willing worker wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:14 AM:
" NRA, Liberty; This discussion regarding the interpreter service Mercy Medical Center provides has uncovered something that is not discussed much in our community. I have been involved in the Patriotic Immigration Reform Movement since then Gov. Vilsack proposed creating a model community right here in 'RIver City' to welcome these new Iowans. First let me respond to NRA regarding the social security issues. There really is a threat of giving Social Security benefits to illegal alien workers, really. It is contained the in the TOTALIZATION AGREEMENT with Mexico. These workers would not have the same requirements as we do and it will bankrupt Social Security.http://www.michnews.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi/225/7814 Now regarding this idea that somehow we who oppose this illegal colonization of our country by a foreign nation are somehow 'scarier than the NAZIs'. You gotta get a grip! THe NAZIs declared war on the world and persecuted their own citizens. These illegal aliens who enter our country 'in search of a better life only' are not citizens, they commit identity theft and fraud when they take work for wages we cannot afford and they use public services and benefits we taxpayers provide for our less fortunate fellow CITIZENS. We are not the scary ones. Not by a long shot. It is this misguided notion that somehow giving our legacy away to these interlopers is noble. That is very scary. This gathering of quislings to denounce PATRIOTISM as bigotry and ignorance is wrong at best and treasonous at worst. So please get a grip and stop this name calling. The interpreters are a good idea in theory. It is just that in practice we citizens and legal residents get stuck with the tab. "
NRA wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:35 AM:
" American, I hope you're not basing your statement about illegal immigrants receiving social security benefits on a bogus e-mail that keeps floating around cyberspace. Illegals will never receive social security benefits. You need a social security number to pay into and receive benefits and only a citizen can receive a social security number. I bet I've received that e-mail 50 times in the last ten years. There is no bill before Congress to give them benefits, never has been, never will be. Delete that e-mail and let's clear up cyberspace. "
american wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:05 PM:
" I think everyone is talking about the same thing, it's just coming out wrong. If mercy now spends $90/month for the new telephone service for immigrants at EACH outreach clinic and 80% plus immigrants receive free services because they don't have insurance, can't afford to pay or just Don't pay, ...Who's paying the bill in the end and who's reaping the profits in the end? How does Mercy then balance their budget? American citizens can have their wages garnished to recover those costs....illegal immigrants aren't in the system so, the bills get written off and recovered by higher costs to Americans. No one wants to deny any human being needing assistance for better health if needed. Drug companies are doing the same thing. What will happen when social security is given to illegal immigrants ? It isn't about what language people speak, it's about earning what they wish to receive instead of getting it FREE or at the expense of others. "
CLaker wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:40 AM:
" To bilingualnurse, Yes I'm an immagrant. An immagrant who's worked hard and paid taxes. Who didn't use someone else's SS card to earn my wages. Who hsas paid YEARS into the tax system that gives those grants you speak of. So if I "use" any government money It's technicaly
my money. Unlike illegals who just abuse the ststem for their personal gain WITHOUT giving back to it.
I don't care where you came from but if you're going to live here then PAY TAXES! And let the government know you're here!
Why should Americans (LEGAL CITIZENS!) cater to those who hide and DON"T PAY TAXES?
