Who is this Rudy Giuliani guy? Is there some reason I should care about what he thinks?

Hi guys. I think most of you got this issue all wrong.

We don't need an official language. The system we have in place works fine. What we need to do is learn to respect each other. We all know that even in the USA that everybody grows up different and has different values, religions, and cultures. If we could all just remember this in our day to day activities we could all get along better.

The common sense rules that apply when going to a foreign country also apply when visiting local establishments. Thus so if you were to find your self in a local Chinese restaurant where most of its workers knew little to no english it would be your burden to communicate with the wait staff to order your food. One might say "thats not fair, I am in America" . And I would say if you don't like it you have the power to leave the restaurant at any time. Nobody is forcing you to learn Chinese. Although the establishment is with in the borders of the United States of America, you have to remember that within the borders of the establishment you are a guest to those that own the establishment. This gives you only one real power, the power to leave if you do not like it. But you do this at a cost. The cost of missing out on some great food, and great culture.

At the same time we must respect a business owner that requires orders to be made in a specific language. After all, it is there establishment, not yours.

But business owners, please keep in mind who your revenue comes form. Thats right, the Customer, with a capital C. These are the people who pay your bills, and ensure that your establishment is successful. Without them there would be no establishment. Keeping that in mind, you still can limit language you take order in, but by doing this you are not maximizing the amount of revenue that you could be taking in. As stated above, Customers can leave, and they don't have to come back. I read some where, that if you loose one Customer, you have then lost 6 direct referrals . It is also handy to keep in mind. It is not loosing one sale, but a life time of sales from that Customer. In such, as a responsible business owner it is your duty to ensure that you do everything you can to increase sales!

A note, to a business owner that finds commutation problems between his/her staff
and Customers. To maximize sales, you will need to find a way to better communicate with your customers. In most cases a simplified menu with a numbering system to allow users to order by number often solves the problem. Allowing printouts of your menu to be taken from your establishment so Customers can have them translated to there native language, allowing them to order by number in the future. In some cases if you find a overwhelming amount of of a specific Customers who speak the same language it may even be more profitable for you to have your menu translated and printed special for this group of customers. This will go a long way with increasing your revenue.

For those that missed this, it is not about illegal immigrants, it is about respect, and proper business management.

(please note, I did not have time to review my comments for typos, and I was interrupted many times, but I am sure my point got through and I hope we all can make a better America)

Shameless shout-out: GO Ron Paul!!!

-Zeek

I THINK THAT IT IS NOT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ENGLISH TO BECOME AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. THIS COUNTRY'S DOES NOT HAVE A PRIMARY LANGUAGE, AND IT AN COUNTRY MADE BY IMMIGRANTS. TO BE AMERICAN, MEANS YOUR FAMILY MIGRATED HERE. MY MOTHER HAS BEEN HERE FOR 30 YEARS AND STILL DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH, EVENTHOUGH SHE UNDERSTAND IT AND WILL BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITIES USING SMALL PHRASES. I WILL NOT BE VOTING FOR GUILIANI AND I WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER FAMILY WHO STILL KEEP TIES WITH THEIR ORIGIN, AND SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE TO NOT VOTE FOR HIM EITHER. IF YOU AGREE WITH THIS SIGNS, THEN I BET YOUR FIRST LANGUAGE WAS ENGLISH, IF NOT YOUR ONLY. SO BEFORE YOU JUDGE, I SUGGEST YOU GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY WHERE THEY WONT ALLOW YOU TO SPEAK ENGLISH AND ONLY THEN, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RUN YOUR MOUTH AND GIVE A VALID OPINION.

"The highest result of education is tolerance."
Helen Keller

Two Soo in Mishigan

I ugree wit yoo….. LOL

I would like mine with American cheese, Thank you.

After we make it mandatory that all speak American, maybe we can do away with spending millions upon millions of dollars on bilingual ballots and the need for people "helping people vote" as that would do away with at least one scam that is used by the Democratic party to gain votes.

Funny how the Dems want to do away with smoking as well (I don't smoke), as that would be hurting their voting block as how would they still bribe people with menthol cigs to vote for them?

Baby bonds, no smoking anywhere, free health care, does anyone see a pattern here?

I'm all for immigration, whether that be into my country or anyplace else, but I agree completely. If you move to another country, your first order of business is to learn that country's language. People who don't, don't really want to be there, so let's not even keep them there.

The saddest part of this is the number of times I see the word "english" in these posts instead of "English." A language must be capitalized, people, and if you sincerely believe that anyone living here should learn English, I wish the so-called native speakers would take some pride in it and learn to write properly, too. (not "to" or "two.") Good grammar is very important, even in a post.

For a very long time English literacy has been a requirement for citizenship. Immigrants who do not know English are often exploited by employers and other business people.

By the way not so long ago more Italian than English was heard in South Philly.

"cheeburger, cheeburger, pepsi, no coke."
Rudy's a joke. He'll even kiss babies to get elected…

Rudy's a phony as a $3 bill on this issue.
Let him come back to N.Y.C. and try this crap out here.
He'll get his A– kicked to Philly, which, by the way, is closed.

Hey, it’s a free country…What's wrong with putting up a "Please Speak English" sign in the business that you own…Of course, there should be no problem putting up a “Please Speak Spanish” or “Please Speak Turkish” sign either…..What IS a problem is if any branch of the government tries to prohibit such acts of free speech…..

