SUPPORT LIBERTY'S LAW!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

English Only In Milton?


Business signeage such as this is commmon in Gwinnett County.

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

The Milton Market is becoming more popular every weekend. Word is spreading fast regarding this community focused event. While vendors are selling everything from homemade bracelets to dog biscuits, my tailgate focuses on tomatoes, squash, sunflowers, Accessmilton horse car magnets, etc.

A couple of weekends ago a couple stopped by having just moved to a subdivision off of Providence Road from Gwinnett County. Both husband and wife appeared as though a gigantic weight had just been lifted off their shoulders. The husband especially was more excited than the average tailgate visitor.

As I inquired to his current mindset, he replied that he was so happy to now be living in Milton. He would continue stating how he had raised his family in Gwinnett and had lived there for over 31 years but said "We couldn't take it anymore." As I pushed for more information, he said he was tired of "pressing one for English" as well as being exposed to "foreign non-English" languages on business signs throughout the county.

We continued to talk and I relayed to him that I too had experienced much change in
what is now Milton since I was eight years old and more was on it's way. He countered saying he hoped that the change wouldn't be as drastic as the evolution his family experienced in the county to the East. "You don't realize what you have here," he continued.

He returned this past weekend, still living on cloud nine and speaking about how he enjoys seeing the deer and horses graze as well as the gardens that speckle the landscape.

With all this in mind, a question came to me that deserved to get input from the tax payers of Milton. That question being: Should our city pass an ordinance stating that business signs and phone systems should be in English only?

With the recent school redistricting and push for more affordable housing in Milton coupled with many land owners eagerness to sell out, it is only a matter of time before our population demographic shifts. With such, certain pressures will no doubt arise.

Have your say in the comments section below. Gracias...

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

What demographic/socioeconomic class is not wanted here in Milton? Lots of good decent educated white (or otherwise) people can't live here. With what is happening in our country today, we better get used to the new reality that is coming upon all of us.

Anonymous said...

Last time I checked, we live in a capitalistic society. Do we really need government to tell us where and what we want to buy? If people want to purchase goods at a store, isn't that their choice?

How about we act like big boys and girls and make our own decisions?

Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

Sick question. Can you not come up with something else?

Anonymous said...

Tim, aren't you one of the people in Milton who live in "more affordable" housing? I would think that you would be a little more empathetic toward others. To answer you question: No, our city should not pass an ordinance for English only signs.

Anonymous said...

Biggot!

Anonymous said...

Tim for Mayor!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely! If you are from another culture love it, celebrate it for sure! Once an American fly the American flag, learn and speak English as the universal language so we can all communicate with each other. As an English speaking American born in America from Spanish decent why should I force Americans to learn Spanish or Korean to speak and communicate to me or my family?? That's absurd, not biggotry. Nor is asking a question being a bigot towards Tim. In Gwinnett on pleasant hill road the signs in Korean have no English translation under them, so how as an English speaking person can I even figure out what the
business is to even buy their goods and services? These businesses cater and only care about serving their Korean speaking customers since they opt out of any translation.

No other country on planet earth allows this blatant disregard. This is the kind of stuff ruining our country. We are one nation of many cultures, true, but that doesn't mean to ditch being an American.

Anonymous said...

7:32,
Are you saying Koreans and mexicans automatically live in low income housing? R u stereotyping?
Wow!
How about being empathetic to the average Joe that speaks English watching his community go 100% Korean because our government allowed signage in 100 % Korean which caused flight of the average English speaking person because they no longer could read the signsin their own neighborhoods, and felt as if they no longer lived in America due to the overwhelming amount of signs that took over the area and community.

If it's such a good thing would you as an English speaking, American born person, seek to purchase a home in such
an area? Would you chose to move there now? this causes flight and encourages communities To no longer be a mix if diversity, instead in encourages one race to group and settle in one area. Do you think pleasnt hill road in that area is highly concentrated with hispanics?no, its not. Hispanics have set up in Gainesville.

Anonymous said...

Contagious.

Anonymous said...

"In the first place we should insist that the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equity with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
- Theodore Roosevelt in a letter to the American Defense Society in 1919.

Anonymous said...

Post 7:32 PM You are wrong. This is America. This is about coming to our county, going through the process of becoming a legal citizen, learning our language and contributing to society as one.

Anonymous said...

Sick question? Hey post 12:37 PM, explain your remark.

Anonymous said...

This has nothing to do with bigotry!! Read the post again and know what you are talking about before commenting. If you are in favor of business signs displayed in a foreighn language, move over to Gwinnett.

PS Bigot is not spelled with two g's.

Anonymous said...

Last time I checked we don't have an official language. You may not like that, but we don't. As such, if Milton (or any other city) tries to say only English signs can be displayed, we are not asking for another court fight.

Do we really want that? Do we not have bigger fish to fry?

Anonymous said...

Hey 11:24-You certainly don't know how to spell correctly either, check yourself before posting!

