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Show 4 The Signpost - Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1989 0B warn Mickey 'no comprende' By Mickey Beck The Signpost Columnist "Aren't you afraid that the proposed legislation to make English the official language of the state will be interpreted as racist?" I asked one of the legislation's proponents." "Fer rude!" he responded. "This legislation does no such thing." "But if we cease to offer services to non-English speaking people, isn't that just another form of segregation?" "No, you've got it all wrong. This legislation won't deny any services to anyone. All it will do is require them to speak English in order to receive them." "So are you saying that if people don't speak English, they will be denied services?" "No, no one will ever be denied services. They'll just have to ask for them in English." "And if they don't speak English?" "That's the beauty of it Mick, they'll have to speak English, because it will be the official language. Comprendes amigo?" "I'm not quite sure," I said. "It sounds to me like all you are going to do is alienate the non-English speaking tax payers of the state." "Not at all. In fact, we believe that by restricting services to English speaking people, we can better utilize the state's funds." "How so? I asked." "Simple. By making English the official state language, we will free up all state employees that are presently being used to work with non-English speakers and allow them to work exclusively with our official English speaking community." "And for those who don't speak English?" "You're missing the point. If it's the official language, everyone will have to speak English. Besides, we figure we can use all the money we save from not printing all those 'Se habla EspanoF signs, to increase the funding used to print up brochures for the Lake Pump tours!" "But what about all the people who only speak 'unofficial' languages." "Well Mick, we thought that with the increased revenue we get from the increased number of tourists to the pumps, we could fund English classes. Unofficially of course." "Of course. But don't you think it would be more cost efficient just to provide non-English speaking people with the services their tax dollars are already paying for?" "You're still missing the point. Tax dollars can only be used for official things. How would the tax payers of this state feel if we were taking their hard earned money to use on unofficial business?" "I still feel that you are going to alienate and discriminate against those who don't speak English." "As a matter of fact Mick, I think it will achieve just the opposite. It will just become another official proud part of the heritage of this pretty, great state. You know, like the California Gull, our state bird." "I still think you are going to find some heavy opposition from our non-English- speaking communities," I said. "Do you mean from our Asian or Hispanic Communities?" "No. I was thinking more along the lines of Hooper?" "Fer Ignemt!" How do you feel about having English being made the official language of Utah? Polling and photos by Keith M. Quimby . "Put it this way. Russian is most likely the official language of Russia. So, why not English for Utah? Although some assistance should remain available to non-English speaking residents. It's all the Mormons' fault anyway." Kent Hepworth Senior Chemistry Layton, Utah "I feel that it is discrimination against those in Utah who may not think of English as their first language. It takes away their personal freedom. Besides that, it will cost money to put it through the legislature which we could spend on lowering tuition at WSC." Melanie Mills Junior General Studies South Ogden, Utah " - x 4 , I ;; i f r ,." v; V : ' : "I think that it is the most idiotic damn thing anyone could possibly spend money on." Robert Clifford Senior Music Pleasant View, Utah "I'm against it. It limits the growth of other cultures in the state." Angie Chambers Freshman General Studies Riverdale, Utah "I think everyone has the right to speak any language they wish. What is America? A melting pot Is that all right!!" Welson Tremura Senior Music Sao Paulo, Brasil Letter Policy The Signpost ; welcomes letters to the editor. They must ; be typed and should not exceed 300 words in length. For subjects requiring greater exposition, : arrangements may be made with the editor-in-chief. Letters MUST include name, address, phone num ber, relationship to WSC (student, family, staff, Ogden resident, etc.) and the signature of the writer. Letters without this Information ; will not be printed. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and reserves the right to refuse to print any letter The Signpost Editorial-Ad vert ising-Production Winter Quarter, 1989 The Weber Slate College Signpost is published every 7 Monday. Wednesday and Friday during fall, winter and spring quarters, and once a week during the summer quarter .; by the WSC Department of Communication. The Signpost is distributed free of charge and is available : by subscription for S9 per quarter. : , : The Signpost offices arc located in the Union Building in : Room 267. Mail correspondence should be sent to: WSC : Signpost, Weber Slate College. Ocdcn. Utah 84408-21 10. Editor-in-Chief 626-7121: Advertising Department . 626-6359 ; News Department 626-7 1 06 Entertainment Department . . ... ...... .... . . . . 626-7105 Sports Department. . . ... .. ..... 626-7983 : The Signpost Staff Editor-in-Chief ..... Scott Summerill Managing Editor Jill Tilensor News Edilor. . i ....................... . Tim Fairholm Sports Edilor . . ..... ............ .... ... Ethan Yorgason Entertainment Edilor . . ... Pete Tesch 7. Special Projects Editor. .... . . . . . .Dcbra George Signature Editor ... ...... .... ... . ......... Dcbra George ; Photography Editor ; Robeen Gillem Asst. News Editors ... . . Peier Avion V:: Lynn Manineau ; Asst. Sports Editors . Chris Barren 7 Rich Ericson Asst. Entertainment Editor ...... . . . .: . . . . . . .; Lisa Dayton : ; Asst. Special Projects Editor ..... . Dianna Tillman :; Photographers ..... ........ . . .... . . . . : . . Brock Porter ' Robert Ledbetter Timari Guy ' : Senior Reporter. . ... ................. . . Ray Eldard Jr. : Columnist . . . Copy Editors . Advertising Manager . Production Manager . Ads Production Mgr. . Production Staff Distribution . V. . . Advisor . . Secretary . Publisher. . ... ' Mickey Beck ......Gary OUila Kathy Mohr . .. . . Dcbra Luby . Keith M. Quimby . . James Berghoul . . . . Brock Porter . .. Ray Eldard Jr. JcffBybce ...P. Larry Stahle , . Leisel Waymcnt Linda McGce , . Randolph Scott |