And the only people I'm prejudiced against are people who aren't willing to SUPPORT our working and TAX system. I support people who are open as to their identity proud to say "I'm an American citizen" legally. The rest can go back where they came from until they are willing to become citizens the legal way. "
Liberty wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:24 AM:
" Of all the really horrible things that are taking place in our world I truly cannot understand how Mercy hiring an interpreter can make some of you bloggers this angry. When studying the holicost as a teen I used to find it incomprehinsible that humans could hate each other so much as the Nazi Germans hated the Jews...in my naievity I could not imagine such blind hatred.... but you people, you scare me. "
willing worker wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:21 PM:
" Ezekiel...I am not saying mercy has no place in this. What I am say is this...What mercy is there for the American whose job is taken by an illegal immigrant who then qualifies for 'free' health care and a 'free' interpreter whose 'free' services are then paid by us in the form of higher taxes and isurance premiums? If my children or grandchildren require emergency treatment (or otherwise) will you pay for their care? Why are these people so much more special than us 'regular' Americans. I detect a bit of bigotry on your part sir. You and this 'bilingualnurse' both fit the definition of bigot. noun-a person obstinately or intolerantly to his or her own opinions especially who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group)... such as white non-Hispanic Americans?... with hatred and intolerance. Merriam-Websters online dictionary. "
Ezekiel wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:01 PM:
" Here's the deal:
I am an Anglo whose ancestors came from Germany in the 1860s. With that said, THE BOTTOM LINE IS if a non-English speaking Hispanic parent needs care, emergency or otherwise, for their child, THEN THEY DESERVE IT!!! End of story! Its a free country, you can have your opinions, but MERCY trumps politics! Jesus even said that. I am utterly appalled that anyone should think otherwise. Mercy Hospital is to be commended for their stand in this matter. "
Mongoose wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:12 PM:
" Like you said, mnmaniac, nobody dares speak out against the invasion of our country by illegal Mexican aliens, lest they be ostracized as "racist", "bigot", and "insensitive." "
bilingualnurse wrote on Oct 22, 2007 2:32 PM:
" ...what a mess this country is going to be in with all the hate and prejudice... "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 22, 2007 10:51 AM:
" well put willing worker, blr, mnmaniac, katie, kmt08, and kd. there isn't a whole lot to say after reading your posts! i agree, and i know alot of other people i know agree with what you say too! "
amejin_japan wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:38 AM:
" If people were willing to pay more for eggs you'd see higher wages at the egg factory numbskulls. It's called the free market. If you can't communicate with the loaders.. learn Spanish. It's not that hard and if you are a real professional and not just a driver you know you need to do what you must to do your job properly. Complaining about it doesn't get the eggs loaded. "
KD wrote on Oct 21, 2007 8:09 PM:
" I think we all have come from an immigrant... thats whats makes our country what it is.
However, most of our families came in a legal way and are quite proud that they are now americans. We have a story of a grandparent that came from Germany and settled in Sheffield. In her story she talks about how they learned the english... attending kindergarted at age 12 !! the chairs were an uncomfortable size. ANd that the parents would NOT speak germanat home. Even the church sermon was done in basic english in order to teach people. They were PROUD of what they learned and worked for it..... they didn't whine and ask for thier language to be promoted. If that were the case we would have Italian... German,, Chech.. Polish...Chinese...... think of all the languages/cultures this country is made of !
You are in America now. "
kmt08 wrote on Oct 21, 2007 4:59 PM:
" It's crap that everything we look at now has spanish on it, it takes up more space on whatever it is we are reading verses english. If they are going to be here, we shouldn't have to learn there language, THEY should have to learn ours. It's also ridiculous how you see there kids and they speak spanish, why the h*** wouldn't you teach them english, WE ARE IN THE US/AMERICA. If you can't learn english or speak it, then go back from where you came from!!!!!
"
Katie wrote on Oct 21, 2007 2:42 PM:
" To bilingualnurse, you speak of the Whites taking land away from the Native Americans. We can not go back in history and correct the mistakes of others. I do know for a fact that the Indian Hospitals in both Clairmore and Tahlequah, Okla do not have Interpreters of any kind. They communicate in English only. They do keep their Native Language alive by fluently speaking Cherokee among their friends and family. You see the Cherokee know that they live in the United States Of America where English is the main spoken Language. I have never purchased anything with instructions that has Cherokee written on it. I believe that language has more rights here on American soil than Spanish. So who harbors the Illegals when they sneak over here looking for work? I know they aren't living under trees. "
Mongoose wrote on Oct 21, 2007 11:17 AM:
" Excellent post, mnmaniac. The cold hard facts. If people don't pull their heads out soon, it will be to late! "
mnmaniac wrote on Oct 21, 2007 9:19 AM:
" The reason we are in this mess is because Americans have become completely...um, what's a printable term..."neutered"...due to political correctness. Nobody dares speak out against the invasion of our country by illegal Mexican aliens, lest they be ostracized as "racist", "bigot", and "insensitive."
This is why we have voter ballots and driver's license tests in Spanish. It's why we are required to provide welfare to people who are in this country ILLEGALLY. It's the reason they flood in here by the millions, then breed as rapidly as they possibly can.