One more thing…. people who think that illegals don't pay taxes, think again. Every time they buy gas, beer, clothing or anything, they are paying some kind of tax. What they are NOT paying is income taxes and Social Security/Medicare.
Until this issue is resolved, be aware that most of these workers would likeley be entitled to a huge credit called Earned Income Credit because of their low income even though little or no income tax was deducted from their pay. The only consolation is that they would be contributing to Social Security…and that is a questionable benefit for most of us anyway.

If the restaurant owner posts a sign like that he will most definitely discourage the people who cannot speak English…his business will simply suffer as a consequence. On the other hand he should be allowed to ask his patrons to order in English because he cannot be expected to employ multilingual workers. He should not be faulted for this request or accused of discrimination either. The inevitable impact to his business will indicate to him if this was the right thing to do or not. This is not political, it is just cause and effect. The demographics of the location of your shop should be the guiding factor in selecting the employees who work you. If I opened a French Restaurant I would probably try to hire employees who spoke French to accommodate the patrons who may not be well versed in English. If I opened a Dinner with generic cuisine I would not feel compelled to employ multilingual employees, unless it was in a predominately Spanish, Italian, Chinese or whatever neighborhood. Giuliani is just stumping for votes and is entitled to his opinion too.

Smart move on Rudy's part. The evidence from all these correspondences is that few Democrats can construct a sentence without the indiscriminate application of capital letters, an orgy of exclamation marks, and an enthusiastic disregard for the proper sequence of letters in any given word. An English grammar and spelling test would disenfranchise around 90% of Democrats, the other ten percent having learnt the phrase "stole the election" by ceaseless repetition.

I have mixed feelings on this. As an American living in Korea, I have worked very hard to learn Korean, and am proud of my language skills. Many (North American) ex-pats here don't even bother, and then get frustrated by the lack of English. Their problem. However, America is MUCH more diverse than Korea, and we will have to figure out ways to respectfully honor the changing linguistic landscape. Many other countries in the world operate officially as multi-lingual societies. There is NO reason why we can't do the same.

I agree if you live here, you should learn to communicate with the rest of the population. Ironically most people in other countries know 2, 3 or more languages by the time they leave school. I wish our country was more on that thinking. I know someone from Germany who told me that when Americans were there on vacation, etc, THEY would be offended if they weren't talked to in English!! How arrogant have we become?

Golly, the man says "Please" and you people still whine!

Politicans try to make hay while a business owner just want to run his business the way he wants to. That's called freedom! If you don't like it, eat some where else.

Another Racist's day in America brought to you by Rudy!!!

"We not all soft?" Perhaps we should all "know English." The pitty is that a large percentage of the "English speaking" population would probably flunk a basic English proficiency test.

I lived in Miami for about 5 years. I got SCREAMED at by strangers at my job for not speaking spanish. As an original New Yorker, Guliani has my vote, even moreso now. I welcome anyone here to come to this country and abide by our rules. When I travel to Mexico, I speak spanish, when I got to Germany, I try my best at German. I woud be expected to speak their languages if I were to immigrate to their countries, why does one group get preference?….Someone please tell me? This country is made of immigrants from all over looking for a better life from all over the world. We came together and shared cultures, not imposed them, and spoke one unified language so all can speak. It made me happy to drive a taxi back home hearing a polish woman speak with an ecuadorian who was riding with a haitian, and they all tried their best; if a word coudnt be though of they did with a friendly gesture. Thats the AMERICA I know. My family came form Ireland and Germany, they came here legally and conformed. I have no pity for bleeding heart illegales… Thank you Miami for helping me decide who I am voiting for!

Giuliani es tonto.

I am a spanish speaking but if we are in america we should speak English is the language that keep us together. and I feel insulted when an english speaking approch me and try to speak spaninsh to me. I think we spanish have the capacity of learning the language. my Israeli wife is calling me"stupid you are against your own people" is nothing against my own people I have against ignorance and people that dosn't do anything against ignorance.

Global warming talk about a wedge issue you need to WAKE UP Billy C

GENOS STEAKS STORY Off the record comment to compiler Mr. Mooney re attribution to the Phila Evening Bulletin……Bulletin went out of business many, many years ago……were you quoting the Phila Inquirer, the rival rag that survived?

rudy is takin' it a little too far "endorsing" this geno guy. you don't need a sign to show the world your narrow-minded attitude, just act stupid when people comein who don't "speak it the English" and the business will bear the consequences.

COUCH HAUGHTON… I agree with you on that. What you said makes alot of sense. You sound well educated.

I live near that shop and I have wondered if Mr. Vento would be equally arrogant and discriminating toward a group of Italian immigrants—perhaps even relatives of his who may have recently arrived and had the temerity to approach his august temple of intolerance and try to articulate their artery clogger of choice in their broken dialect…..couldn't be the fairly recently arrived Asians and Mexicans in his 'hood that he has such condescension toward….could it be? I'm willing to bet Pat's Steaks next door welcomes all to their eatery…..

I also agree wholeheartedly with Mark in Rio; don't jump right into passing laws for every infraction and slight that occurs in this country. We are after all, a free country. I swear, the more laws they (Dems and Repubs alike) put on the books, the more Im liking the libertarian outlook.

All I want to say was said already by the concise statement of Don, of Mt. Prospect !

