose to come here. It's as simple as this, if you can't learn the language, work, and contribute in a certian time frame, you're out for good.

The way I look at this is that people can say they are not going to learn spanish, but I think it's already at the point where this matters little. Spanish-speaking people are an economic force, and by sheer numbers, spanish speaking will happen and on a large scale, whether people like it or not.

What drives language is not convenience, it's economics.

DanceMan

Their children will be speaking English though. That is were the population increase will come from, not from illegal wetbacks

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: SViscusi
Look at some of the other polls. Are they all wrong?

Any evidence to back this claim up?

All I could find was this.

And this

Seems in line with every other group.

Sviscusi, ever taken a class in political science, or possibly one dealing with polling? I have, and the one thing I learned is that you really cannot trust poll results to be an accurate representation, especially if you are citing sources such as ABC, CBS or CNN, the only credible poll mentioned was the Gallup and even that is dependant on local and wording of questions....

in response to articles or proof this might be fitting:

Many Hispanics oppose gay marriage
By EUNICE MOSCOSO
Cox News Service
WASHINGTON -- Daniel de Leon has been counseling Latinos with family problems for three decades and fears that the nation's movement towards gay marriage will make the situation worse.

"Those kids are going to suffer," said de Leon, pastor of Templo Calvario in Santa Ana, Calif., the largest Hispanic Evangelical church in the United States. "It's not just a matter of sex, or a matter of two adults being together and having their way. . . . To us, a man and a woman are here to create a family and the family needs that support of Daddy and Momma."

De Leon's concerns echo a fear shared by many Hispanics that gay marriage threatens the concept of the family, practically sacred in Latino culture.

A national survey and polls in different regions show that support for gay marriage and homosexual behavior in general is lower among Hispanics than whites. Only African-Americans have stronger feelings against marriage for gays and lesbians.

In several communities, black and Hispanic priests and pastors are speaking out in favor of a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In Maryland, the only Hispanic in the state senate is leading the charge against gay marriage.

Several states with large Hispanic populations -- including Texas, Florida, California, Illinois and Arizona -- already have laws prohibiting or not recognizing same-sex marriages.

Gay rights activists, however, say that the few polls conducted on Latinos and gay marriage are misleading. Given the proper information, the say, Hispanics see the issue as a quest for fairness and civil rights.

"Whether their personal conviction or their religious conviction may tell them otherwise, they see discrimination when one group receives benefits that are denied to another group," said Martin Ornelas-Quintero, executive director of LLEGO, a national Latino lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organization.

Ornelas-Quintero said his group finds positive reactions to gay marriage in Latino focus groups in places such as New York and Miami.

"When people see that a life partner of someone else can not make their medical decisions because they don't have the legal protections under the law, they see it as discrimination," he said.

Political experts are divided on whether gay marriage will be a major factor this year for Hispanic voters, a key swing constituency in several key electoral states including Florida, New Mexico and Arizona.

Some say that Latinos will be strongly influenced by social issues, including gay marriage and abortion, while others say that voters will consider only the economy, education and the war in Iraq.

President Bush's endorsement last month of a constitutional amendment that would ban homosexual marriages may have caught the attention of religious Latinos.

A comprehensive national survey of U.S. Hispanics by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that 72 percent of Latinos believe that homosexual sex between adults is "unacceptable," compared to 59 percent of whites.

The poll, released in a 2002 report, also showed Latinos to be more conservative on other social issues, such as abortion and divorce.

In New York state, a recent poll of Democratic voters showed that 27 percent of Hispanics thought gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry legally, compared to 47 percent for whites. The poll was taken earlier this month by Edison Media Research for five television stations and the Associated Press.

In Florida, a recent poll showed that 20 percent of Hispanics in that state support same-sex marriage, compared to 29 percent of whites. The phone survey by Schroth & Associates for the St. Petersburg Times had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

Harry Pachon, president of the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California, said that the survey results are no surprise.

Around 40 percent of Latino voters are foreign-born, naturalized citizens who come from very conservative, Catholic Latin American nations, he said.

"There are a lot of home-country attitudes" against homosexuality, he said.

But the tolerance for gay marriage and gay clergy increases markedly in the second generation, Pachon added.

Steffen Schmidt, a political science professor at Iowa State University who studies Latino voting patterns, said some Hispanics vote with the church on certain things such as abortion and gay marriage.

"Latinos on some issues are somewhat like Southerners," he said. "A lot of them are practicing Catholics and simply believe that homosexuality is a sin."