They have no interest in assimilation and becoming Americans. Their goal is to take over by sheer numbers, forcing their language and culture onto us. If you don't believe me, ask LaRaza (translates to "The Race") and other radical "Latino rights" activists.
If the majority white, legal, English-speaking population doesn't wake up REAL quick and take action, America will cease to exist as we know it.
WAKE UP, PEOPLE AND TAKE ACTION! The country you save will be your own. "
blr wrote on Oct 21, 2007 7:21 AM:
" You people don't understand. Remember that your top republican is from Texas and the majority of his employees are from south of the border. He wants to pay them cash payment, no insurance, no english, no workmans comp., no vacation, no company vehicle, but he is willing to put these people in the governmetal system so he does not have to pay the bills. Remember, he would say that these people are here illegally and he would not have to pay a thing even though he hired them. And as for the "GRANT", do you ignorant people know where "GRANT" money comes from. It comes from your taxes. More grant money means more taxes. Remember from your accounting classes in high school, nothing is free! Imigrants, go home or get registered and pay taxes like the rest of us! You don't get any thing free in Mexico, so why come here and bleed our kettle dry. You are in AMERICA, speak the language. ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH "
homes1 wrote on Oct 21, 2007 6:55 AM:
" willing worker has said it all!!!!!!!!!!!no more can poosibly be added to that coment!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
willing worker wrote on Oct 21, 2007 5:11 AM:
" Bilingualnurse, What is the source of this grant money? My grandfather's grandfather is buried in Rock Grove cemetary. At what point to you agree we stop being immigrants and become natives to this land? I do not think you understand the depth of this problem. If these people want to take work from Americans they need to understand there will be resentment. So do you. At one time 70 hour work weeks were common in this country. Child labor exploitation was rampant and I believe women were denied the right to vote. It has taken years of struggle to overcome these situations. We now have child labor laws, the 40 hour work week, minimum wage laws, and workplace safety. These benefits are being eroded by these 'willing to work 12 hour days 7 days a week for minimum wage or less'. This is not noble. It is compromising us. I too am functionally bilingual, trilingual if I practice the Italian I picked up while I was a young soldier. I fell in love with the sound of spanish when I was in the fifth grade studying TV spanish with Senor Siqueros 'back in the day'. I was thrilled to be of assistance whenever I could using my rudimentary spanish skills. This lasted up untill I worked for Winnebago Industries at the turn of the century when about 25% of their workforce was limited english. I met Roy Beck in the spring of '01 and learned of the magnitude of the invasion of illegal immigration from our southern border...then the Towers came down in NYC. We declared war on Afghanistan and Iraq. WE ARE AT WAR!!! That our southern border is still wide open after 6 years is proof our government is complicit in this invasion. Our president is a traitor and should be impeached. And these people you say are not all illegal? Well the problem is this. There are in excess of 20,000,000 illegal aliens in this country over 50% of whom originate from Mexico or other Latim American countries. 12% of Mexico's citizens LIVE HERE. President Calderon says "Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico". We have been colonized by a foreign nation against our will. Do you understand the resentment? Now about these consumers of this translation service who work more than 70 hours a week for minimum wage or less...how many have health insurance and how many are treated for free? The costs of that 'free healthcare' will be paid by someone. This is why now when I hear spoken spanish I no longer hear someone I might help, I hear an invader. "
bilingualnurse wrote on Oct 21, 2007 4:34 AM:
" First- I would like everyone to read the article carefully. I have noticed many people are worried about paying for this interpretation service out of their own pockets. The service at Mercy is paid for by a GRANT! I also would like to say that not all persons who need interpretive services are illegal, and not all are driving Escalades, and not all are living 20 people to a house for 4. I think a big problem here is stereotyping and that needs to stop, but unfortunately,it is not likely in the near future.
Secondly- have we all forgotten that everyone of us has somehow immigrated to the US? Whether it be illegally or not, we are ALL immigrants and maybe we need to remember far back to the times when the "white people" invaded the US and took it from the Native Americans. The US has always been, and most likely always will be, a melting pot.