Don't get lured into this and other wedge issues! Let's say, that a law is passed tomorrow that makes English the official language, bans flag burning, etc. How does that solve any of the problems that really matter? We'll still be stuck with the mess in Iraq, we'll still have a budget/deficit that is wildly out of control, and we still won't have any solutions for the other big items (health care, global warming, etc, etc). Issues like this are meant to take your mind off the big stuff. To distract you from choosing leaders who will come up with solutions to the things that matter. Don't fall for it. The wedge issues should only matter if you think everything else is absolutely perfect.

Someone needs to ask Rudy if he would apply that same standard to people playing baseball for the NY Yankees

Anyone that has ever listened to one of his rambling, fractured speeches knows that this visit could help him learn the language.

It's cheaper than an adult-ed evening course, too.

I wonder if the owner of Geno's has ever been anywhere besides Philadelphia, Italy or Florida. I'd like to see him struggle through an order at a Parisian market. This is just some bonehead with the IQ of a cheesesteak flexing his muscles. Philly cheesesteak shops are notoriously unfriendly places and he is just aggravated because someone can't say "wit onions". What kind of English is that?

Now that I think about it… maybe that's the reason why Rudy sent his police mob to attack old helpless women and black children during his seating as the NYC Mayor… because they didn't fit in with his view of what AMERICANS are….

First I want to thank Rudy for running for the Presidency… no one can show or tell the American people what a nut job this guy and his family is, sometimes folks just need to see if for themselves.

Rudy will not change; if he had it his way every non-white person will be locked up in some stow away prison where his 3rd wife is the warden.

Rudy is and has always been a very dangerous person. Maybe this event will encourage the American people to research the real Rudy pre-9/11… or pre-walking down the street asking what a lock down is on 9/11… then you'll meet the real Rudy.. the savior of 9/11 street walking fast tracking his security firm career made of gold with no Washington experience ready to lock down America from the American people.

No large immigrant group has ever come to this nation knowing English already except for the Englsih, the Scots and the Irish. Most groups learn the language in the second generation. When I lived in NYC, I had neighbors who had been in the country for fifty years and still spoke Italian or Chinese. Their children, however, were fluent in English. This is the norm, I think.

How myopic most of these comments are! If you want business, you will accomodate your customers…and you should do so cheerfully as best as you can. The world is much bigger than English only. If you tell me that there are no tourism in Philadephia, then fine that would leave only the newly minted US citizens who don't live up to Geno's standards and haven't learned English yet that will be discriminated against

It's amazing how upset people get when their ignorance and lack of education is pointed out. U.S. citizens are behind the world in learning languages. Oh well, we lag behind in almost every other educational category so why not add another to the list.

What? Immigrants should learn to speak English? The next thing you know, they'll be expected to pay federal income tax, buy car insurance, and live in non-subsidized housing!

In other words, all you American tourists who visit our cities in Brazil should be forced to speak Portuguese in our restaurants because Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country (which will likely shock those of you who think we speak Spanish here)? Even if the United States HAD an official language, which it does NOT, why would you force it upon EVERYONE? Isn't this restaurant a tourist destination? In other words, stay away all you foreigners?!? No problem.

Lets just say what many are thinking. We have no issue with Hawaiian or Native American dialect as these are languages that are indigenous to our Nation. Our Hawaiian and Native American citizens not only speak their native languages, but speak English articulately and effectively. The majority of illegal immigrants speak poor, broken, or no English. This is taxing and costly to the citizens of our great nation. Consider the cost of training our 911 operator alone, are we just training Mandarin, or are their fluent German operators as well? Will the US Post Office, The IRS or the Department of Health and Human Service have Italian, French and Portuguese translators available the next time you call their 800 number? Or will it just be Spanish?

This is nothing but a political stunt by Guliani to get republican nomination. As you all know that the registered republican voters are 90% white. So, Mr. Guliani has nothing to loose if he aliniates Spanish speaking people. However, one he gets nominated he is bound to take a softer tone to get the votes from hispanics and cuban americans from Florida.

People Please STOP Saying this is AMERICA… Wrong…This is North America…Part of the merican Continent… And Please STOP calling all Latinos MEXICANS.. We are not all mexicans some of us get offended been called mexicans….

Seems kinda rediculous that for 200 years everyone needed to learn English as part of the assimilation process. Now our politicaly correct goevernment is making info signs in at least two languages. English and Spanish. Some times several others. The US citizenship test I believe is in english. Get rid of the government intervention in this and the people will learn english out of necessity just as about every other country has it's primary language.Certainly the ones I've been in and yes I did have to order my food in their language as it was just expected, no signs needed.

This is a non issue that will solve itself if the government would just stay out of it instead of giving in to special interest groups.

Well, after passing the citizenship test, immigrants would probably end up being more knowledgeable about the U.S. Government than your average American. Sad, but true…

FANTASTIC !!!! It is about time that a politician took a stance on this issue !

It has gotten so INSANE with Political Correctness in this country. Since when do we HAVE to allow anybody who wants to come here into our country?!? I have seen how Mexicanos "deteriorate" entire neighborhoods with their "culture". Yeah, right. We don't want them here; so why is it like we canNOT deny people we don't want here to not come here?!? It's like the ILLEGALS now have A RIGHT to come here, whether we want them here or not!!! CRAZEEE!!

What a disgusting attitude exhibited by this food merchant. Mr. Giuliani should know better than to associate himself with such intolerance. He has betrayed his roots for political convenience and will alienate the very voters who got him elected in nyc, hispanic american voters.

