20,000 illegals, mostly from Mexico invade S. Philly and take over neighborhoods so quickly and to such degree, they have begun to create there own mini economies. No one feels a the need to speak English because everyone they associate with speaks Spanish. Many have been there for 10 years or longer and still can't order a cheese steak in English. If there not willing to learn, and don't tell me there are not people like that, then maybe they need some tough love in the City Of Brotherly Love. I've read that the lines of customers waiting to eat at Gino's are longer then ever. Could it be the silent majority are speaking their minds with the proverbial saying " I have mine wid or widout" I think so.

I look for the day when I no longer have to press 1 for English. Mexico has an official language. Can you guess what it is? I don't think they have to press one for Spanish and they should not have to.

Illegal immigrants and their advocates throw the race card on this one of course. Go ahead get it out of your system. It holds no meaning to me in this debate. My partner for eight years was Cuban. One of my best friends is black. I'll pull out the assimilation card then. This is what this debate should be about. *ASSIMILATION* It's about Illegals fear and resistance to change. The fear of losing what you were and resistance to becoming something new, an American. Well sorry pal, that's part of the package if you want to be a citizen of the US and enjoy all the freedoms and opportunities that your old homeland did not offer. The first sentence in the Oath Of Aligiance states:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen"

Hold onto your heritage but your an American first and something else second. Learn the language and assimilate. That's the deal, take it or leave.

Hi Tom- We don't know one another but I would like to say that your argument is the same one that has been applied to blacks, gays, Jews, etc. Frankly, I believe it's white America that needs to adjust. Things change all over the world my friend why should we think South Philadelphia is so exclusive? I'm sure plenty of people "agree" with this 66 year old Italian man, but I would suggest to you that said people have been restricted to south Philly's "culture" all there lives. Every other part of the world is bi-lingual with the exception of the USA. We thought our factory jobs would keep us and our middle class values safe. Wrong. Wake up my friend change isn't coming- it's arrived and we damned sure better face it with compassion and understanding because you may need that same compassion and understanding shown to your children and grandchildren one day. Thank you for posting I do appreciate it.

Gee, from the tone of Tom's message, I was wondering when the KKK rally was and if his sheet is pressed.

Welcome to the 21st Century Tom. As a more global and technological world, we are advancing upon the time when there will be more multi-culturalism and diversity. Not only that, but the average American who can hardly read his own language let alone write it clearly and grammatically correct might have to push his lazy brain to pick up some foreign phrases.

Meanwhile, please do note that the original occupants of this country didn't require us to have Visas, green cards, guest worker status or even speak their language. In that spirit of welcome and friendship; we killed them, took their land, ruined it with pollutants and relegated The People who lived here first to tiny slums called reservations. Than, as quick as you pleased, we dragged a bunch of folks from Africa over here in chains and forced them to do the labor we were to lazy and cheap to do ourselves. They didn't need Visas or work permits. Not so much as a green card--just a good series of stripes across their backs.

“Tough love?” It is called intolerance you moron. Ever travel to somewhere beyond your own little patch of land? When you got o a foreign country, the do try to assist you in ordering things. Some Europeans have even been nice enough to learn English to make us feel a bit more welcome. Of course, the place a higher value on education and respecting people.

We do Second Language here because it takes time to learn a language and the people are trying. Ever try to learn another language, Tom? Did you pick it up in a day? Are you so brilliant that you learn and absorb knowledge like a sponge?

Maybe you should learn a little empathy if you have room for it in your primitive mind. Ever wonder what other people might feel like on the receiving end of that?

Maybe you should wander back into the 1800’s where you would feel more comfortable.

Thanks for posting Ms. Jimmi once again proving that you are more than just a pretty face. Thats why you are loved.

Way to go Geno!!!!!!! I believe that you should speak the language of the country you are in. You don't think that if I went to France they would put up signs in English for me or you. No learn the language of the LAND USA!!!!