Thirdly- I myself am another of the interpreters at Mercy and I am proud and feel priveledged to be able to speak two languages. I also take pride in my career as an interpreter and a nurse.
Lastly- calgal is right, most of these "non-English speaking immigrants" work for minimum or less than minimum wages and work at LEAST 12 hour days and for the most part 7 days a week. Lets find a US Citizen, or an English speaking immigrant, that will be willing to do this! "
Mongoose wrote on Oct 20, 2007 6:12 PM:
" Well good for you calgal. I am not worried either, but I have a lot of friends that do factory work. If you think it don't affect people that have their own businesses, wait a while and see if you can sell your services to someone that only makes a couple hundred bucks a week. "
calgal wrote on Oct 20, 2007 2:31 PM:
" Mongoose,
You ask........Am I ready to live in multifamily homes?
I say, Nope, have my own home and a rental.
You ask.........Lower my standards of living to be able to compete for jobs?
I say, Nope, went to school and got educated, because I knew what I wanted in life.
You say.......I better be if the trend continues?
I say......Hum.
"
Mongoose wrote on Oct 20, 2007 2:01 PM:
" That's the problem calgal. These places would pay a decent wage, if they didn't have someone to do it for chicken feed. Are you ready to live in multifamily homes, and lower your other standards of living to be able to compete for jobs? You better be if the trend continues. "
calgal wrote on Oct 20, 2007 1:38 PM:
" To Mr. JB Johnson of Britt, do you know of any friends, neighbors or family members, maybe even yourself, that are willing to work for the same pay as these guys who are loading your trailer? If so, maybe you can pick up some applications next time you are there. "
Mongoose wrote on Oct 20, 2007 10:53 AM:
" It's not that we CANT do anything about it, it's a matter of our government NOT doing anything about it. So, I suppose we better surrender and learn their language. "
homes1 wrote on Oct 20, 2007 7:47 AM:
" People, you are worried about something you have no control over! I live in the great Southwest and have for over 30 years. I was born and raised in M.C. and at this time am visiting family in Dubuque. I just asked these people in Dubuque if they had any illegals. OH MY GOSH YES!!! was the reply. Well quess what? Having going to different restaurants, bars, high school football games, staying at 2 different hotels, and using the airport facilities, I have yet to see any MEXICANS! You folks don't know what it is to live in MEXUSA!!!!! DEAL WITH IT, BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE INVASION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!!!!!!!!!IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LEARN TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE, THEN DON'T!!!!!!!!!!But you will get left behind. And not a darn thing you can do about it!!!!!!!!As I said, THEY ARE COMING!!!!!!!I, and all other Americans in the Southwest are right now a part of the MINORITIY POPULATION "
whtz nextMC wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:03 PM:
" Welcome to America, Land of the Free... We can thank Mr W Bush for NOT signing a bill stating ENGLISH IS THE AMERICAN LANGUAGE. I can still remember 15 years ago when my spanish teacher told the class, "someday during our lifetime we would need to know spanish to communicate others." I'm sorry to admit she was right. Just wait and see what else will happen, its just beginning! "
JB Johnson of Britt wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:41 PM:
" Is it up to me to learn a different language to do my job? I go to an egg plant{in Iowa} to get my trailer loaded and I’m the only one who speaks English. How do I know if the right number of this size of eggs were loaded and if it has multi stops are they loaded in the right order? Would you sign a bill of lading making you responsible for the $20,000 load not being able to talk to the loaded?
It is like buying a used car from a guy speaking spanish.
I’ll tell you what, the next time you write a check to Mercy, do it in a different language and see what happens.