Anonymous said...

4:18 a.m., I never said that Mexicans and Koreans are all low-income individuals; that is an assumption you made. Since Tim linked low income with potential “changes” in the city of Milton, I asked him a question about his own income level, considering he has been living in Milton for over thirty years and that his income is likely at the low range of Milton residents. The point here is that Tim made an assumption about how Milton would change based upon people with lower incomes, and it does not make sense given his own income level.

In addition, Tim often advocates for limited government involvement. However, he is now proposing that government interfere in business endeavors. It seems very hypocritical to me.

As 10:28 mentioned, we live in a capitalistic society. The public’s desires and needs dictate what services and products are relevant in a community. There is never going to be a guarantee that a community will remain the same for someone’s entire lifetime. Inventing rules/ordinances that attempt to create that situation is harmful and useless.

Tim Enloe said...

2:10-

As others have suggested, reread the article. I never said where I stood regarding the topic at hand. I simply took this gentleman's perspective and threw it out to the masses to weigh in on.

I also never linked any race to any level of income. I said that with affordable housing demographics will change; be it purple, green or white.

Finally, your assumption that my income is of the lower level due to my living here for numerous years and in an open road neighborhood is fasinating. The majority of people that I know who have "money" are those who have lived here for many years. And who is stereotyping?

Funny, the majority of foreclosures that have hit Milton in the last few years are primarily in the new subdivisions, not in the open road neighborhoods.

You need to read what is written instead of assuming what is being said just because I wrote it. Then again, I could have written a piece stating how wonderful you are, but due to angst against me, I would still be wrong.

Look forward to hearing from you...

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com
770 653 0552

Scott Westbrook said...

팀,

난이 대화에 조금 경솔를 추가 했어요.

스콧

Anonymous said...

Tim, I did not write that you linked race with socio-economic level. I wrote that you said Milton would "change" as a result of people who move to Milton with a lower socio-economic level.

Next, I did not write that you have a low income because you have lived in Milton for over thirty years. However, where you live and what you do as a occupation is an indicator of lower income compared to other residents in Milton. My point is that just because people with lower income move to Milton does not mean that the community will change for the worse, which is what you implied. I referenced your income so that you would reconsider your statement.

You chose to write about a topic that is highly controversial and you attributed it to someone else instead of assuming any responsibility or taking a stance. One could argue that the mere fact that you wrote about the topic demonstrates a stance. Your editorial has a slant and that is why some people are either opposed or in agreement with what you wrote. That is, if your article had been neutral you would not have stirred up such controversy.

Tim Enloe said...

If anyone is assuming or stereotyping my friend, it is you.

Come on by the market and meet the man that I referenced. He is real I assure you.

You are definitely unique, and that is putting it mildly.

Let me know if you would be open to video taping a friendly discussion on my supposed slant and we will share it with accessmilton.com readers.

READ instead of ASSUME.

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com
770 653 0552

Scottt Westbrook said...

Tim….I left Alpharetta in 1987. However, I still consider the area “my hometown”. I am more concerned about the invertebrates named “Anonymous” who have moved in the area than I am other nationalities. Perhaps you should write an article on them.

Anonymous said...

Why are so few blind to the truth and logic of this article as posted? The only thing constant in life is change. This being so, open your eyes, ears, and mind to what has occurred in certain areas of metro atlanta. Tim simply stated what has happened and the result. Guess many of you are open to this type of environment.

Anonymous said...

So...only the old money and country club set can live in this horse town?

Anonymous said...

Well post 4:39 am, your statement hinges on lunancy.. Read again and then try to understand the UNBIASED article. Many of the statements border on stupidy. A direct question regarding business signs in a foreign language. Why is this being taken to different level? Is it so wrong to ask for an opinion?

Anonymous said...

I like it when my children's Spanish education is reinforced when they pour ketchup from the Heinz bottle!
God bless American capitalism!

Anonymous said...

The only sane comment is "God Bless America...".

Anonymous said...

Why not interview the man at the farmers market for further clarification about his ideas?

Anonymous said...

Oh my god, what are we going to do with these people who don't speak English! Oh wait -- that's how English was invented and became the dominant language.
http://www.visualnews.com/2011/07/07/the-history-of-english-in-10-minutes/

Anonymous said...

My father is a German immigrant. He taught my brothers,sisters, and I to be proud to be AMERICAN while honoring our past. He served in the AMERICAN MILITARY and became a citizen. He taught me GERMAN and I am proud to speak both languages. The school taught me Spanish, and I am proud to be able to communicate.

