News and views from the award-winning author of the novels The Skinny Years, America Libre, House Divided and Pancho Land

Saturday, January 28, 2012

In fight for Hispanic vote, GOP dispenses with English-Only

Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have publicly endorsed making English the official language of the United States. But it's funny how quickly both candidates will drop that stance so popular with many in the GOP base when they're on the stump for Latino votes. The Spanish-language political ads below are two recent of examples of principles taking a back seat to political expediency.

Mitt Romney Spanish-language TV ad:



Newt Gingrich Spanish-language radio spot:
http://mycmag.kantarmediana.com/Radio/201465904.wav

I hope supporters of English-only laws remember that banks, businesses, educational institutions and local government agencies that offer other-than-English language options have reasons for doing so that are as valid as those of these candidates. Then again, logic and fairness may have little effect on a movement like "English-only" which is primarily an expression of xenophobia.

Raul Ramos y Sanchez