"
willing worker wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:51 PM:
" I would have no problem with the INTERPRETER service Mercy Medical Center provides if the users of this service paid for this service and if the users of this service paid for their own healthcare. The trouble is most users of this service are going to be low-income less educated consumers. Are these healthcare consumers even in the country legally? There are 20,000,000 illegal aliens in the US. 54% are from Mexico or other Latin American origins. A an article in the Christian Science Monitor I recently read states of the Mexicans currently living here, 85% are here illegally. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0706/p09s01-coop.htm This is not about hate or bigotry, it is not about ignorance, xynophobia, or racism. It is about who is paying for a service. Is it those who use the service? Or those whose medical bills and insurance premiums get hijacked to cover the cost of those who can't or won't pay. "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:28 PM:
" in the town that i now work and live in,MOST mexicans are very stubborn, when they come into your business they act like they don't know english, nor do they act like they want to learn english and this is why i get so upset! its frustrating to try and help them. im NOT being hard on the individuals that are working for Mercy as interpreters at all. what makes me upset is i'm a LEGAL american citizen when going to the grocery store to buy food for my family i pay my hard earned cash and they get government assistance, i drive an old beat up car because i cant afford a new one, they are driving brand new escalades, thats an expensive cadillac for those that don't know, with systems and expensive chrome rims. When the Mexican flag is displayed over the american flag,sending their money back to mexico instead of investing in our economy, living 20 in a house that is made for 4, staring like we are invading their country, that is what is frustrating about america!again i am not saying this about all foreiners but the majority, I might not be the smartest person on this planet, i might not use the biggest words possible, but i don't get treated like i would if i was from a different country, i don't get help from the government, hospitals don't give me a break! What if we were to go live in mexico, would things be handed to us on a silver platter? Would they do things for us like we are for them? I really don't think so.... just my thoughts and opinions! "
Seeker wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:00 PM:
" clearlakemom--Thank you for the humbling English language usage lesson, and thank you for the service you provide to the patients who need it. I hope your work day is more pleasant than this message board. "
clearlakemom wrote on Oct 19, 2007 5:38 PM:
" Firstly, let me point out that we are NOT translators, we are interpreters. There is a distinct difference between the 2 in that translators TRANSLATE the written word, interpreters INTERPRET the spoken word. So your first ignorance lies in calling us translators.
Secondly, we have provided the patients that come for services with the chance to take English classes and they are given a flyer with dates and locations on where English classes are given. I know for a fact that several patients have indeed taken these classes. Are they fluent enough to fully understand the medical implications of some of their appointments and specialized test results? NO and that's where we come in.
Thirdly, if you think you have it bad here, move to Miami folks. You will definitely be in the minority there, with 80% and plus of the population being of some hispanic or foreign origin, most of which do not speak the English language. Workers in many of the stores, shops and offices won't even recognize an English word. Is that right? Of course not, and I don't condone their behavior at all. I'm hispanic by birth myself and didn't like the turn that Miami was taking, so I moved from there 9 years ago. I would almost guess that California and several areas in Texas are the same. We are just trying to provide a service to those who can't fully comprehend the language, not telling them that its ok never to learn it. "
superhowy wrote on Oct 19, 2007 2:39 PM:
" I think its great that the good folks of Mason City reap what they sow!!! You aren't willing to invest in your community so people are leaving in droves and now immigrants are moving in to take the poverty level jobs that are left behind. What are all you people complaining about? You should be very happy. You don't want to invest in education or community betterment, so now you can have the low taxes and the immigrants. I am sure the immigrants like the low taxes and could probably care less about community betterment just like most of you. The immigrants are looking for a better way of life, so they will eventually leave for somewhere better. "
Seeker wrote on Oct 19, 2007 1:49 PM:
" So according to the logic provided by shelbygt500, if anyone agrees with Mercy's provision of compassion, they too should themselves be a translator? Interestingly, I do love language and had at one time considered the training necessary to become a translator. This is not, however, a current goal. If I were to obtain the training necessary to become a translator, I do not believe my aspirations would be to work in North Iowa, as it is clearly a hostile place. "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 19, 2007 1:00 PM:
" come to my job then, go to any business in the town i live in, that is my research! they only speak it when they want to, they know what we are saying. Again, i am not saying this about all of them, because i know that there are people that do try to learn, but the majority don't. as far as writing the english language myself, i sure am, im starting right now, so my thoughts can be properly conveyed! HA! o and by the way if you are for this so much, why don't you apply for the position to translate at mercy? "
curious101 wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:26 PM:
" All I can say is WOW. I read these for the entertainment, but again I say WOW. If many of you spent as much time on yourself as you do complaining about beneifts to others rather than yourself, Mason City would be a better place to live. If people ever wonder why the population of Mason City continues to downfall year after year all they need to do is read these comments.
