From this \story:::“This country’s national language is English,” said Shamir Manhani, 26. “Before we come into this country, we should accept that. You should adapt to where you go, not try to change it,” To this I say "Exactly Correct!"

International air traffic is directed in english only worldwide, so why shouldn't our government meetings be held in english only? makes sense. too bad we have been over-run by illegals as of late, that this action appears to be reactionary. far from the truth. this is not the first time this issue has come up. it is one of the first times it has been put before voters. here illegally? don't get to vote. it is put before the citizens for a reason. citizens get to vote, that is one of the rights guarenteed by the constitution to citizens. if you are here illegally too bad, take the naturlization, and vote against it. until you do, i hate to say it, but your voice does not count, and will not count. voters only have to speak as loud as the pencil marks the ballot.

This proposal will have little to no impact on Matos' or Quiroz's businesses. This is entirely directed toward speaking English at government meetings. I have no solid statistics to back this up, but I'm guessing that the majority of Missourians are English-speakers. Why wouldn't you want your governmental business conducted in English? Would it be easier for us to learn Spanish, Korean, or Italian just so we can understand what's happening in our state? Make it official. Take a stand. ENGLISH ONLY.

When my Sister in law moved to Spain to work she knew little of the language. They didn't change for her she had to learn on her own how to communicate. That is what is needed in the United States of America. If you are illegal don't expect to change us.

If non-English speakers want to attend the meetings, they should bring someone with them who understands English and can interpret for them. No way should the city/state have to provide interpreters. The official language of this country is English. If you want to live here, you should learn the language. It is not racist to speak only English. What it is, is ridiculous for non-English speakers, immigrants, visitors, legal or illegal, to expect us to speak anything else. They knew what our language was before they came to our country. If you want to speak it in your home or even if businesses want to cater to ESL customers that is fine. This issue is a tired one, I wish people would stop beating this dead horse and get on with the important things in life. This really shouldn't even be an issue.

How dare Ms. Matos make a statment that this bill is "almost racist."

English is the language in industry, economics and success. And english happens to be the language of the United States. Those coming here should know that, and if they truly want to assimilate, they need to learn english. My grandparents came to this country becoming part of the backbone that makes this nation great by LEARNING the language.

Of course, Ms Matos capitalizes on (some may say exploits)those who DON'T speak english. Her business caters to those who can't communicate and therefore are at her mercy. This is EXACTLY why English should be the official language of not only the state of Missouri, but the United States.

They choose to come to this country then they should choose to learn English. We are not forcing them to come here therefore the need to learn English. If they want to speak Spanish to other people that speak Spanish then let them but we can not keep reprinting all official documents, text books, and other civil papers just to please those that don't want to learn English.

they deserved to go up the tree though.

Okay, I just about had an accident when I read the comment on the "click" language. Thanks for the laugh!

ninjaman - if we all learn xhosa, do we have to start purchasing our gas with goats and chickens? I don't think you can use those when you pay at the pump.

In all seriousness though, I'm glad the number of persons taking advantage of the ESL classes is on the rise. I'm glad the program is available and I'm glad there are people taking advantage of it. Good for them!

We are Americans. Yes. We speak English. Yes.

We are a country founded on immigration. Yes.

We have a very large sign on our country's doorstep welcoming people of all colors and languages. Yes.

People visiting other countries should attempt to speak the recognized language. Yes.

We are fools with excessive comments on non-important issues that only distract us from serious issues. Bring our soldiers home for GOOD, downsize government, eliminate the Federal Reserve, GIVE THE GOLD THAT WAS STOLEN FROM AMERICAN CITIZENS IN 1933 BACK TO THE AMERICANS, let Americans run the American economy by virtue of our own desire for success and the American dream.

THEN, maybe then we can find time in our lives to discuss something as trivial as what language our friggin' politicians' minutes are available in.

Who else is sick and tired of fighting someone elses wars? Are we content with the fact that we use 75% of the worlds oil supply and only account for 21% of the population? Are we okay that our gigantic government, who only looks out for our best interest, doesn't REQUIRE an alternate source of energy in any specific timeline?

They sure made the switch to digital television in a hurry. Is that important to us? Television quantity?

I'm tired of being bombarded by ridiculous articles that only serve to distract us from things that are truly important.

I don't care about the damn English-only dialogue in a meeting I'll never attend among groups of people I'll never agree with. Why do you?

Speak the damn thing in Martian if it makes you feel better. This is nonsensical and anyone who can't see that might want to take a venture over to a real news agencies' website. I hit CNN.com every morning, give it a shot.

THIS NONSENSE IS UNIMPORTANT. YOUR RIGHTS ARE BEING STRIPPED OF YOU - DEMAND THEM BACK.

Revolution is coming.

