Charlotte Schools Allow Pledge of Allegiance Said At Ceremony… En Espanol!
This story is completely outrageous and has caused quite a stir in the Charlotte area ths week.
Pledge of Allegiance Spoken In Spanish – WBT TV, Charlotte
The district held its first ever mid-year graduation ceremony at Ovens Auditorium Monday night.
During the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was first read in English and then in Spanish. Many people sat down while it was read in Spanish and did not clap.
CMS declined our request for an on-camera interview Tuesday afternoon, but a school spokesperson said standout Garinger High School student Jose Velasquez led the pledge.
His family emigrated to America and the main reason he was allowed to do a Spanish pledge is so they could understand him. A second reason was sensitivity to Spanish speakers.
I really don’t understand what is going on in this country anymore. And please don’t misinterpret this posting as being “anti-immigrant.” I am not; my family is a family of immigrants. But I sure as hell am anti-ILLEGAL immigrant.
So here is the deal. In all of the history of immigration to the United States, those coming to this nation became “Americans”, learned English to get ahead in our society, and assimilated to our culture — while not losing their own heritage.
Now suddenly, we have to be “sensitive” to those who refuse to respect the history and tradition of this nation???
Isn’t it time that someone start respecting Americans who follow the rules and work hard every day to keep this great country what it is? I have no idea if this student’s family is here legally or illegally. But I’m tired of the bending over backwards to be “sensitive” to those who have no respect for the nation they have come to — and I’m even more tired of our government looking the other way when those coming here are doing so illegally.
-Bruce (GayPatriot)
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Bruce, Let me first say that I love your articles and agree with them, even the idea of restricting illegal immigration. But the pledge was spoken in Spanish for his parents to understand, as well as those immigrants (legal as well as illegal), I really don’t think it’s a threat to society. It is after all a pledge to the United States, not “Le Marsielle (sp)” Also, would you have felt the same way if he said it in English and Polish?
Comment by Rachel — February 1, 2007 @ 7:47 am - February 1, 2007
Bruce, like you, I’m also the product of immigrant families and I’m only a 2d generation American… we still hear Irish brogues and lilting Welsh accents at family reunions.
I, too, am against illegal immigration and unreasonable immigration quotas and in favor of assimilation.
When I was growing up in Hamtramack, it seemed to me to be all Polish, 24×7 –on the street, at Church, in the neighborhood. School was one of the few places where English dominated. But even there, we had holiday concerts with 1-2 Polish songs tossed in –and little kids talked Polish to speak in code when needed. The older sibs would have nothing to do with anything culutral. Did the people I grew up with assimilate? Oh yeah; their parents didn’t very well, but the kids sure did. I always thought assimilation, while preserving cultural heritage, was a generational focus.
Does Charlotte have a large Hispanic community? Or was this just the PC police and liberal educators being sensitive? Was this the case of disrespecting America or a gesture of civility that Southerners are well known for… I think you’re being a little too “Yankee” on this one, Bruce.
The part that troubled me in your post’s quote was the line that someone “read” the Pledge –even in Spanish, Polish or Greek. I hope that wasn’t the case –we should all be able to recite it proudly, clearly and using the right words. Just like the Natl Anthem… which I still hear people at the ballpark, ice arena, or stadium screw up.
Besides, isn’t it “Jose, can you see…?”
Comment by Michigan-Matt — February 1, 2007 @ 8:56 am - February 1, 2007
Can’t wait to hear comments on the Mary Cheney interview, where she proclaims her baby to be a blessing from God, and that Wolf Blitzer’s question to the VP was “over the line”. My retort:
Being lesbian, being Dick Cheney’s daugher, actively campaigning for him and the party that seeks to continue descrimination against homosexuals makes her pregnancy a political issue.
She wants it both ways. Publically campaigning for people out to keep people like her from getting equal justice, protection and recognition under the laws of matrimony the government gives to heterosexuals and yet then wanted privacy for what is in effect. . .
living a hypocritical lifestyle.
“Do as I tell you to do not as I do” doesn’t cut it, Mary. It doesn’t work for your father, either.
