These folks?? And just who would that be?

"These folks?? And just who would that be?"

Since you asked, I think he means bigoted, right-wing ignorant pig-@!$%#ers who think they can force their values on the rest of us at the point of a gun...

..but then, I'm just guessing

Okay...point proven right here that it is the left wing Democrats that are the true bigots. Nowhere in the ad did Tim say he hated anyone who didn't speak English. He only said, "If you want to live here, learn (English)." And now imsloan is resorting to name calling. Do you really expect me to take you seriously when you call me names? It really is common sense. All our road signs are in English, therefore everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car should be able to grasp the written English language. And if someone has a learning disability and can't learn to read English, do you really want them operating a potentially lethal machine? I don't. We have plenty of public transportation available...oh and these little things called bicycles - or better yet, taxis - that can get you from point a to point b. This is America. We speak English. Get used to it or get out.

Well, actually, they speak English in the United States; they speak French, English, Spanish, Portugese, and various other languages in either of the Americas...

This is an interesting situation. Did you know that we have the EASIEST immigration policies in the world. As long as you can patiently while the review process goes through.

Germany REQUIRES that you know the language to finish the immigration process. Most other countries have a similar procedure.

Its also funny that other countries feels that we are arrogant, because we treat other people as foreigners in their own countries. We don't even try to learn their language (French in France). Although, we give everyone the opportunity to read, write and speak their language here in the US of A. Other people expect it!! If you want citizenship so bad, I mean REALLY BAD, then you should do whatever it takes to EARN IT. Learn the Language. Learn the History. Learn to write the Language. Otherwise, we are a global joke. UNFORTUNATELY, we have been a joke for the last 4+ decades.

Why can't we get real reform, and ensure that EVERYTHING is in English. True, we should put other languages, or international symbols, at international locations (like Airports, or Major international hotels). Everything esle should be in English. That is the National Language, and that is what we should be PROUD to speak.

These people are the ones who can't read, write or speak English, which just so happens to be the language of the US. When do you retards understand the word illegal and how these illegals are breaking down what once was a great system. At least in the past immigrants that came here had some intelligence but what is coming here now are simply uneducated people and that is really great for the US, isn't it?

Ok, So I live in Alabama. I've seen these ads non-stop. I do agree that if one wants to live in America, one should learn English. Consequently, if one wants to live in Russia, one should learn Russian. Don't expect others to accommodate those who speak only English, if you choose not to accommodate them. As for James, he is an idiot, just like his father. Do us all a favor and vote Artur Davis.

I like it, this is an English speaking country and people need to acclimate.

I agree with the content and message James' ad is sending. We need to be stricter on immigration, and hold tighter to our standards, to ensure OUR safety as American Citizens. Not African-Americans, not Asian American, not Haitan Americans, not Hispanic Americans............etc.....when does the bullsh*t stop????? I've never heard of any groups for White Americans!!!! That would be bigotry, right?????Simply put, being American, will do. And if you don't like it, and if the language that we Americans speak is English, then learn it if you want the privilege to live in our country. If you don't know the language, how will you read the road signs? Should we expect roads signs in 12 languages too?????? WTF???? It is true! Otherwise, go to France or Russia, and learn French or Russian in order to live in those countries. And live by their rules and restrictions, in order to immigrate there. Enough already. Time to take back and reclaim what is ours....respect for ourselves and each other. Way to go Mr. Tim James.......you've got my vote, and the desire to move to Alabama.

I am so tired of people throwing around the race card at a whim. You want to get angry? Look at your census. According to question 8 on the 2010 census- "For this census, Hispanic origins are not races". The United States Government does not even recognize Hispanics as a race- therefore Tim could not possibly be racist.

Just why is it this LIBERAL Media wants this country to accept everyones language? This country was founded on CHRISTIAN beliefs and the founding Fathers spoke ENGLISH!!!! Why should I have to "PRESS 1 for ENGLISH". I am an AMERICAN, born and raised under the RED, WHITE, and BLUE flag.

Go to France, Germany, Iran, or Spain and try to get people to talk to you in ENGLISH. The only ones that will are the ones wanting you DOLLARS!!

