The Geno's story I posted last night brought some interesting comments, and frankly I just cannot let them go.

I have posted three blogs on the subject, and the same person left a comment on two.  The fact is the comments went from liberal dogma to racism and insult, so I think it only fair to respond in full.  I responded to the first one personally as well as on the blog, but Shelli posted additional comments after the fact.  So, in order of appearance, here is Shelli, with my rebuttal.

Odd however that Shelli is apparently Canadian (Ontario).  So her outrage is totally bogus on a national level.

Shelli's first comment was on my initial story from Jun 2006. 

Many of these posts are filled with ignorance and bigotry. I can’t help but laugh at the comment about assymilating into “our” culture. First of all, America is diverse with numerous cultures - so which culture, do you propose we all assymilate into?

Believe it or not, while sub cultures exist, there really is a wider broad culture in America that everyone, in my opinion, needs to tie into at least marginally.  it is that culture that contains the Constitution and our freedom that so many in the world yearn for.

Also, if assymilation is what you are after, why did you not “assymilate” into the culture of America’s original people - the aboriginals?

Liberals love throwing the Indians in our face. 

Yes, it is America - Joseph Vento needs to respect the myriad of cultures and languages that make up America. If he can’t do that, he has no business operating a business in America. The sign is nothing more than a bigot’s method to discriminate against people who happen to speak a different language or those who come from other countries.

There is no discrimination is everyone has to speak the same.  And since Joe and his staff take a great delight in teaching people how to order in English, all I see is this being a great learning experience for anyone who wants a Cheese Steak Sandwich.

Many tourists visit America, and perhaps don’t speak English. Are we requiring them to communicate in English when visiting for a week or so? Are we then required to learn how to communicate in Japanese when perhaps visiting Japan for a business meeting? Give me a break.

You know, despite being Canadian she has the American arrogance down.  I will answer anyway.  If I went to a business meeting in Japan and made no attempt to learn at least rote phrases, I would consider it an insult to my hosts.

If I went to France or Italy on vacation, I would consider it part of the adventure to learn as many common phrases and how to order in the native tongue, as part of the experience of tasting their culture.

And if I moved to any other country, legally or illegally, I would damn well expect I would have to learn the language of the land to survive, nor would I expect that that country would cater to my refusal.

Addressing the immigrants coming here, legally or other, if they hope to be citizens and to get by, than yes, they should learn English, as Joe's grand parents and my grandfather did.

Let’s call a spade a spade. Why doesn’t Vento just admit he’s a bigot - he might as well put up a knotsy symbol. For you ignorant tools who support his “right” to discriminate - please educate yourself.

This from the person who cannot spell nazi or assimilate....

If you don’t like the multi-culturalism that constitutes America - maybe you’re the ones that need to leave, or isolate yourself in a little box where you don’t have to interact with people with different cultures. Oh and “American” isn’t a language, its a group of people - morons. It’s called “English” not “American.”

No, in reality, as any Brit will tell you, the average American does NOT speak English.

Her next comment was in response to my rebuttal.  I sent her this:

Many tourists visit America, and perhaps don’t speak English. Are we requiring them to communicate in English when visiting for a week or so?

Why not? Why not make that part of the adventure, since Joe and his staff will teach them? No one has ever been refused, just taught. How is that wrong?

Are we then required to learn how to communicate in Japanese when perhaps visiting Japan for a business meeting?

You don’t consider it rude not to learn the host countries language, at least in part? I would consider that part of the experience, the adventure, to go to France or Italy and learn to communicate instead of being arrogant and expect them to cater to my limitation.

Give me a break. Let’s call a spade a spade. Why doesn’t Vento just admit he’s a bigot - he might as well put up a knotsy symbol. For you ignorant tools who support his “right” to discriminate - please educate yourself. If you don’t like the multi-culturalism that constitutes America - maybe you’re the ones that need to leave, or isolate yourself in a little box where you don’t have to interact with people with different cultures. Oh and “American” isn’t a language, its a group of people - morons. It’s called “English” not “American.”

Given that Joe was from an Immigrant family, apparently he understands more than you do.

Thanks for sharing your views.

Her response was somewhat shocking....well a little maybe.  I didn't expect her to dive straight into hypocrisy. 

Actually, what I consider rude is discriminating against people from different cultures and expecting them to “assymilate.” If you can’t stand the multi-culturalism that exists in America - leave the country, or go live in your bubble. Apparently Joe isn’t as usiness savvy as he thinks he is, if he is willing to give up business from a group of customers. It’s racism - plain and simple - let’s not try to hide it.

Correction, my friend.  It is not racism, it is nationalism.  This is not a white black or yellow issue, it is a simple communication issue, and it revolves around a sense of National Pride, not racial superiority.

“No one has ever been refused, just taught” What is he a teacher now? Judging by comments in his interviews, he doesn’t exactly have a strong command of the English language himself - what a hypocrit. And please, the owner of a greasy cheese steak outlet is in no position to “teach” anyone anything.

So she accuses Joe of racism, then resorts to racist (by her definition) insults?  Brilliant.

What I also deem as “rude” is how so many of you are ignorant. I think it stems from a lack of education, common sense and self-confidence.

Again coming from someone who is certainly not behaving particularly literate...and whose misspellings now include business, hypocrite and  

Grow up - it’s 2008. If you don’t like the fact that America has opened its doors to immigrants, exercise your option to leave. It would be a much better country if there were less uneducated, ignorant and just plain ridiculous individuals like yourself.

Considering she lives in Ontario, why exactly does she care?

Oh and another thing, please explain how if the sign is written in English, the customers he is trying to shun from his bussiness will be able to understand the sign?

Straw man.  Some people speak and read both, but speak and read their native language better.

At least klansmen are straight up about being racists.

So now the Philly sandwich guy is akin to the "knotsy" klansmen.

And you would know that I’m not from an Immigrant family, how exactly? FYI - I am from an immigrant family, who does happen to speak English. However, because I am among the more educated, open-minded individuals of society - I disagree with your logic, or lack thereof.

Aside from your inability to spell that is, and of course that whole not American thing.

In other words, if you want to apply those standards to Canadian immigration, where by the way English is spoken quite broadly, even in Quebec, feel free.

Joe has the right to run his business his way.  Period.  If he wishes to risk business by being Nationalistic, that is his choice.  That, my friend, is how free markets work.

Her final comment:

You seriously need help. Educate yourself.

I don't need to say it again, do I?  I didn't think so.

Previously:

• Support Geno’s and a small business owner’s rights
• Geno’s under civil rights probe
• Philly says “Speak English” sign at Geno’s is OK

 Trackposted to ST, MM, Hot Air, The Virtuous Republic, Rosemary's Thoughts, Allie is Wired, Adam's Blog, Right Truth, Blue Star Chronicles, Oblogatory Anecdotes, The Pink Flamingo, A Newt One, Right Voices, Pursuing Holiness, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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