I am an immigrant to this country. But i certainly agree that all immigrnats should learn to speak the country of their citizenship, especially if they are not very very old (they may find it more difficult). This is one way of making you belong and operate in this country. I have also lived in other European countries and have learnt very basic language of those countries in order to survive. So if you think that this is your country of choice to live in, you should and must learn English although you can use your own language with others you do the same. So I don't understand why it is such a BIG deal. If you want to import or implement your own customs, cultures and language here, it would be best for you to remain in your original country.

"According to his Web site, Giuliani also proposes that all "immigrants who want to become citizens must truly read, write, and speak English and learn American civics."

Does that include Bush?

If any American citizen moved to another country they would be expected to learn the language. They may only learn enough to do common things, such as order a sandwich, but it would be expected.

My grandparents came from Italy and Poland. In order to come to this country, they had to enter through Ellis Island, have a sponsor, a medical check (if you were ill, you were quarantined or sent back), a job set up, and a place to live. They all learned the English language and spoke it fluently. Ellis Island worked! I travel rather regularly to other countries and do everything in my power to learn the language and some of the customs of the culture before I travel. That's not too much to ask when you visit another country, why is it wrong, then, to ask that of people who want to make new lives for themselves here?

Imagine if you went to a foreign country and you saw a sign that said "Speak english and you will be tortured"

Don't be meatheads. Freedom of speach should be global. We fight in Iraq to give them freedom but we dont want to give freedom to non-english speakers here in the US.

All you meatheads need to think before you type with your fat fingers.

Honestly, I'm sick of trying to accomodate everybody else…If I went to another country, I would certainly learn the language. Regardlesss if we have an official language or not, don't be a retard and expect people to bend over backwards conforming to your ideals. I'm not liberal, I'm not conservative…I think, therefore I am. Common sense would suggest to learn the common language. And besides all of this, even if I didn't agree with what this man did, he still has a right to do it. Nobody is being deprived of a public good (provided by gov/state) here, no civil rights are in violation. Seriously, grow a brain people, let the man do what he wants, if you don't like it, don't eat there.

How ironic!! Mr. Giuliani expects the supposed "foreigners" to learn American civics. I challenge him to first teach that to his own current countrymen. The shocking level of ignorance of the average American citizen ought to be a national embarrassment. If he is truely worried about maintaining the "American" culture, let him start with his his own ignorant countrymen. We don't need to worry about any "foreigners".

I think every store should have that sign. If you want to live in America, you should speak English!

I have gone to many countries and all of them have the attitude that we must speak their language. They make no bones about it. There is a very real reason for this. They CAN'T cater to every language on this planet. There are currently over 6000 languages spoken on the planet according to YourDictionary.com. It would financially cripple a country's legal, government and business communities. English has been the predominant language in this country for hundreds of years now. Making everyone learn a new language every time there is a surge of immigrants from a specific country would be extremely expensive and confusing.

Ok! English be the official language. Then
What will be the official faith?
What will be the official race?
Next you'll want the native indians to comply with all these foreign cultures.
RIDICULOUS!!

If its not in the constitution, it doesnt exist.

You people seem to be missing the fact that Mr Vento hires spanish speaking workers,that's why he had to put up the sign. If you went to France and encountered an american working in a similar situation you'd no doubt converse in english as it would be easier. Mr Vento should put a Berlitz book on the counter and say "my employees are prohibited from using spanish,use this book". It wouldn't take too much time to teach them how to order. Don't condemn the ignorant,teach them.

When in Rome…. I say hear, hear to Joe Vento. Im a registered Democrat , but I believe Mr Guiliani will get my vote . On the opposite end of the English speaking issue it infuriates me that when I go out to eat, often times the person taking the order does not speak English , and I end up with the wrong thing . Speak your native tongue at home. In public SPEAK ENGLISH !!!Both sets of my grandparents were from other countries and managed to learn the language , and raise children who became great contributors to their communities . Believe me I was raised with a full knowledge of my roots including both languages . I agree that to become a citizen reading , writing , and speaking English is a must. If you want to drive, the test should only be in English . If you cant read freeway signs etc. you shouldnt be driving .

"immigrants who want to become citizens must truly read, write, and speak English and learn American civics."

Hmmm… Do you think Grandpa and Grandma Giuliani would have passed this test when they got off the boat? Also, FYI, the majority of born-Americans don't know "American civics" themselves, and a huge number can't read and write English. Should we kick them out, or just insist that our new immigrants must be smarter than ourselves?

Giuliani stopped at that eatery in Philly because it is THE place that invented the Philly Cheese Steak. For those that have never been to Philly, there is always a line out the door and onto the sidewalk of people waiting to eat there. I would have to question the intelligence of CNN or any other person who believes he went there for any other reason.
BTW After inheriting a recession from Clinton, the Bush tax cuts have pushed the DOW to an all time high today.

Just by reading these blogs, I can tell where people live. If you live in a community with little or no illegal immigration it's easy to understand why you would feel his sign is wrong. If however, you live in an area of the country where it's impossible to order a freaking whopper without a pickle because everyone at the Burget King only speaks Spanish you tend to get a little frustrated. I say "Go Joe". If you are going to come here and live in this country, learn and speak English. And for all the idiots talking about tourists, I seriously doubt the intention was to imply that every tourist should speak English.

Yeah, and if Obama gets in everyone will be complaining about how incompetent he is for the next four years. Don't you think for yourselves or you just go along with the crowd? Even Reverend Al doesn't trust him.