I know, I spent a year in Spain. The people there only wanted our money and did not want to have to deal with AMERICANS.

So, when you say "Live and Let Live", that is OK. Just remember they want to come here for the FREE STUFF that this LIBERAL GOVERNMENT gives out from the HARD WORKING CONSERVATIVE AMERICANS Taxes!!!

Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

I damn sure don't want to learn to speak Taco just so I can fiqure out what they're talking about.Learn english or go back!!!!!

Speak Taco? Seriously?!?

Is there even any evidence that non-English speaking immigrant drivers have caused more traffic accidents than English-speaking ones? And don't even talk about illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants couldn't get drivers' licenses at all with all the proof-of-eligibility policies that the DMV has imposed.

This is a poorly-veiled racist, bigoted campaign. Why would anyone want this guy to represent them? It's embarrassing that a dinosaur like him thinks he has a chance to win an election with this kind of campaign.

Classic, unfounded scare-tactics of the Conservative politician.

And the comments on this entry are just nauseating. I believe in the American people, whether Liberal or Conservative, but it's comments like this that make me sick to my stomach with the kinds of minds associated with American politics.

It's just proof that the all-White, KKK, racist mindset still exists. It's disturbing and embarrassing.

How many of you are Native Americans? If you are not a Native American, than it's safe to assume that at some point in time your family members were immigrants...and possibly illegal immigrants. Additionally, your immigrant relatives probably did not speak english when they stepped foot on our shore (many of the first generations NEVER learned english)!.

Lucky for some of you that your relatives were not deported.

Then you are missing out Todd.

Dear Todd,

I moved to Alabama two years ago from the state of Illinois. Since moving here I have found there is no other state in which I would rather live. There is very little truth to the sterotypes depicted by movies and television. I find the native Alabamians to be warm, friendly people who love their country.

If you have never lived in Alabama your statement lends you no credibility.

Does Shelby belong to your state ? I'm sure the people are warm loving and kind but think twice about your electorate. I live in Illinois and we are not known for having the most "honest" government, but as you know the south has it's special place in history and until it works harder at making it a better place for all instead of the good old white boys club, you will have a hard time convincing people that the south has really changed.

I've lived in alabama for 15 years, and now im almost 16.

I do not like living here sometimes. they don't wanna support the public schools and it's always some kind of drama occurring. It's warm. but some things are not best for children around here. Alabama is not a very friendly place to the young often.

not everyone in bama is like timmy boy. i love this state. the loudest voice is often the smallest. where it is true that the older people tend to hold on to the beliefs of the past (as most older people do) the young and more moderate people are the ones you will most likely run into. and we do believe in southern hospitality. even the rude are usally friendly with there rudness. you should really visit before you judge. and most of us now days would probably been unionist. and no one alive now was a slave or has owned slaves i think its time we move past and stop blaming people for something that happend over 150 years ago

Last fall while sitting at a red light in Huntsville, Alabama a white Lexus SUV pulled up next to me. In the driver's seat was a woman about my age (mid-40's) who could've passed for your average, church-going Alabamian right up until she gave me the finger. I was stunned because I knew I hadn't changed lanes so I couldn't have cut her off or anything. When the light turned green she took off like a bat out of hell and then I saw the Impeach Obama sticker on her back windshield.

It seems she took exception to the Obama/Biden sticker on my car.

Alabama is a beautiful state that I have lived in off and on for 32 years (paternal side of the family is here) but it is not a kind place for non-white and/or liberal folk. At least not in the part of the state I live in.

As far as most people being unionist here I would love to meet up with those people because most of the ones I talk to are staunchly anti-union.

Lisa, they are anti-union as in labor union. Unionist most likely is a synonym for nationalist, conservative, constitutionalist, etc.

Todd,

Would you be so kind as to tell us what fine state you call home?