Both of you playing indignant is merely a cop out for both of you in order to not answer for your hypocracy.
We know it. You know it.
Comment by John Baxter — February 1, 2007 @ 9:27 am - February 1, 2007
wait… so this kid just wanted his family to be able to understand him when he was pledging his allegiance to our country… how is that showing “no respect for the nation (he has) come to?”
“start respecting Americans who follow the rules ”
what rules were broken here, exactly?
this country supposedly prides itself on being a “melting-pot.” it’s sad that people like you want to ruin that.
Comment by dan — February 1, 2007 @ 9:37 am - February 1, 2007
My only questions would be:
(1) if the English pledge was excluded (showing gross insensitivity to English speakers); and/or
(2) if the kid used the Spanish as an opportunity to mess with the meaning (a la the “modified”, anti-American “national anthem” of last year’s Communist-inspired, pro-illegal immigrant demonstrations).
If not, then I see no problem. If the kid recited the Pledge’s real meaning in Spanish and so used it as a chance to teach his relatives about America, more power to him.
Comment by Calarato — February 1, 2007 @ 10:17 am - February 1, 2007
I migrated with my family from Italy in my early teens. I do remember Italian language radio broadcasts and a newspaper. I had to learn English in order to be educated and to progress financially. I also became fluent in Spanish. I have since moved to El Salvador to be with family that migrated here. What I find ironic is that this is becoming a bilingual country. When I used to come for a visit there were shops that had signs, English spoken here. Now there are the signs say Aqui´se habla español. It seems that I speak English more here than I did living in L.A. Customers who have migrated back speak to me in English. Students studying English want to practice with me. However, legal and official documents are in Spanish only. Their national anthem, which was written by an Italian immigrant, has not been translated into English for me. I believe the only way to be a loyal citizen and declare your allegiance to the country is to do it in the language of the land.
Comment by Roberto — February 1, 2007 @ 10:23 am - February 1, 2007
Of course, whenever Americans get their hackles up and we try to distinguish ourselves from those who are immigrants (legal, mind you) we do our own recitation of the Pledge an injustice because we’re supposed to be working for a unified, indivisble Nation under God. It’s the division or culling out from the norm that’s the problem here.
But then, Bruce, you clearly stated you are NOT anti-immigrant so that doesn’t apply here?
I kind of like the new tact Newt Gingrich is taking these days… he’s calling for a civilized, vigorous debate with the American people about finding solutions to the big problems facing our country. Trying to move the debate away from the partisan shrillness that’s infected our public discourse… away from the partisan leadership and back to average Americans.
He could have used the example of saying the Pledge in spanish. The example I heard him use was about the value of free speech… but that with the exercise of free speech could come an untoward consequence… like undermining our military or public resolve and even aiding our enemies in the process of exercising free speech –like CindyZeroSheehan, LurchKerry & the ChocolateRobe, Chuck Hagel & the angry mob on the Hill, etc.
The example Newt used was why those who dissent about the WOT-Iraq or the surveillance efforts in the WOT can’t understand why they’re called dyspatriots… all they see themselves doing is engaging in free speech and public debate. “It’s the consequence of what that does, stupid”.
Our Founding Fathers knew that dissent and debate was healthy. They just didn’t think it was cricket during time of war.
Maybe smiling when the Pledge is made in Spanish by someone who seeks to become a part of our society would be better than using that act as a mechanism to blow off steam about “all them illegals” and the need to assimilate. Assimilation will happen… French Canadians aside.
Comment by Michigan-Matt — February 1, 2007 @ 11:01 am - February 1, 2007
Bravo Bruce! You said exactly my feelings on this. Officially, there is no official language. Unofficially, it’s been English & Spanish for quite a while. Why should Spanish get special treatment? I’m of French extraction; when my grandparents came here from Canada, they were expected to learn English & not have everybody speak French. When Spanish speaking immigrants come to work, they should learn English. But nooo, everybody else has to learn Spanish. It’s bass-ackwards here. More & more products have English & Spanish on their labels. Mark my words, in about 20 years or so, Spanish will be on our currency. Gimme a break!
