Remember the old adage "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone"? You should, it's about as common as No Shirts, No Shoes, No Service.

Well in Philly, that is the focal point of contention at Geno's Steaks..

Joseph Vento, pictured to the right is the owner.  He has had in his life a study in everything an immigrant should do by nature of his grandparent's example.

His grandparents immigrated to America and struggled to learn English to better assimilate.   I can relate.  My great Grandfather on one side was born in Norway, and my grandfather on the other I believe was born in Italy.

They, like most people of European heritage, learned the language without question.  There were not bilingual classes teaching in Swedish or German.

People used to see learning the language a necessary part of being American.

Joseph agrees, and has a policy at his resturant: 

Order in English. 

The City Council apparently disagrees:

Want A Cheesesteak? 'Speak English':  Debate Breaks Out Over Sign At Philly's Best Known Counter

(AP) A City Council member jumped into the debate over a sign at one of Philadelphia's best-known cheesesteak joints that reads: "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'SPEAK ENGLISH.'"

During the council's meeting Thursday, Councilman Jim Kenney asked Geno's owner Joseph Vento to take the small sign down. The English-only ordering sign has irritated some activists in the diverse neighborhood of South Philadelphia and drawn national attention.

"It's such an iconic institution and business, one that is that visible for many of our residents, for the region and the world," Kenney said.

Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said his staff is glad to help non-native speakers order in English and no one has been turned away because of a language barrier.

"I don't see much of a big deal about learning to say Cheez Whiz," he told ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" on Friday.

His video interview with GMA is here.  ABC News has more:

English Only at Famous Philly Cheesesteak Joint

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TGIF Folks!!!

Rather then a collection of links, enjoy this biting bit of satire from the navyseals.com community forum.  Thanks to Dave for the tip.

BlackBorderHUMOR