I'd like to know so that I can ridicule the place where you were born and raised. I also would relish the opportunity to make a blockheaded blanket statement in which I claim to know the secret wants and desires of the entire population. Have you ever been to Alabama? If so, how long did you stay? Was it long enough for you to see the waterfalls in Bankhead National Forest, or the miles of immaculate white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico? How about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and the world-class resorts along the way? Golf Digest thinks it is "the #1 golf destination in the entire U.S." Did you happen to notice the weather? The average temperature for nine months of the year is 76 degrees. The winter, I'll admit, is a bear. We suffer through 40's and 50's in December, and it's not uncommon to see a few days in the 30's in January or February. Are you a sports fan, Todd? The University of Alabama, who just won its 13th National Championship in football, recently welcomed 92,000 people to a spring practice game. Think about that. Do people in your state love anything that much?

I am an alumnae of the University of Alabama. When I pledged a fraternity Freshman year, I was surprised to learn that three of my pledge brothers were from the great state of Maine. I asked them how they ended up 1500 miles from home and my buddy Chad answered without missing a beat.

"We wanted to go to school somewhere warm. I didn't make up my mind on where, until my official visit to U of A. It was 74 degrees, the campus looked like a bunch of cathedrals stretched out on the fairway at Augusta National, and the girls were the most beautiful I had ever seen."

These kids were rich, could have gone to school anywhere in America. They chose to spend the best years of their lives in Alabama, they came here to get an education and to find their wives, and they are all still living here with their families today. That ought to tell you everything you need to know. You jackass.

@Todd:Maybe that's the problem - you're not thinking. But if no one wants to live in Alabama as you state, then what is all the fuss about? If no one wants to move to Alabama, it shouldn't matter to any of us what they do.

Absolutely right. In southern Illinois, there were German-speaking Lutheran congregations from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s. [WW II pretty much put an end to this.] A. Lincoln (quietly) owned the German-language newspaper of Springfield. After the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate in Quincy, the Republicans went to their own celebration with three more speeches. ONE OF THESE WAS IN GERMAN! Try to imagine the equivalent happening today.

Oh, yes, indeedy! I recall my elders telling jokes in Yiddish and looking very innocent when the grandchildren and greatnieces and greatnephews wondered what they were laughing about. The American-born were all discouraged from learning the old language -- for a number of reasons, including the stigma of being immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants, all the way back to the original inhabitants who hiked over the land bridge between Asia and Alaska. We should not dishonor the sacrifices made by any of them in their search for a better life for their descendants.

Creo que está lleno de mierda también. Por desgracia, tengo un tiempo difícil con sólo Inglés - no sé lo que dice acerca de mi inteligencia, pero no son el español traducir sitios web genial!

Was ist hier los? Haben sie Vögel? Warum können sie kein Deutsch!?

Ughhhh .... weil Arizona ist auf der gegenüberliegenden Straßenseite aus Mexiko?! Und es gibt rund 20 Millionen mexikanische Staatsangehörige, die Nachbarn Arizona sind .. lange zwischen uns wandeln, wie lange Flugreise zwischen uns gegen meinen Freund. Sorry für die wahrscheinlich schlechte Übersetzung - viva la Web-Website-Übersetzung!)

Speak English or Bush might have you arrested as a terrorist!!!!!!

It’s all ‘smoke and mirrors’ good sir – say hello to my little translation web site friend: http://www.spanishdict.com/translation (for those of us language impaired souls)

Viva la language difference! Or, waxing poetically for you: فيفا لا فرق لغة

(Although, it’s times like this that trust in some web sites “software” is kind of tricky – I mean, translate by mistake a tiny bit off and I might be underground like Rushdie in a heartbeat…).

A NATIVE American would find this post amusing.

See my post above. This kind of comment is exactly what I was going off about. In the past, as I pointed out before, people emigrated to this country and did not quickly learn English. Enclaves of Yiddish, German, Dutch, Chinese, etc. persisted for decades at least. And you are flat wrong in insinuating that there was or should be an English requirement for citizenship. It's a big country. There's room enough for people to be different. That said, English is important. It's the majority language and if someone moves to any country intending to stay for life, they ought to learn the local language. If someone moves to France, they ought to learn French. If you move to Japan, learn Japanese. But there's no call to get carried away and demonize anyone for retaining their own language and insist on lock-step uniformity. It takes time for immigrants to assimilate. The process works over generations. That's the way it was in the past, that's the way it is now, that's the way it always is. Each new batch of immigrants causes a freak-out from the easily freaked, but eventually America is inconceivable without them. So relax.