Comment by Jimbo — February 1, 2007 @ 11:07 am - February 1, 2007
Bruce looks like you are rewriting history again….
There always has been immigrants who mostly speak their native tongue. Public spaces have generally been accommodating of this.
It is usually the 2nd – 3rd generation where assimilation begins to take root but their old language becomes part of the fabric of America.
I was driving through a small Wisconsin town. They had a sign draped over the public sidewalk that said “Välkommen!”
No one said “Gol Darn Immigrants!!!!”
Instead they said “How Cute!”
Comment by keogh — February 1, 2007 @ 11:16 am - February 1, 2007
I am troubled somewhat by the Pledge being said in Spanish. As pointed out in #1, I wonder if the situation is that there are a lot of Hispanic immigrants, or is it a community that has been here for a couple of generations, and still cannot speak English? I don’t think it’s a big deal in itself, but rather may be just a symptom of a big problem in this country regarding assimilation.
My grandmother was born in this country to immigrants and her first tongue was Arabic. She didn’t know a word of English when she went to school. There was no ESL classes, and she learned the language as well as anyone else. She said that she was glad that she was immersed into English in this manner, and always thought that this is how all immigrant children should learn. For some reason, there seems to be special treatment to Spanish speakers. For example, in my county, it is federally mandated that all election materials and polling places have both English and Spanish. But in this county, there are plenty of Polish, Ukranian, Arabic, etc., speakers as well. It doesn’t seem fair. Further, I have a cousin who taught for a year at a school with a heavy Spanish speaking population and had ESL courses for these students. Many of these students are children of parents who took ESL courses at the same school.
Comment by Pat — February 1, 2007 @ 11:26 am - February 1, 2007
Unlike 401k above, I actually know my history.
Growing up here in Texas, I learned Spanish because (a) it was easy and (b) with my own European background, I was sensitive to how other ethnicities were perceived.
That being said, I agree with Cal on this topic. My only problem with the pledge in Spanish was that it should have been announced PRIOR to the English rendition that it was to be done in Spanish to showcase how well children can learn a foreign language.
In fact, back in 1981 in my middle school, we did the pledge both in English and in Spanish – AFTER the Spanish teacher announced that we were doing it not as an “honor” to non-English-speakers, but to showcase our 8th grade skills.
I think the teacher also wanted some extra $$$ from HISD, but I digress.
I still remember it:
“Juro fidelidad a la bandera de los Estados Unidos, y de la patria que simboliza. Una nacion, bajo de Dios, indivisible y con libertad para todos.”
We did receive applause from the parents’ assembly afterwards, because I guess we sounded so cute doing it.
But in Bruce’s case in point – that it was being done at a graduation ceremony – it should have been emphasized prior to the ceremony what the intent of the Pledge in Spanish was. A wasted opportunity for the person in charge.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — February 1, 2007 @ 11:30 am - February 1, 2007
Amen GP! I think a federal law should be passed that English, and ONly English is established as our national language. I have no problem with legal immigration, but if they won’t assimilate (face it — nowadays, a lot of them don’t even try), then they can just eff-ing leave the U.S. I get so tired of having to deal with service people who don’t speak or understand English.
Comment by ndtovent — February 1, 2007 @ 12:48 pm - February 1, 2007
Oddly, I’m more “bothered” by the disrespect from those who sat down. Would it have KILLED THEM to remain standing a few seconds longer while the Pledge was repeated in Spanish? Granted, I’m not wild about the idea, but it doesn’t bother me any-more than that the recently-added “under God”-phrase is still included. At leat the old “fascist”-style Pledge Salute isn’t used anymore.
While I would like to see immigration “regularized”, I’ll worry more when people STOP coming to America by any-means-necessary.
Comment by Ted B. (Charging Rhino) — February 1, 2007 @ 12:55 pm - February 1, 2007
#11 Language evolution is a natural process… Gov intrusion has been tried but it fails because it can’t adapt fast enough
I now wait for your next complaint about how you hate the sun coming up
Comment by keogh — February 1, 2007 @ 1:39 pm - February 1, 2007
Most Hispanics are against bilingual education(see paragraph 6 here). I suspect bilingual education (and multi-culturalism) is/was primarily a product of white liberals.