Shame on many of you. This is strictly a benefit of Mercy. Mercy's mission is compassion, respect, concern for the poor, excellence and stewardship and that pretty much sums up the interpretive services. Mercy doesn't specify that it only helps white people who were born here or white people that can speak english. Why would any decent human being complain about a benefit that helps people receive better healthcare? You complain because it's not something that benefits you. "
Seeker wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:02 PM:
" shelbygt500, please cite the evidence from your research that indicates most non-English speaking persons do not wish to learn English and instead choose to have things handed to them. I paraphrase what I believe you say rather than quote because the complete lack of grammatical structure in your writing makes interpretation of your thoughts difficult. Do you suppose you will someday learn to write the English language so that your own thoughts are properly conveyed? "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:43 AM:
" seeker, i understand that not all people can learn english over night as it is one of the hardest languages to learn, and i am not 'hating' every person, or the employees, as they need a job to live and make it in life. what i am trying to say is, most of the people that can not speak english, now i said most not ALL, don't want to its an easy out for them to get things handed to them. american said it right! it's wrong that we help them out when they need to adapt to our ways, not theirs! "
Seeker wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:14 AM:
" More ignorance and hate. Did your grandparents learn English overnight? Did they need a doctor at any time before they learned English? Did their doctor speak English? If you were learning a language but didn't quite have it down pat and needed medical service, would you want to make sure the doc knew it was a stabbing pain in your stomach rather than a dull ache? That information would make the difference in diagnostic tests a doctor may or may not order. There is only so much pointing and body language can get across. How long have you had the stabbing pain? What if in your pain you can't remember the right words for "seven days" and "two hours" comes out instead? Even having cursory knowledge of the English language (as you have failed to demonstrate a fluency in your writings), are you yourself able to convey to health care providers your own needs accurately?
I have lived in the area most of my life but am ashamed to stay and will get out as soon as possible. The social climate presented in the readership of this paper is oppressive at best, toxic in reality. In this climate of hate and ignorance, Mason City will fail. No business in their right mind would invest in this pit. "
american wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:11 AM:
" There is a much better solution that Mercy could have used....You need a translator, bring one with you. You need free services, go to the free clinic. If Mercy wishes to provide free services they should adjust their prices to accept what insurance companies offer rather than balancing their budget from the others.
Problem solved and nationality is even considered ! "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:21 AM:
" i agree with mnmaniac and i agree with willing worker, when you go to a country no matter how long you are there you try and learn their language, you try and adapt to their culture, you don't say hey i speak english you have to too. why is it that corporate america is bending over backwards for people who weren't even born in this country, my great grandparents came over and did things the right way, they didn't expect other people to bend over backwards for them and learn their language. one last thought for a little while, im glad i have an old rotary(sp?) phone in my house so i don't have to press one for english in my own country!! "
EdwinMeese wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:01 AM:
" I wonder if the Native Americans complained as much as you people when members of their people started providing interpretation services for the immigrant white people. "
lovemasoncity wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:54 AM:
" clearlakemom, God bless, I totally agree with you, besides, I don't think any of the part time employee would complain for beeing a part time employee, I think it's better than nothing, that creats more part time jobs for those who are qualify and have the ability to speak 2 languages. "
Amazed wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:39 AM:
" Thanks for the laugh! Kudos to Mercy for providing services. Kudos to everyone blogging here with misspelled words and grammatical errors! I needed a good laugh. You meant to make those errors in your native language right? Of course you did! How else would you get your point across? What was your point again? "
mnmaniac wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:43 AM:
" When will people finally wake up and demand an end to this nonsense?
We speak ENGLISH in this country. Basic proficiency of the English language should be a requirement in order to immigrate.
You come here, you do it our way. YOU are the immigrant. You assimilate to us. We do not assimilate to you. Got it?
"
Registration Required wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:47 PM:
" The Hampton Chronicle couldn't make their Hispanic paper fly.