Seventy percent of Hispanics surveyed in the Pew Hispanic Center study identified themselves as Catholic, and 14 percent as evangelical or born-again Christians.

Schmidt said the recent ruling by Massachusetts' highest court that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry creates a "giant problem for Democrats."

Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Bush's apparent Democratic rival in November, is also against gay marriage, but opposes amending the Constitution. Kerry does support civil unions for gays and lesbians, while Bush says it is a matter for the states to decide.

De Leon said that Latinos at his church are extremely concerned about gay marriage and what it means for society.

"The polygamists are already in line," he said. "You open this thing up, and nobody knows where it's going to go."

But Pachon said that gay marriage is only one of many issues that could influence Hispanic voters this year and probably not in the top tier.

"It's not the hot-button issue that people want to make it out to be," he said. "The real issues of concern are education and the economy and even gun control . . . crime on the streets."

or:

Floridians oppose gay marriage
But a poll shows more state voters look kindly on the idea of civil unions for same-sex couples.
By TAMARA LUSH, Times Staff Writer
Published March 8, 2004


While two of every three Florida voters oppose same-sex marriage, a slight majority favor civil unions that would give gays and lesbians the same rights as married couples, a new poll shows.

Florida voters are divided over President Bush's call for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, with more voters opposed to an amendment than supporting it, the St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald poll found.

The poll, conducted March 3-4, found that 65 percent of voters oppose same-sex marriage. Opposition was most intense in the Tampa Bay area, where 72 percent are opposed.

Still, 53 percent said gays and lesbians should be allowed to form civil unions, which would give them the same rights as marriage.

"I'm against same-sex marriage, but if they want to have a civil union so they inherit and get health care, I could go along with that," said Rita Murphy of Naples, 82, who was married 63 years before her husband died. "As far as calling it marriage, I'm against it totally. Marriage is marriage."

The poll was conducted by the Washington polling firms of Schroth & Associates, whose political clients are Democrats, and the Polling Co., whose political clients are Republicans. The statewide phone survey of 800 registered Florida voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

A similar poll in December showed the same level of opposition to same-sex marriage, said pollster Rob Schroth.

"What's significant about these numbers is that Florida voters continue to be willing to compromise," said Schroth. "Not for marriage, but they have no problems with civil unions."

Forty-eight percent of voters oppose a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, saying states should decide. Forty-one percent support an amendment banning same-sex marriage.

The poll suggests Florida voters are closer to Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's stand on the issue than the president's. Kerry opposes same-sex marriage, supports civil unions and opposes amending the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

But the pollsters doubt the issue will play a big role in the presidential election in Florida. Only 5 percent of voters said prohibiting same-sex marriage is the most important issue for the president and Congress to focus on.

"This issue could be hotter and more decisive in the congressional races," said pollster Kellyanne Conway.

Same-sex marriage has exploded as a national political issue since the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The Massachusetts Legislature has not yet passed legislation that complies with the court's ruling.

Since then, San Francisco and a few other cities have granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples, while other states, such as Wisconsin, have rushed to prohibit same-sex marriages.

President Bush, worried that all states will be forced to recognize same-sex marriages because of the Massachusetts decision, has proposed amending the U.S. Constitution to prohibit it.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in every state. Four years ago, Vermont approved civil unions, which extend rights to same-sex couples. No other state recognizes a civil union from Vermont. California, Hawaii and New Jersey also grant some rights to same-sex couples registered as domestic partners.

Opposition to same-sex marriage in Florida cuts across all geographic and demographic boundaries.

While nearly three-fourths of voters in the Tampa Bay area oppose same-sex marriage, and 49 percent support civil unions, in South Florida 57 percent oppose same-sex marriage and 59 percent favor civil unions.

"If people are going to be together, they need those rights," said Regina Stubbins, 47, of St. Petersburg. "But from a religious standpoint, I oppose it."

Republicans were least likely to support same-sex marriage: 82 percent opposed it. Yet 43 percent of Republicans favor civil unions.

Working women were most likely to support same-sex marriage, with 40 percent polled saying they support it.

"My feeling is that a marriage between people is a constructive thing, it means commitment and that's good for society," said 57-year-old Susan D'Hont of Rotonda. "Whether it's same-sex or heterosexual, to me it's constructive."

People aged 18-34 supported same-sex marriage by a higher percentage than any other age group, 37 percent. Fifty-one percent of that age group supports civil unions. The age group with the strongest support for civil unions was 35-49, with 57 percent.