#3 dan, what is frustrating to Bruce and others (Bruce, let me know if I’m incorrect here) is that the ‘melting pot’ metaphor doesn’t apply like it used to. It used to be that immigrants came here to leave their cultures behind them and become Americans. Speaking English (like having a bank account, purchasing a car, getting an education, etc.) was a point of great pride — not only did/does it enable you to get ahead, it was seen as a great accomplishment and ‘proof’ that you fit in. With the education reforms of the 1960s and 1970s (along with the changes in our immigration policies) that railed against the evils of conformity, the melting pot has become the salad bowl, where one isn’t encouraged to be or become an American, but to retain a foreign identity in language, community, and culture. We even have home-grown foreign identities. (Remember Ebonics?) While I don’t think the example Bruce provided is egregious enough to be upsetting, I do share his apparent concern that we are far too sympathetic to those who have not, for whatever reason, assimilated.
Comment by HardHobbit — February 1, 2007 @ 2:11 pm - February 1, 2007
Hobbit-
That is exactly what I was trying to illustrate.
Maybe I wasn’t clear enough, though.
Comment by Bruce (GayPatriot) — February 1, 2007 @ 2:58 pm - February 1, 2007
#13 – keogh, on the contrary. I LOVE it when the sun comes up. We don’t have nearly enough sunny days here in the DC area for my liking (but I still love the area–no plans to move anytime soon) ‘-)
I agree with most of your oppinions in most threads, but have to disagree with you about the government intrusion statement. Back in the old days, when we had the major immigration influx (prior to 1920 or so), all new immigrants were required to take assimilation courses (if not by the government, then by their employers). They had to learn basic U.S. history, the ENGlish language, and basic american customs. They became more assimilated much more quickly than the clueless immigrants who come here nowadays. AND….they were proud to do it. Now, I’m not advocating they relinquish there heritage, completely shedding their own cultures. Different cultures are integral parts of our social fabric, and have been since the first settlers arrived (and long before, if you take into account the melding of the rich Native American cultures which already existed). They should continue to practice their native cultural traditions of they so choose.
It’s just seems that most of the newer immigrants who come to the U.S. have no desire to assimilate or adapt to the broader American (more specifically, U.S.) cultural or societal norms. Many of them just want to reap what benefits they can get from our countrty, abuse our public programs/social services to the breaking point, and basically s**t on everthing American. That really bothers me. I don’t think passing a few laws requiring them to learn english at least well enough to get by, and making it difficult or impossible for them to enter the U.S. illegally is out of line. I also blame the companies who hire these people in customer service type positions–jobs where they deal with the public face to face. They should all be required to pass English fluency tests before even being considered for one of those jobs. Ain’t gonna happen, but I can dream.
There is a magnate school in the L.A. area I heard about recently which is 99% latino, no white kids whatsoever–paid for with our friggin tax dollars–and the students of that school are NOT required to learn english or U.S. history, or to assimilate in any way. The prinicpal is totally against forcing any kind of assimilation. ALL classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. I wonder how many more of those public schools exist in the U.S. these days.
As far as the pledge, I have no problem with it being read in Spanish, although I think the parents should’ve known enough English so that they understood it IN English. Had they lived in the U.S. the whole time the kid was growing up? If so, they’ve had plenty of time to assimilate.
Comment by ndtovent — February 1, 2007 @ 3:37 pm - February 1, 2007
Of coursse saying the Pledge in Spanish, or any language other than English, is not a threat to America as some would have it. That misses the point. The point is, LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE or choose to live elsewhere.
Comment by Fr. Doug Johnson — February 1, 2007 @ 6:19 pm - February 1, 2007
ndtovent (#16) – Bravo! You articulated exactly what is behind my posting this story.
Comment by Bruce (GayPatriot) — February 1, 2007 @ 6:47 pm - February 1, 2007
I think it could have all been innocuous if the honored student would have used his own speach time to repeat it in Spanish. I don’t see it as a huge issue either way (depending on much context that is missing). I agree with Peter (#10) that this was a missed opportunity (at least media-wise, details seems scant).