It's his business. Let him deal with the consequences whether they are positive or negative! Instead of choosing not eat at that particular steak house, someone will do they adult thing and sue or force a meeting (give me a break). If you haven't been raised to handle being offended, someone made a mistake.

I absolutely agree with the restaurant owner. Why should he have to hire people to speak a foreign language. What has happened to this country. Wake up people - "English" is our language here in our country.

If you were a visitor, I would try to deal with the language problem as best as I could. If you LIVE here or WORK here or WANT to become a citizen (or eat at this establishment) then LEARN and SPEAK English. NO ONE should be able to become a citizen unless they read, write, speak and know ENGLISH.

Do you think Geno's or Rudy's parents (grandparents) could order sandwich in English?

Go Guiliani now stick to it under pressure and not back down. I for one feel discriminated against every time I have to deal with someone who's english is so broken up it takes 15 minutes on the phone saying what I can't understand you just to find out at&t wants to offer you more services good gried this is America supposedly these people come here for a better life you know anywhere else you go people learn the language of the land but not here in Amexicana.

Is Rudy too deeply embedded in the current anti-immigrant lunacy to see the irony of a man named Giulliani eating at a place callled Geno's because it is "English only."

At some point America will pull out of its current xenophobic paranoia, but until then I guess we have to put up with political buffoonery like this.

Absolutely, use English - not another language - you come here to live, learn the language. I'm voting for Giuliani.

And Rudy is the front runner for the GOP Presidential nomination?? According to the 2000 US Census, there are about 35 million Hispanics living USA - most of which are voters. If we forget Rudy's snub at this eastery, the Democratic candidate will be sure to remind us.

Karl Rove, even though I dislike him, is a political genuis. He warned Bush that in order to win the 2004 Presidential election, he needed at least 40% of the Hispanic vote. Bush really went all out and courted Hispanics. He won in 2004. Rudy has forgotten this important lesson.

OMG, my great grand parents made it a point to learn english after moving to America LEGALLY and tought it to my grand parents. It wasn't because of some sign in a restaurant either, it is common sense! You speak the native language of the country you are in. I wouldn't expect to move to an area of France where a lot of Americans live and get by ONLY on English.

Let's start with the President of the United States. If we had at least required that the president spoke English we would not be in the mess we are in right now. Just last week he said:

"As yesterday's positive report card shows, c h i l d r e n s do learn when standards are high and results are measured." –George W. Bush, on the No Child Left Behind Act, Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2007

I don't care where he eats but I agree with the shop owner…speak ENGLISH, this is, after all, AMERICA. If you want to live and work here then you need to speak ENGLISH.

Why can't a law be passed requiring all employees in the United States be required to speak English. Especially fast-food establishments and manicure/nail salons!

The U.S. has now come to the point where Caucasian Americans are a minority.

Thank heavens one of the candidates has his priorities right!

"Please Speak English?" How about Mr. Vento learn another language (or a few words in another language) to win more Spanish, Italian or Chinese customers? Or are we just lazy now?

That mentality of 'English only' is what is so backward in the US… You go to any touristy place in Europe/Middle East/S. America, and you are bound to find someone who can converse with you in English to sell his business, whatever that may be. Geno's is not some unknown, whole in the wall…its world famous. I hope PAT's picks up on this and learns how to speak to all its customers.

I find it disgusting that in the United States of America english is still not the legal language. I am 100% in favor of the government enacting a law that states all places of business must display there signs in english, and secondly another language if desired. In every country on the planet there languages are displayed first, and proudly. I laugh at those that believe that making english signs into law is discrimination. That is a COMPLETE joke. The only reason that in America today English has not been officially declared the official language of the United States is that to many persons of foreign status, ie immigrants, have positioned themselves into branches of government. Secondly is the fiancial costs associated with enacted such a law. Regardless, it is an embarassment that we have yet to enact our official language. Ah yes, then there are those that say, oh, your prejudice etc., which is also a tool once again used by those promoting what they believe to be "just and fair". The fact is that I am quite the opposite. Reality is that LIFE IS NOT FAIR, this is the United States of AMerica, and our founders spoke english. SO be the reason that wnglish must be the official language. I can assure you that our founders never imagined anything different.

There seem to be a few strident individuals who believe English should be our "official" spoken language.

Judging by the poor use of written English, it's a good thing they are talking about spoken, not written English - otherwise, they would require a course in remedial English before they would "qualify" as Americans.

what about tourists from non English speaking nations?Ho!I forgot,they are not visiting anymore!Great publicity for Philadelphia…Not!

In southwest Miami you must speak spanish to order because they do not speak english . If you get lost you better have a map not many people speak english. we laugh and life goes on this is the American way.

I agree that anyone who wants to enter this country legally has the right to do so, my grandparents did. HOWEVER, I firmly believe that if you are going to live here, you MUST learn to speak English. It is not fair to the rest of us who have to go out of our way to accommodate non-english speaking people. If you feel it is that important to leave your place of origin for a better life, than it is that important for you to learn the language of that new life. There is plenty of opportunity to do so, just look around.

That's right. Speak English or Leave

I think that most people are forgetting that every family had to immigrate to America at one point. There were not many first generation immigrants (outside of England and Ireland) during the boom in the early 1900s who learned fluent English. It is the subsequent generations who learn the language. Most Spanish speaking children who were born here are now translating for their parents. Saying that everyone should speak English simply seems like frustration that English is gradually losing its place as the world's dominant language.

Where can I get the t-shirt? I would like to wear it 24/7 because it seems I am surrounded by non-English speaking rudeness!

