Fun rant

[phatdoughnut]

So i was reading the section "letters to the editor" in our local news paper when i came across this letter.

Learn the language
In an earlier letter published in “Our Readers Write” column, the writer was concerned because someone she knew could not read the road signs which were in English.
My concern is this: if they can’t read the road signs because they are in English, then why are they driving? And, if they are driving, how in the world did they get their driver’s license? And, if they are driving without a driver’s license, then they probably don’t have insurance. If, by chance, one of these unlicensed, uninsured drivers crashes into me, who pays for damage to my car and possibly hospital bills? My insurance company, of course. Then it’s possible my insurance rates will go up. Who turns out to be the big loser?
Also, if you had a job in a foreign country and made your home in that country, wouldn’t you want to learn their language? It would make communications a lot easier for everyone.

I hate it when people say dumbshit, so of course it pushed my buttons, and i had to respond with one of my own, hopefully it will get published.

“I am writing in response to a letter that appeared in the May 27th paper. In regards to getting a driver’s license, you do not have to know how to speak or write English. A person can walk down to the DMV and get a Driving manual in Spanish, English OR Korean. Yes, it may be a little more difficult to get service at the DMV, but speaking English is definitely not required. A person can read the DMV website in Spanish and can even take practice tests in Spanish. The following excerpt was taken directly from the Oregon DMV website:

To qualify/apply for a driver license (if you are over the age of 18), you must:

Be a resident of or domiciled in Oregon and provide proof, Be at least 18 years of age, Complete a Driver License and Identification Card Application, Provide your Social Security Number (SSN, See note below), Provide proof of identity and residence address, Pass the driver license (Non-Commercial Class C) knowledge test, Make an appointment, take and pass the behind-the-wheel drive test conducted by DMV, Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050, Surrender any valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction, Pay appropriate testing and issuance fees, not have suspended or revoked driving privileges in Oregon or any other state.”

Legally, you do not have to have a Social security number to get a drivers license. The Oregon DMV website covers the Social security issue by stating:

“What if I don't have a SSN? If you have never been issued a Social Security Number (SSN) by the Social Security Administration, you do not have to provide a SSN; you may sign a Statement of No Social Security Number form instead. Customers who have an SSN and refuse to disclose their SSN or have never been issued an SSN and refuse to sign the statement will not be issued a license or permit.”

Therefore, as admitted by a division of our own government, a person is not required to speak English to obtain a legal driver’s license. Also, in response to the quote, “If, by chance, one of these unlicensed, uninsured drivers crashes into me, who pays for damage to my car and possibly hospital bills?” The answer to this question would be no different than if a legal English speaking unlicensed, uninsured driver were to do the same thing.

In conclusion, I would just like to say one last thing, do not blame the immigrants, blame the government. That is where the problem lies.

[4thgenaccord]

Didn't take much time to read your responce. Just wanted to say that anyone in the U.S. with a Dl should be able to read english enought to read street signs. BUT raod signs are designed so that you don't have to know how to read at all to know what the sign is for.

A bright red octagon meas stop, a white square with big numbers on it is a speed limit sign. A red up side down triangle is a yeild sign, ect.


I agree with the writer, but not JUST on reading road signs. If you are going to make the U.S. your home country. then learn to speak, read, and write english. If I were to go over to another country, then I would not expect every thing to be writen in their languish and english.

It is so hard fro a company to do business when they call up a customer and they don't speak english.

I hated when working at the video rental store, calling up someoen to let them know they had a late movie, and they don't speak english. I shouldn't have to learn spanish juts to do my job.

[Dv8]

Damn, you just handed his ass to him.

[g-wagon]

yea... but what if they didn't have a license and no insurance? i can almost guarentee you don't have a problem with immingrants (mexicans) riding around with no insurance.. well... i take that back... alot of people in my area don't have insurance... but still.. if you can't read the road signs how are you supposed to drive?

[phatdoughnut]

Obiously some of you are missing the point. We arent talking about english in the work place, that is totally a different story. And yes i do think people should learn it.

But that fellow didnt know wtf he was talking about, obiously it isnt required here in oregon so he is wrong in every aspect. Now in cali, wooonah! that is a different story.

And G wagon, i do have a problem, because even tho i am mexican i am in the same boat as that person writing. I was just trying to make a point that there is no difference wether you are an immigrant or a license, same shit happens if etheir person hits you.

Thanks for your time.

[4thgenaccord]

IBl

[uncle_el]

the writer of the original letter seems to lack understanding of how insurance and insurance claims work, as one's rates do not go up for accidents for which they are not at fault.

add to that, as phatdoughnut pointed out, the understanding/speaking of the english language is irrelevant and unconnected to having car insurance.

Didn't take much time to read your responce. Just wanted to say that anyone in the U.S. with a Dl should be able to read english enought to read street signs. BUT raod signs are designed so that you don't have to know how to read at all to know what the sign is for.

A bright red octagon meas stop, a white square with big numbers on it is a speed limit sign. A red up side down triangle is a yeild sign, ect.


I agree with the writer, but not JUST on reading road signs. If you are going to make the U.S. your home country. then learn to speak, read, and write english. If I were to go over to another country, then I would not expect every thing to be writen in their languish and english.

It is so hard fro a company to do business when they call up a customer and they don't speak english.

I hated when working at the video rental store, calling up someoen to let them know they had a late movie, and they don't speak english. I shouldn't have to learn spanish juts to do my job.

Damn, you just handed his ass to him.

in order to have his "ass handed" to him, you'd at least think that the spelling during said "ass handing" would be correct. proper "ass handing" should at least be predicated on proper spelling.

[Dv8]

in order to have his "ass handed" to him, you'd at least think that the spelling during said "ass handing" would be correct. proper "ass handing" should at least be predicated on proper spelling.

I should have specified the fact that Phatdoughnut proved the original letter incredibly wrong. When I went to post, I assumed I was going to be the first one as there was no reply.

[uncle_el]

I should have specified the fact that Phatdoughnut proved the original letter incredibly wrong. When I went to post, I assumed I was going to be the first one as there was no reply.

i see. i retract my statement about your statement, but not about the misspellings of the other poster.

[phatdoughnut]

rofl elliot is funny.

[ACCORDianate]

Slightly off topic but during my recent drive thru west TX in the Big Bend area, the speed limit signs on 118 between Alpine TX and Study Butte/Terlingua TX were in both MPH and KPH.