Had the school said that to honor the outstanding parents of one of their best students, we’ll now have our Spanish class recite the pledge or had the student himself said that he wanted his parents to know how much he appreciated the opportunity they had given him he would recite the pledge so they could understand, the story would have an entirely different “spin”.
Given my biases, I’d say this whole brouhaha is the school’s fault for being too PC. There is nothing inherently wrong with saying the Pledge in a non-English language.
Comment by mrsizer — February 1, 2007 @ 9:07 pm - February 1, 2007
If Bruce’s school system is going to have English and Spanish versions of the Pledge at all future commencements, I agree with his outrage. But if this was a one-time instance of deference to an honor student wanting to “speak” to his parents, I think Bruce over-reacted.
(Bruce ought to be applauding his school system for still reciting the Pledge at public events — in any language. The Pledge is absent from far too many public gatherings.)
I live in an area heavily settled by German immigrants. I understand that until World War I forced German-Americans to take a low profile, many church and school ceremonies routinely included some German for the benefit of grandparents (and some parents) who knew little English.
I’ll never forget my first visit to New York City (in 1959), when I found myself in neighborhood after neighborhood of European immigrants where it was difficult to find someone who spoke English.
So, as much as I am outraged by illegal immigration and what is fast becoming a “press one for English” culture, I have to admit the Hispanics aren’t the first with large numbers resisting assimilation.
Comment by Ashley Hunter — February 1, 2007 @ 11:04 pm - February 1, 2007
Bruce, I agree with the premise of your post. However, if it was just being done for translation, I’m not worried about it.
#4
this country supposedly prides itself on being a “melting-pot.” it’s sad that people like you want to ruin that.
One thing I’m sick of is those (like this guy) who are trying to leverage a guilt trip. To my knowledge, NOBODY is against immigration as you and other ignorant wretches want to suggest. What we ARE against is ILLEGAL immigration.
I’ve had with people trying to use White Guilt. At least try to be honest or save it for somebody who cares.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — February 2, 2007 @ 1:41 am - February 2, 2007
“One thing I’m sick of is those (like this guy) who are trying to leverage a guilt trip. To my knowledge, NOBODY is against immigration as you and other ignorant wretches want to suggest. What we ARE against is ILLEGAL immigration.
I’ve had with people trying to use White Guilt. At least try to be honest or save it for somebody who cares. ”
my comment had nothing to do with immigration.
Comment by dan — February 2, 2007 @ 10:37 am - February 2, 2007
nor did it pertain to race
Comment by dan — February 2, 2007 @ 10:38 am - February 2, 2007
Bruce ought to be applauding his school system for still reciting the Pledge at public events — in any language. The Pledge is absent from far too many public gatherings.
definitely
Comment by Rachel — February 2, 2007 @ 11:06 am - February 2, 2007
Fro those here who have the “English Only” burr under their saddle or complain that the venerable MeltingPot ain’t on high flame and meltin’ fast enough, take a look at a FedRes paper on assimilation, immigration and education programs.
Here: http://www.dallasfed.org/research/swe/2004/swe0403a.html
Comment by Michigan-Matt — February 2, 2007 @ 12:08 pm - February 2, 2007
[...] As you may recall, I reported last week that controversy erupted in Charlotte after a student recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish at an official CMS school function.  [...]
Pingback by World and Global Politics Blog » Blog Archive » Charlotte School Chief Mandates Pledge Be Said In English — February 6, 2007 @ 7:03 am - February 6, 2007
Wow! I enjoyed your article. I am in a argumentation class right now and I strongly believe we should have the Pledge said in our schools and have it printed in ENGLISH! Therefore those who so desire to LEGALLY come to this country respect it’s history and learn it in English! As a African decent – American woman I respect what the Pledge stands for and my country. I feel no need to be sensitive at all to telling someone that this is America learn English if you want to be in public places! When I go to Germany or Mexico there is very little sensitivity to saying their countries patriotic songs in English!
Comment by Tara — February 12, 2007 @ 1:01 am - February 12, 2007