Modern Journalism

There is much to be said in favor of modern journalism.

By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, it keeps us

in touch with the ignorance of the community.

~Oscar Wilde~

If you need an example of this just read this article by Ruben Navarrette. You will find yourself reading enlightening thoughts such as:

Yet, it seems that McKeon wants to go further and discuss making it the "official" language, which could require that all government documents be printed in English only.

That may make McKeon popular with the culture warriors and the nativist fringe. But it won't do any good for the country or its people, who have seen this movie so many times they've memorized the dialogue.

I am now being called a culture warrior because I would like to see English be made the official language in the United States? If the United States chooses to make English the official language and then happens to offend those who are in my country illegally, tant piss(too bad)!

Well I would like to thank Mr. Navarrette for showing me a new word. I was not familiar with the term nativism until now. Thank you for helping me shed more of my own ignorance.

nativism - n.

1. A sociopolitical policy, especially in the United States in the 19th century, favoring the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants.
2. The reestablishment or perpetuation of native cultural traits, especially in opposition to acculturation.
3. Philosophy. The doctrine that the mind produces ideas that are not derived from external sources.
   

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2004, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

A policy favoring the interests of established or native people or the immigrants. Well I have to admit that does sound appealing to me. I would also like to point out that many of the so called immigrants that might be having 'assimilation problems' are illegal immigrants (read- criminals).

As part of its stab at immigration reform, the Senate already has voted to declare English the national language.

If you would like to read what the Senate actually voted for I would direct you to read this press release by ProEnglish.org. Declaring English the national language is different than declaring it the official language, even if they sound similar.

After browsing some another article of Mr. Navarrette, I think I can appreciate his point of view a little more. He is coming from the deep dark field of ignorance. While I thought he might be, it was confirmed after reading this article by him.
Apparently a reader sent in the question "Are you an American?"”. At least neither one of my readers have sent me a question like that, yet. If anyone cares to correct Mr. Navarrette on his numerous errors in thought, feel free to send him an e-mail at

ruben.navarrette@uniontrib.com