Blacks support same-sex marriage the least, 16 percent, compared with 20 percent for Hispanics and 29 percent for whites. Whites are the most supportive of civil unions, at 58 percent, while 43 percent of Hispanics and 34 percent of blacks support such unions. Fifty-four percent of blacks oppose civil unions.

For some voters like David A. David Jr. of Zephyrhills, the issue is one of personal choice. Whether politicians support same-sex marriage is irrelevant to him, and he thinks everyone should have access to a partner's benefits.

"It doesn't make a bit of difference to me," said David, 80. "Each person has his own thing to do, and they should do it. I just don't care."

Still seems like the majority are against it, or at least against marriage and minorities numbers are the most "intolerant"

I could keep going...

 

[dbk]

Originally posted by: DanceMan

Originally posted by: IndieSnob
As to learning spanish, I say hell no. I am not racist, elitist, nor an ahole. I just see it as why should we have to put in the effort, when they chose to come here. It's as simple as this, if you can't learn the language, work, and contribute in a certian time frame, you're out for good.

The way I look at this is that people can say they are not going to learn spanish, but I think it's already at the point where this matters little. Spanish-speaking people are an economic force, and by sheer numbers, spanish speaking will happen and on a large scale, whether people like it or not.

What drives language is not convenience, it's economics.

DanceMan

This is true, but not limited to just Spanish-speaking people.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I am an immigrant and I say no to 2 and 3.

I immigrated legally, and I learned English.

word, #3 is bunch of bullsh!t

I am a czech citizen living in the US (I'm fluent in 5 different languages), and i completly disagree even with having street signs in spanish. This country speaks english and ALL of it's residents should speak english. If you dont, well go learn it. I had to (starting at 5 ).

It's not a matter of multi culturalism, its a matter of national unity. English is the language of this country and ENGLISH is what you will speak. It doesnt matter if youre euro, latino or asian.

HOWEVER
there should be a second language program starting in the first grade or earlier (like i said above, i started when i was 5), but you should have an option of a language to choose. I originally went with English and then picked up German someone along the line. The rest of em - polish, slovak, czech etc. came to me natrurally, as i lived near the border

 

[InfectedMushroom]

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I am an immigrant and I say no to 2 and 3.

I immigrated legally, and I learned English.

word, #3 is bunch of bullsh!t

I am a czech citizen living in the US (I'm fluent in 5 different languages), and i completly disagree even with having street signs in spanish. This country speaks english and ALL of it's residents should speak english. If you dont, well go learn it. I had to (starting at 5 ).

It's not a matter of multi culturalism, its a matter of national unity. English is the language of this country and ENGLISH is what you will speak. It doesnt matter if youre euro, latino or asian.

HOWEVER
there should be a second language program starting in the first grade or earlier (like i said above, i started when i was 5), but you should have an option of a language to choose. I originally went with English and then picked up German someone along the line. The rest of em - polish, slovak, czech etc. came to me natrurally, as i lived near the border

totally agree with you. (another european immigrant)

 

[cquark]

Originally posted by: DanceMan
The way I look at this is that people can say they are not going to learn spanish, but I think it's already at the point where this matters little. Spanish-speaking people are an economic force, and by sheer numbers, spanish speaking will happen and on a large scale, whether people like it or not.

What drives language is not convenience, it's economics.

DanceMan

You're right that economics drives language, and that's exactly why they're going to learn English, because it's a ticket to better jobs.

 

[cquark]

I think it is pretty harsh to say that eventually the majority "won't care", everyone will always have a stand on the topic [homosexuality] as it is human nature to have a personal belief and hold fast to that belief

Sure, people have personal beliefs, but why should they have a personal belief on homosexuality in particular? Most people do today, but most people at times in the past of the US had beliefs about the negative qualities of the "Irish race," and they don't any longer. Classical society had a viewpoint on sexual orientation that orthogonal to our categories of homo- and hetero-sexuality. It's doubtful that every society in the future will see the distinctions that we do, much less come to the same answers on them.

 

[MovingTarget]

Although point #1 may have some validity in the near future, #2 and #3 are complete and total BS. Illegal immigration should not be tolerated no matter the race/language/culture/ethnicity of said illegal immigrants. Period. Legal immigration on the other hand should be encouraged and have our blessing. Also, I am a native-born American and believe that everyone who lives in America should learn to speak english. It is a major source of national unity and culture that everyone should know for practical reasons. YOu can speak as many languages as you want, I don't care, but english should be one of them we all have in common. If I were to visit or move to say France, Germany, Japan, etc, I would in no way expect that my language be taught in their schools to accomodate me. I would gladly learn their language to be able to converse/integrate with them. When in Rome...you know the saying. The spanish speaking people entering this country should be no different. It is our country they chose to come to, so they should learn english. Multiculturalism can have its benefits to a society, but allowing it to go too far will produce disasterous results and tear the country apart. We should stress and celebrate what we all have in common as opposed to what seperates us.