And I'm sick and tired of my more closed-minded compatriots whining about people speaking other languages. It's unproductive, bigoted, and a sign of poor education, not to mention un-American. Yes, those coming here should learn English (my immigrant dad did), but not everyone has that luxury; they're struggling just to scrape by. And some refugees are simply too old. Still others lack the ability -- everyone does not learn at the same pace, and that goes double for languages.

On the "illegal" question: am I the only one who sees the irony in the fact that Arizona, which was wrested from Mexico at gunpoint, is all in a tizzy about (gasp!) MEXICANS crossing the border without permission?

This is America. People from other places come here willy-nilly, elbow their way in, and insist on bringing their culture, language, etc. with them. Your forebears did, so don't be surprised if others do.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

I don't think it is wrong to have the test only in English...do our street signs have the message in 15 different languages...NO! The shapes may be universal but the writing is still English...

Abso$#@@%^*lutely!!!!!!

CallMeDan-Don't forget that most of the U.S. was "wrested at Gunpoint" from the Indians...........

i am well aware of that but just because one said it doesn't mean we all said it

Why would that be dishonest? He did not say "our forefathers spoke English. " He was just stating a fact.

I don't know when the last time you've been out for a drive is but, no, they're really not. Primarily, they use Arabic numerals and cute little pictorials. White sign with numbers on them, yellow signs with pictures of what's going on up ahead, a red octagon that does say "STOP" on it, but the shape and color of the sign is universally recognized.

The point of having driving booklets and tests in multiple languages is so that those who are currently learning English or otherwise do not speak English are legally licensed to drive on the roads, instead of just taking off and not having a clue as to what's going on around them.

Huh?

To begin with, anywhere there is a sizable population of any language, there is bound to be a cable TV channel with local/international news, shows, movies, etc, not to mention nationally available channels like Telemundo, Univision, etc. They do not provide translations into English any more than MSNBC provides translations into Spanish. Additionally, there are on-line aggregators like http://www.tvsubtitles.net/ who provided multi-language subtitled versions of various shows.

Courts provide interpreters for litigants who do not speak English sufficiently well to participate in the legal process. In fact, some large metropolitan courts hire a full-time coordinator just for interpreters.

I don't know about the law in Mexico or France -- and neither do you, so you may want to check your facts, as you apparently haven't done so for the other points you have made -- but in Australia, another country with a large immigrant and refugee population, access to some reasonable amount of interpreting services is a right guaranteed by law. So we're not this major exception.

For all that... agreed that those who move here ought to do their utmost to learn English. It's just the smart thing to do if one wishes to get ahead. But we don't need language services because "immigrants are lazy" (particularly the ones building your houses, mowing your lawns and scrubbing your toilets), but because there's a constant influx of people who can't learn English instantly.

I never said I knew the laws in France or Mexico. I simply stated I would not expect the government to "cater" to my needs if I chose to live there. And, I know exactly who built my house, and it wasn't immigrants. I mow my own lawn and scrub my own toilets. That work is not "beneath" me.

Arizona, Kansas, Utah, Hawaii,
Maine, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Wyoming and Oklahoma - currently
offer their driver's license tests in English only. I don't hear anyone slamming them.

you are so right

SWatson-why don't we just vote in somebody that doesn't speak english,that should mess with a few heads,mainly us "racists" that might like to know what you might be talking to us about.................English,man,thats really way out there..........

Amen, we need to take a stand. We need to start deporting illegal immigrants, no matter where they come from. They have become a burden to the American tax payers. If some of you other states want to accommodate them, then run a campaign to have all the illegals move to your state. You can make a seperate tax for your state and call it "Taking Care of Illegals Tax". It has nothing to racism! They are called "Illegal Immigrants" because it is against the law of our country for them to be here. And yet all you people cry and whine that we should support them and accommodate to their needs. I wouild not expect another country to accommodate to my needs if I was to go to their country. It is my responsibility to learn their language and customs.

How do you say that in spanish????

@southernliberal: If that is how you feel, I'm surprised that any of the colleges in Alabama would be good enough for your college education.