Someone here made a good point, if they can't speak or read English, how can they read the sign? I think Geno needs to put one up for each language.

Another thing, if you are an American citizen and you think it's OK for these people to be so rude and refuse to learn the should-be official language known as English, then YOU should be deported to anywhere but here, because you are not an American. There, I said it and I'm not ashamed!

Halluluha!!! I wish every american in this country would impose this rule at their business!!

I think Joe Vento has the right idea, although many people will feel it to be problematic. The fact is Language is the greatest common bond of a nation. We need to demand that people speak the common language, not give up their own heritage, but speak, at least, when in America, ENGLISH.

Everyone that actually lives in Philly knows that Geno's has lame cheesesteaks. I ate at Pat's on Friday night and heard Geno's sucks being chanted loudly. Rudy, you're not welcome in my home town. Go home! Go Phillies.

Does anybody see anything wrong with a guy from Philadelphia deciding what proper English is?

Just bring all da language questions to Chicago. We know a guy who knows a guy.

(Just kidding. Please continue with your overwrought defenses of the English language / multiculturalism. I'll be off doing something useful.)

Amen, finally someone who cares about America. We have to stand up or this country will not be ours any longer.
I salute Giuliani.. he is now my hero!
He is not saying people can not come into this country. But, they should learn our lanquage, become citizens, pay taxes and be an American or go back to their own country. Why should they have such free and easy life when no one else does. Why should us tax payers have to carry the burden? What is going to happen to our Social Security. I am impressed with his politic stand on this matter;it takes courage. I am proud to be an American and I hope I can still say that in 20 years after the mess our country is getting into.

i'm so tired of this ethnocentric diatribe about the english language. point 1, the native tongues of this great land are nowhere near english. Point 2. what about people who were born here who relie on ASL, does that still count, or are we too lazy to make the effort to understand each other

It is known that English is the unofficial business language of the world. You can go to any country and almost be guaranteed that English, whether it be fluent or broken, can be used to conduct any business if necessary.

Its really not a stance that will get anyone to switch parties - but it is more proof that there is only one moderate running on either side - and thats Giuliani. Please keep reading - I think you will find that Republicans don't eat babies..anymore

It's a messy situation, but eventually the United States will need to formally adopt an official language or languages - probably by Constitutional amendment.

That said, it is an unreasonable expectation of the owners of Geno's to put up placards, menus etc., in every conceivable language, just as it would be unreasonable to expect their staff to learn how to converse with patrons wanting to order (or complain) in any language. It's their restaurant, privately-owned, and the last I checked, refusal to speak someone else's preferred language is NOT grounds for discrimination.

1. Doesn't say he won't serve you if you are hispanic, jewish, or black.
2. When you are in Toronto's Chinatown or Markham, you CANNOT read 33% of signs as they are in neither of the two official languages. Are they… evil?
3. You don't like his sign… go somewhere else. Which is exactly what we are told in Toronto and Markham. Are the liberals up there… evil?
4. He is correct it is America! Does he lose points because he doesn't say the Republic of The United States of America in the year 2007?
5. Please speak english! Well imagine how angry would be if he didnt say please.
6. Is this really what we have to worry about. Frankly I appreciate anytime a candidate distances himself from the pack. Helps me recognize what they do stand for.
7. You are right, everything I believe in since kindergarten is how I feel too. Anyone who changes his mind is a flip-flopper!
8. Human Rights Commision for signs? Hey we had those in Canada too - language police signs. Next comes the firebombs? LaSears was the wrong gender if I remember correctly.

In Japan I went to restaurants that had staff that did not speak much English. The Japanese education system requires learning English, but not very many Japanese people are confident in speaking English.

The Japanese were eager to take Americans as customers even if we didn't know how to speak Japanese. I could point to a picture on a menu to order an item. Credit cards transcend language barriers. Yen is placed with roman characters.

It is not difficult to serve people who speak other languages so long as one knows cognates and/or has basic literacy in any language.

There's something controversial about telling people to speak English in the United States? How ridiculous. I tell people in the South to please speak English all the time.

What's the big deal about the sign? If someone doesn't know enough English to order in English, he probably can't read the sign either!

Before I'd support an English Only policy for those seeking citizenship, I'd support one for people who were born here. To Wit:
"…Well guess what when others come from different counties to vacation or visit the United States, there suppose to speak English?"
Posted By Don, Chattanooga, TN

Pretty sad that a group of Italian tourists visiting Phily can't get a cheese steak sandwich because they don't speak english.

It's 'speak' English, not 'talk American', 'talk English', or 'talk French'.

And who exactly do you think is going to be out in the hot sun building that fence?

Joey Vento is correct. A multiplicity of languages causes only confusion. When in France, speak French. When in America, speak English. And so on…

If this nation does not wise up about these things, we are going to wake up one day and citizens will not be able to understand and speak to each other.

Is this guy depriving a person who can't speak at all from buying food? His sign does say 'Please speak English'.

There are lots of legal immigrants who have problem in speaking english and that should not be held against them when ordering food. Just because you can't speak english well doesn't make you an illegal alien in this country.

If English is such an important language, and it should be if you want to live here, then why do schools make such an importance on having a FOREIGN LANGUAGE skills as a graduation requirements? Why do colleges have foriegn language curriculams and give importance to those that have a good foundation in language skills when applying for an admission?