It is our founding fathers that paved the way for all of us to be able to speak whatever we want, whenever we want; in any church, any school,and any shop. Our AMERICAN COUNTRY is the MELTING POT of the world and even through TERRORIST ATTACKS, WAR, and TERMOIL...I AM STILL PROUD TO BE A FIRST-GENERATION, MULTI-LINGUAL, AMERICAN SON!!!!!!!!!!! ALL OF YOU SONS OF CONFEDERATES, SONS OF WWWII, SONS OF EVERYONE ELSE REMEMBER THIS: (YOU ARE SONS OF YOUR FATHER WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR YOU TO FREELY ARGUE ANYTHING) EVEN WHAT LANGUAGE TO SPEAK.........THANK YOU, GRACIAS, DANKE!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Once again, Milton people trying to keep us out. Look around you rich arrogant segrogationists....it didn't work in Selma, it ain't workn in Milton!

Anonymous said...

1:12 p.m., not everyone in Milton is the same. One of the reasons I read and occasionally post on this blog is so that different perspectives are presented. I welcome diversity (e.g., ethnic, racial, socio-economic, etc.). In general, peolple learn well when they are exposed to the richness of various cultures, etc and challenged to think about their own beliefs.

Anonymous said...

5:58pm, had to roll up my britches legs while reading your post.

Anonymous said...

Ha, you got that right. My oh my, let's hear all the self righteous wail and moan when Hwy 9 becomes Buford Hwy. This is "bigger fish to fry" and then we'll hear from the mother with her ketchup bottle.

Anonymous said...

the south is still full of racist hicks

Anonymous said...

Are not you proud they do not live in Milton?

Anonymous said...

The sign in the photo is interesting. That is a sign for a shopping plaza on Buford Highway, built probably in the 1960s that, if there had been no influx of immigrants would either be dead or full of undesireable elements. As it is, it is a busy, bustling place, generates plenty of sales taxes for Dekalb and Doraville, and employs dozens of people. Yen Jing (their sign is in English as well as Korean) is a fabulous Korean Chinese restaurant. It's kind of like a Chinese restaurant in Korea in terms of the menu. When you first sit down, they bring out a variety of complimentary appetizers/condiments right away. While the hosts and most of the wait staff are Korean-Chinese-American (and speak English fluently), the customers are a mix of Caucasian and Asian. The busboys and assistant waitstaff are Hispanic. It is the only restaurant I've ever been to where I've been asked if I wanted "Mas Kim Chee?"

It is a wonderful thing that people of all different ethnicities and cultures can come together over good food and hospitality. Something for Milton to strive for, not demean.

Anonymous said...

Will the following fist pounding bloggers move to the areas where you can experience diversity at it's best and worst, 7:32pm, 8:35pm, 2:10pm, 5:51pm, 9:48am, 2:03pm, 1:12pm, 5:59pm, 2:32pm, and 10:26am Keep up with the criminal activity too. Why did you ever move to Milton as there are homes available off of Buford Hwy, PleasantHill Rd and Peachtree Industrial Rd.? Let's be honest. They have good schools, too.

Anonymous said...

When you see the listing of the "best" students at our local schools in North Fulton, try pronouncing their names...so not homegrown in Milton

Anonymous said...

You are absolutely right. They speak English as all Americans should. These young people are outstanding.

Anonymous said...

I often wonder how many readers of this blog have the mental illness as that of "11:24"?

Anonymous said...

"they south is still full of racist hicks" why bless your heart!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKrPROU9I4U

Anonymous said...

Won't it be fun to watch protests when the "melting pot" arrives in North Fulton, specifically Milton.

Anonymous said...

The average white person, born in America, by two American parents, who loves his his country, who works his ass off, who's ancestors bleed to keep our country free... They are the ones being discriminated upon in this nation. You are bad to be an American, u r bad to want everyone to speak English, u r bad to want to keep most of your hard earned money in your own pocket, u r bad to want to hang only the American flag, u r bad to say one nation under God in our pledge of allegiance. Those r the people who are being discriminated upon. Not the immigrants. Our nation takes our tax money and spends over 300 billion on illegal immigrants every YEAR! That's why we r broke!

Anonymous said...

8:07 and 8:12, you are such a looser. You call yourself "an average white person who works his ass off, " but the truth is that you probably don't work as hard as the illegal aliens that you complain about. You feel a sense of entitlement because of your race and fail to realize the benefits that you have reaped by living in America. You really reflect badly upon the white race. Stop wallowing in self-pity and find something to do that is constructive! You can be more than just "average."

Anonymous said...

5:22 only losers can't spell loser... White people are the only race that can't say anything about race. When our ancestors were dying fighting for the rest of the world it was ok. Sense of entitlement my ass. Love it or leave it baby...Delta is ready when you are! Nobody is talking about immigrants...we all started as immigrants. We are talking about ILLEGAL immigrants...who don't pay taxes. I guess you don't care that your kids are at risk of NOT living in the greatest country in the world. Did you ever think that people made this country great? All anyone is asking is to follow the rules. NO FREE RIDES...I have to pay to live here...why shouldn't you or anyone else for that matter. And about who works harder...did you ever think who employs the labor force? Someone has to sign the checks. Get over the race thing and cry about something else. We have a black predident...burn whitey!