 

[SViscusi]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: SViscusi
Look at some of the other polls. Are they all wrong?

Any evidence to back this claim up?

All I could find was this.

And this

Seems in line with every other group.

Sviscusi, ever taken a class in political science, or possibly one dealing with polling? I have, and the one thing I learned is that you really cannot trust poll results to be an accurate representation, especially if you are citing sources such as ABC, CBS or CNN, the only credible poll mentioned was the Gallup and even that is dependant on local and wording of questions....

Gallup never did a poll which broke the results down into age groups. CBS, Annenberg and Newsweek did. All came back with 41 - 43 % of 18-29 year olds support gay marriage. Are they all wrong?

in response to articles or proof this might be fitting:

Still seems like the majority are against it, or at least against marriage and minorities numbers are the most "intolerant"

I could keep going...

The majority is against it, but at least in the Hispanic community evidence suggests that second generations are less intolerant and that it's not going to be an election issue.

Put please keep going, and if you could be try and be a little more condescending I'd appreciate it. Because it's not everyday that I get talked down to by someone named bozak.

 

[MoFunk]

Originally posted by: tec699
In my opinion it seems that Republicans are stuck in the past and I'm just going to name a couple of examples.

1. Gay Marriages

-Most Republicans disapprove of gay marriages. News flash guys: Gay people aren't going to hide in the closet any longer. This isn't 1950 anymore so why shouldn't they be able to get married and live like any other American citizen?

News flash to you. The majority of America does not want gay marriage, this is why it was voeted against. It is only because of a minority group of left wings lawmakers and judges that this is even being debated. I could care less what gay's do. I think it is wrong but that is my opinion, what pisses me off, is that the laws were voted on and now these elected officials are deciding to make up laws that fit their agenda. You may love it now, but if you do not put a stop to it, then it could bite you in the ass next.

2. Immigration

-If given the chance most Republicans would rather close the Mexican border then let these people enter America. Who founded America? Immigrants! Europeans don't come to America like they did in the past. The makeup of immigrants now consists of Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Haitians and other non-white people. These people are usually poor so this goes against middle class values. In most cases the poor always feel the wrath from the Republicans. This party will always cut services for the poor unlike Democrats.

I have no problem with immigrants who want to better their lives. But the key here is legal and illegal immigration. Illiegal immigrants need to be rounded up and deported!

3. Language

-Sorry guys but Americans especially on the east and west coast should learn to speak Spanish. IT SHOULD BE A MUST! The Latino population in America is growing at an extremely high rate. Take a look at the current population figures and the expected population figures for the future. It really is amazing. In the past Immigrants assimilated into American culture but not anymore. Now we really are a multicultural society and we need to act like one.

If you want to move to another country, you need to assimilate into that culture. What makes this country great, and a melting pot, is the assimilation of multiple cultures. But if no one can communicate with eachother, you have defeated that, and have completely segregated everything.

Well those are just 3 examples of why I feel Republicans are stuck in the past. Yea... a very simplistic viewpoint but I feel that I got my point across.

You can live in the past guys but I'd rather move forward. America is rapidly changing for the better. You can accept these changes or you can get left behind. Whether you like it or not these and many other changes are going to take place in American society.

And yes, I am a RIGHT WING CONSPIRATOR.

 

[Runner20]

All your points are CRAPPY. 2 may be partially crappy, but still, crappy nonetheless.

I agree that immigration is the key to America's future, but we should close the Mexican border so that ILLIGAL IMMIGRANTS wont enter the USA. Your gonna call me a bigot, but read what I said again, ILLIGAL IMMIGRANTS. Illigal immigration is destroying America, so we must END it.

Point # 3 of yours is the stupidest thing I've heard in years. We should learn to speak Spanish??
Ok, so let me ask you this: Should the immigrants learn to speak English since they came here??!
They should learn to speak english not the other way around, grow a brain, doofus. America was founded on the english language, we conduct business using the english language and it will ALWAYS be America's language.