Is this owner telling everyone that a skilled bi-lingual graduate from the USA can't come there and order in Italian? The owner must be out of his mind and for Rudy to go there and patronize the place, he is just showing his arrogance towards all law abiding legal residence of this country, and that's just goes to show you the ignorace of the Republican party.

A so called Liberal/Democrat is writing this.I agree with Rudy 110%. I have noticed that the French people treat Americans like dirt if they cant talk french. Why cant we start doing doing that here? By the way I think an electric fence should be installed on the border between the U.S and Mexico.

LOL, whatever happened to the illegal "Italian" immigrants of NYC? can they order in Italian or must they do it in English? Capisci quello che sto dicendo?

So I'm guessing he is trying to win the hispanic vote, o wait not, they represent a large turnout of voters, he can't throw them out…but he has, Giuliani is now a hasbeen o well.

English hasn't always been 'the language' in North America. It forced its way into dominance, overriding the land and language of others. It's not a more righteous language. Many English only people seem afraid and paranoid — and their arrogance makes them ridiculous. (Oh, heaven forbid my child overhear another language!) I'm English dominant but if I speak Spanish, minding my own business, to another Spanish speaker, I get negative and racist comments from standers-by.EVERY DAY. I vote, work, and manage my business life in English, but somehow using my second language at all will offend some of you. Sure, people will do better if they speak fluent English. But English-only people will gain benefits from bilingualism too . . . and not just so they can 'pander to the illegals'. Stop being so arrogant.

Hmmm…Giuliani supporting an English-only restaurant, McCain stating that the US is a Christian nation, and no Repubs showing up at African-American-sponsored debates. And the Repubs accuse everyone else of agendas for "special rights". Looks like the Repubs want W.A.S.P. special rights more, now than ever.

HE HAS MY VOTE! SAY NO MORE !

I no way endorse the Republican Party, but if you live in the United States, speak English. If you don't want to learn to speak English and be an American, then go back where you came from. We have enough people on welfare that don't speak English.

I don't see anything wrong with a "please speak English" sign. I think MORE places should have this sign. I think more people than not are tired of the "press one for English" way of life these days. I have absolutely nothing against people wanting to better themselves in the United States, but if you come here, come here to adapt to the United States way of life. Don't ask us to change things! Come legally, speak English, learn and flourish. THAT is the American Way.

It looks as though many of you could use an English lesson as well…

I am a liberal democrat and I cannot believe I'm about to say this but on this issue, I agree with Giuliani. If you want to come to America for a better life and more opportunity then have respect and learn the language. Enough with the "Press one for English".

Obama in '08! He has not changed his stance on immigration once.

Where do I get a copy of that sign? In some parts you are more discrimanated against for speaking English. Half the food items are in packaged in Spanish only. Hey, let's send food to Spanish speaking countries with labels all in English & see how they like it

Ask yourself…if you moved to France - wouldn't you speak French? Its arrogant to not make an effort. It costs our country tens of millions of dollars to print all the forms in multiple languages - I would say that we make english the national language - and charge for forms in any language but english…thats fair…isn't it?

From a practical standpoint, the wated time at the window trying to figure out an order hurts Geno's business by reducing overall covers. Are the liberals going to make his payments when things slow down for him? Besides, everyone knows Genos' is better than Pat's, Giuliani HAD to eat there.

to all those igonorants who call this country 'America" fist of all America is a Continent and not a country.
This country is calle United States of America, by calling "America" is show how racist you people are.

Dave from Atlanta,

That makes entirely too much sense, expecting the average American citizen to demonstrate some basic knowledge of the English language or of the history of our nation. That assumes too much intelligence on the part of Joe Six-Pack. It's amusing to see how vocal certain segments of society can be regarding non-Native speakers when they THEMSELVES can't make it through a sentence without a spelling error or grammatical disaster. USA USA USA! Yeee haw! Keep digging that hole of ignorance and stupidity, America!

This should start with the government making changes in the system. Start with the paperwork, no language other than english should be on any of the official paperwork, such as DMV, courts, immigration etc. You dont know english, you cannot take a road test, you dont know english you are not eligible for immigration, you dont know english you are convicted (I am kidding on this one). you get the point.

I think it should be totally acceptable for a business to require that customers order their food in English. This is America, which is the "land of the free, and home of the brave". And any non-English speaking person has the right to speak whatever language they want to speak. But, if ordering food in a business that is owned and operated by an English speaking American, then they have to speak the language that the employees speak… obviously being English in most parts of the country. English is the language of the settlers of this country. If Spain had colonized America instead of the Brits, then we would be speaking Spanish… but, it wasn't and we're not.

Last time I read English is for English people as in from England. Come on where are you linguists at? I thought you knew better. Oh yeah, America is a Spanish word as in from Spain. Seems like you guys lost your identity when you emigrated. Get off my native land!

Amen Geno. I'm sure this is not aimed at visitors because Philadelphia is very welcoming to the great guests we receive in our country. That said, If I visited another country I would expect to need to be able to speak their language to navigate and order food. I'm certain the sign is a result of this mass wave to make everything Spanish-friendly. Otherwise are people really saying that Geno's employees should be able to speak every language imaginable? Hardly! It's time for Americans to stop rolling over to make everyone else happy. It's Geno's right as a businessman to clearly state what is expected when ordering. Basically the MAJORITY of tax-paying citizens are English speaking and always have been in the USA. I feel that especially because people have BROKEN OUR LAWS and illegally entered this country (usually NOT PAYING TAXES but expecting to be educated and medically taken care of free of charge) we should not now FURTHER accomodate them to make them feel at home. They want to speak Spanish, then go home. We're wasting tax payers hard earned money to make Geno take a sign down? Pay for a few plane tickets home for the illegals!!