"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy." -- John Adams 1765

"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." -- Samuel Adams, 1779

"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin, 1759

Doesn't sound to me like the founding fathers knew they were creating a country that would participate in war after war after war. In fact, they assumed there would be few.

What happened?

Central Banking.

There's a big difference between "English" and the charming variation spoken in these parts, which can only be described as "Hillbillyese".

We need to vote for the latter because the costs of remedial learning would bankrupt Missouri.

Man MichaelH you're really sticking it to the ole News Press there, and to think they removed ninjaman, spyhunter, and grimjack for what they said about taco bell. I think your posts are so long that they really don't want to read them.

Am I wrong? Should it not be discussed? Why do we really care about something so trivial?

I'm more interested in the Taco Bell incident. At least that is something that came maybe be fixed. All the listening in the world isn't going to fix the Central Banking issue.

Yeah, News-Press got rid of ninjaman, but I still feel like he's with us, in a backwards sort of way.

I’m sorry . . . I’m still just chuckling to myself about MichaelH. It’s truly amazing reading your comments, trying to make yourself sound so intelligent. I should really start checking your writing to see if it's plagiarism. Wow, if you don’t like the News-Press so much why are you on this site every day and all day posting comments. Get a life already. I’m thinking you’re the real phony, have you seen your MySpace page recently. There’s not an accurate thing on it yet you talk about all the inaccuracies of fellow posters and media outlets. Who are you trying to prove yourself to anyway, don’t you know these things are anonymous.
I have been watching this site for months now and have finally decided to chime in. People always say, how insignificant an article is yet they seem to read it and even feel the need to spend time in their "important" life to comment on it. So where does the problem really lie? I myself find all news information, front page or not, of value. It affects someone somewhere.

well heres my 2 cents worth. It is not racist for a government to conduct thier business in the language of thier country. they do that so thier countrymen can understand what is going on. well i am one of those countrymen and if i wanted to hear government in another language i would go to another country. You knew english is our language before you even planned to come here,so you should prepare,like the man from india did. dont expect a country to change everything just for you and you alone.if you are that homesick then go home. we will understand and not hold it against you. and no i am not racist by any means,we have different nationalities in our family,including my own children and yes thier father speaks english.

Bizmom, plagiarism? Really? I'll take that as a compliment.

Pardon my attempt at proving I'm educated, for if I don't at least attempt to sound remotely intelligent then my writing often turns to rambles and rants (not that I'm far from that now).

Are you seriously questioning my MySpace page? The account that was phished over a year ago? The account I haven't been able to log into for over a year?

What are you referencing? The fact that I stated I was a 6'6" East Indian body-builder, earning over $250,000 a year as a promoter? Those inaccuracies? I think I've made my point...

I would like to make it clear I in no way, "hate" the News Press. I'm on here everyday. I take pride in my community and the News Press is a part of that community. As such I am frustrated when I see incompetent journalism being passed as fact.

I've corresponded with a handful of the reporters via email, a fact that reflects my sincerity. I have no problems with this paper, I have problems with papers knowingly printing false information. Assuming reports are reviewed before printing I have to use the word, "knowingly."

In any case I am thoroughly impressed that you consider me such an excellent writer to imply plagiarism! And, I've generated enough interest in you to actually seek out my MySpace page... either that or you know me and hide behind anonymity.

Either way my user name is MichaelH. That is my name, I hide behind nothing.

Also, my remark about a REAL new site wasn't meant to imply the News Press wasn't. All I meant was, given the current state of the nation, I would imagine another story would have fit better as one of the NP, "Top 4 Stories."

MichaelH- can you keep it to one or two lines please? I keep falling asleep about half way through your novels that you post.

Frustratingly enough, the News Press limits comments to 3000 characters. Ask me how I know that.

Some people can make remarkably profound statements in just a few simple words. I was not blessed with that talent so I must write and write and write in hopes of getting my thought process into words.

Of course my opinionated nature makes it all the more difficult as I have much to say about everything.

Please don't flatter yourself. You're words are rambling and a feeble attempt to, once again, sound intelligent. And yes, there are many of us on here who like to be anonymous. We actually value our opinion and privacy and don't choose to be arrogant and pompous by letting the entire community know who we are. So don't play brave. All I'm saying is that I completely disagree with the fact that you say this reporter's story was false. Lack of detail and a hint of research maybe but false? Those are big accusations. Anyway, I am done here. Unlike you I say my piece and move on. I have better things to do with my time. I'll keep reading the papers, watching the news and laughing at comments. Well, actually many of them are interesting so . . . .

You talk of my excess of time, yet you had plenty to spare when trying to find out who I am... browsing MySpace no less.

Then, you come BACK here to comment on how you have moved on?

Feeble attempt is correct.

/brave, arrogant and pompous rant