Now, point # 1, saving it for last.
I don't have anything against gays and wish them the best of luck. I feel that marriage is between a man and a woman, not between a woman and a woman or a man and a man. If we allow gay marriage, whats to stop a dumbnut to marry his dog?? or his cat?? Now I'm not comparing gays to dogs and cats, but if your going to allow freedom to one group of people you can't deny it to others. Right now, gay marriage, in my eyes is wrong for America. Maybe in the future, I'll re-think it.

 

[nutxo]

Originally posted by: tec699
In my opinion it seems that Republicans are stuck in the past and I'm just going to name a couple of examples.

1. Gay Marriages

-Most Republicans disapprove of gay marriages. News flash guys: Gay people aren't going to hide in the closet any longer. This isn't 1950 anymore so why shouldn't they be able to get married and live like any other American citizen?


2. Immigration

-If given the chance most Republicans would rather close the Mexican border then let these people enter America. Who founded America? Immigrants! Europeans don't come to America like they did in the past. The makeup of immigrants now consists of Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Haitians and other non-white people. These people are usually poor so this goes against middle class values. In most cases the poor always feel the wrath from the Republicans. This party will always cut services for the poor unlike Democrats.

3. Language

-Sorry guys but Americans especially on the east and west coast should learn to speak Spanish. IT SHOULD BE A MUST! The Latino population in America is growing at an extremely high rate. Take a look at the current population figures and the expected population figures for the future. It really is amazing. In the past Immigrants assimilated into American culture but not anymore. Now we really are a multicultural society and we need to act like one.


Well those are just 3 examples of why I feel Republicans are stuck in the past. Yea... a very simplistic viewpoint but I feel that I got my point across.

You can live in the past guys but I'd rather move forward. America is rapidly changing for the better. You can accept these changes or you can get left behind. Whether you like it or not these and many other changes are going to take place in American society.

#1 Same sex marriage was on the ballot in The socialist republic of Kalifornia, it failed 60% to 40%. Not the republicans at work there. If the country were to vote on it today it would lose. Only the most extreme left wing fanatics tend to support it.

#2 Its not the Republicans fighting that either. Lower income, unskilled labor is against immigration.

#3Why should a country who's MAJORITY is white and the LARGEST minority group black, learn to speak the language of the SECOND largest minority group?

 

[Genesys]

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Actually today's youth is completely tolerable of gays, when you look at the majority of teens/college students. It's the previous generation that is having trouble with accepting gay marriages. It's not forced tolerance either, it's realizing that we are all human beings and that being "gay" is not something that anyone can help. It's you ignorant generations from the past that are causing so much trouble, once you are all dead America and the rest of the world will be a much more peaceful place.

i wouldnt say that todays youth is completely tolerable of gays. my sister is 14 and she is completely repulsed at the idea, as are most of the youth in the town we live in.

the only reason it is gaining any ammount of acceptance is because children are being brainwashed in elementary school. they dont have any of their own thought put into the concept, theyre just told from an early age that its normal and acceptable.

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: tec699

3. Language

-Sorry guys but Americans especially on the east and west coast should learn to speak Spanish. IT SHOULD BE A MUST! The Latino population in America is growing at an extremely high rate. Take a look at the current population figures and the expected population figures for the future. It really is amazing. In the past Immigrants assimilated into American culture but not anymore. Now we really are a multicultural society and we need to act like one.

uh, NO. I'm a first generation immigrant and I COMPLETELY disagree with your view on language and I think it's utter Bs.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That's the end of it. We might accept other cultures but that does not mean that other cultures should be able to change us. As in, they should learn english instead. America needs English as the official language and eliminate services provided in other languages. Put the money spent in providing services in other languages into helping people learn english.

 

[Infohawk]

Originally posted by: alphatarget1

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That's the end of it.

What if most of the Romans speak Spanish? Should we do as they do?

I think English should be the official language of the US but I've heard a lot of bad arguments why this should be the case.

We're getting to a point where most people in some states will speak Spanish. The when in Rome argument won't there.

***

Back to the main topic, I think there will definitely be long-term shifts in the Republican party. In other words, the Republican party as it currently is will not be sustainable.

I think I lot of people vote Republican because (they think) it represents their interests as white people. In some cases it's true. When you have Democrats pushing affirmative action and people perceive that government expenditures are being spent on non-whites (which I don't think is the case) it can make sense to vote Republican (in theory). I think this is the Republican party's base. Right now, whites can vote and sustain their majority.

The problem is America is increasingly becoming non-white. Nobody's stopping it, especially not Republicans who want cheap labor. Eventually, the Republican party of whites will have to change because there won't be enough white people to sustain a majority.