Que Paso Guiliani, you are living in the 17th century. Hombre loco.

My family came as legal immgrants from eastern Europe several years ago .We in absolute accord regarding learning english -this is our new language (our native language only for commincating within family and with some friends).Even temporary guests should learn how to communicate in the house (or country),for the people who intend to stay -it is must.

You're gonna have trouble getting your cheesesteak the way you want it if you can't bother to learn the few words involved in ordering.

If I went to another country and wanted a cheesesteak, you can bet I'd learn the words I needed to order it correctly. When you're the one person who doesn't know the language, and everyone else around you doesn't know yours, why would you expect THEM to conform to YOU? That's the height of arrogance.

I think it's ironic that so many of the comments that support the sign and agree that everybody in the U.S. should speak English have many grammatical errors in them. If you think that everyone in the U.S. should be required to learn to speak and read and write English, maybe you should begin by analyzing your own grasp of the English language. Would everybody be fine if a sign were put up requiring that they speak some other language when ordering? After all, we don't have an official language.

When in Europe, even though the vast majority of individuals speak english, it is expected that you speak the langague of the region you were in, or at least make a valiant attempt. Not to do so is considered arrogant and rude. So why should it be any different in the United States, the English Language is the official language of America. If you want to live and work here, learn the language, I have no intention of learning an additonal language so I can converse in a country my family has been in over 200 years. Nor am I going to support providing government services of any type in multiple languages, except to visitors.

Hey this is America! People should learn to speak American!

Don, do YOU know how stupid it sounds for you to say that tourists should come here and NOT expect to know some basic English, like "A Philly cheesesteak, please"–if they're planning on going to such places. Or, as someone else pointed out, is the waitstaff expected to be able to speak to anyone in whatever language they happen to want to speak?

There are several thousand different languages and dialects in the world, and I'm not sure where a restaurant owner could find an order-taker who speaks all of them. We don't need more people who speak many languages, we need fewer lawyers and activists.

Most everybody seems to be missing the point here (IMHO as always). The question about immigrants learning English is important, but the political point is Rudy going out of his way to make a point with the more nationalistic-Pat Buchanan part of the party. While this may help in the primaries, I don't think it will sway many independents/Democrats and will definitely not help get Hispanic citizens (who were actively courted by Bush II, who is bilingual).

Rudy may have helped himself toward the nomination, but I think it may come back to haunt him should he get the nomination.

Good.
Vento is right, nothing wrong with that.
Get used to saying President Giuliani.

Some people are missing the point. I will go back to the old phrase: When in Rome…
Enough said.
Visit
FuzzySnake.com to learn more.

you're missing the point, if i own a business, i have to make sure not to offend anyone? that's crap. it's my business, if you don't like it, don't patronize it, but a hearing by this HRC is B.S. WHERE DOES IT END? SINCE WHEN DOES POLITICAL CORRECTNESS OVERRIDE MY FREEDOMS!?!?!

Those immigrating to the US should not be REQUIRED to learn English… it should be optional.

However - all Government/State forms (driver test, voting, etc) should be in English only.

You don't HAVE to learn English. And you don't HAVE to drive, vote, or participate.

I think some of you are missing the point here. A savvy international traveler will bring a Berlitz book with them so they can order lunch and ask where the bathroom is when they are traveling in a foreign land. I believe Mr. Cheese steak restaurant owner is addressing the issue of an English speaking citizen having to press one to hear English when they dial and use an automated system on the phone or have to CHOOSE English at the drive up ATM. Keep coddling these immigrants who refuse to get Visas or become citizens and when you answer the phone at your Human Relations Commissions office you will have to say Hola instead of Hello.

I'm also a Dem (now I'm kind of in the middle) but I agree that you should learn how to speak English if you want to only work and live here. If they have to then make things official. So be it. Don't other countries have an official language?

Life in the United States must be pretty "hum-drum" if THIS is considered newsworthy!!

We are in for an awfully L O N G election year.

It's about time somebody stood up for USA! I can't get away from ignorant people speaking their languages only and never English. If you can't speak, read or write the English language, then how can you ever communicate with American citizens? It seems Americans need to accommodate foreigners more and more. Learn the language or GET OUT!

This is America! Speak ENGLISH should be everywhere. We need to help people learn the speak this language, however if people are going live and work in the United States they need to speak English. Other immigrants who came to this country from Germany, Poland, China, Japan, Hungry, etc. the U.S. did not push America to speak those languages those indviduals learned English.

Last week I was summoned to jury duty and one of the qualifications to serve in Alabama is "Read, Speak, and understand the English Language". This needs to be nation wide.

This restaurant owner is being quite polite in asking to speak English. Thank you, Joe Venta for taking a stand on this issue.

I normally consider myself to be on the liberal side of things, but there is a degree of truth to the language issue presented here. When I travel, the least I can do when in foreign countries is try to learn how to say "please", "thank you" and a few other key phrases. I also make an attempt at ordering food in the country's language, albiet simplistically.
I agree that immigrants should learn to read and write English at least on the basic skills level before becoming citizens. I wouldn't move to say, Greece, and expect to vote in their elections unless I was familiar with their culture, language, etc.

RE: "Why does my daughter have to watch cartoons on a regular american channel that are partiall