"
willing worker wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:00 PM:
" Who is it that pays for this service that the provider is recieving a wage for to pay taxes on, to make purchases with? I am, that's who. I pay for that service with my inflated healthcare costs and sky-rocketing insurance premiums. Oh yeah...you too...if you have health insurance. The reason the job outlook is so bleak here is instead of working to keep living wage employment in our community our government allows, no, encourages the outsourcing of manufacturing and replacing the children we educate in our tax supported colleges who leave for better wage opportunities with cheap labor from foreign countries who need interpreters when they get sick and require healthcare they cannot afford so we in turn pay for their interpreters AND health care...regardless of legal status. "
realistic wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:41 PM:
" I love how we North Iowans always think that any service is always, take take take. Maybe this person, that gets paid for a service, albeit some people disagree on the nature and purpose of the service, is paying taxes in North Iowa, buying product in North Iowa, and Gasp!!..putting money into the coffers of North Iowa..yeah we never think of that stuff...whenever a road is redone, or a person is given a raise or when someone does well, its always the attitude that its all take for the person or group...nevermind that taxes will be paid on that and if we would just focus on revenue rather than stress and kill ourselves for nickels and dimes in expenses, maybe the job issue in North Iowa wouldnt be so bleak. "
willing worker wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:02 PM:
" When I was a young soldier stationed in Northern Italy my wife need emergency surgery. No time for an air lift to the US Army Hospital in Vicenza so it was a quick ambulance ride to Il Ospedale Civile di Pordenone. When we did the paperwork I translated for her then took 10 days emergency leave so I could stay with her and translate for her with the doctors and nurses. I learned a whole bunch of new vocabulary in a hurry. The point is this...I was stationed in Italy for 2 years, knew I would be leaving, but still went to the effort to learn their language. Why is it so difficult to tell these people if they want to be here to learn our language and why does my insurance have to pay for THEIR translator? This really is a whole bucket of organic fertilizer folks! When will this pandering to these people end? And why are they treated better than me? "
JB Johnson of Britt wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:44 PM:
" It is a forgone conclusion the Globe would come out for this. When is the last time they voiced an opinion on not giving special treatment for a group. Hundred bucks say if they put it in the Worth Noting it will be Cheers to Mercy for it. "
mark wrote on Oct 18, 2007 5:34 PM:
" Where in the article does the Globe make a comment that they support this service? They are simply reporting a story that Mercy provides this service to inform their readers. All of the quotes in the story are from Mercy employees. I don't see anywhere in the story where the Globe or the writer of the story does or does not offer support of this service so I think JB is out of line with his comment. "
JB Johnson of Britt wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:30 PM:
" Hey Globe, when you going to print a spanish edition. You think it is allright to spend tax money for this extra service, but won't do the same when it comes to your pocket. "
JB Johnson of Britt wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:26 PM:
" So like if I were to go th China I'm sure they would do the seem for me. remember, press 1 for english. "
clearlakemom wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:09 PM:
" CLaker - As one of the part time interpreters for the hospital, I can tell you that we do provide services for other languages, (Bosnian and Mandarin Chinese to be exact), as well as sign language for those that need that service. At Mercy Des Moines, they offer a multitude of other languages, including Arabic, because the demographics show a need for it.
As far as supporting people that don't want to speak the language, I can tell you that many patients that I interpret for DO know a bit of the language and are working legally. They ask for interpretive services because they want to make sure that they are understanding the instruction of the physicians and specialists, just like anyone else would want to. "
cllaker wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:06 PM:
" The interpreters work for Mercy part time because Mercy doesn't want to PAY for full time interpreters or give them any benefits so they HAVE to work another job. Just another way that Mercy does't play "Fair". "
MC Resident wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:27 PM:
" I would venture to guess that some do get free healthcare and prescriptions, but we with insurance are the ones paying for it. No wonder our rates continue to increase. I also agree that if you want to live in this country you should speak the language. Makes you wonder what type of programs or staff had to be removed in order to have interpretors on staff for Mercy. "
CLaker wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:55 AM:
" Agreed, shelbygt500. And I find it interesting that the hospitol is "required" by federal law to provide assistance to those with limited English skills. I think this goes too far in providing that assistance. And Mercy talks about being "fair"... well how about the immagrants from other countries? Is there an interptreter for them too? This is all just one more step toward catering and enticing illegals that speak Spanish. and enabling them to continue speaking Spanish as apposed to learning English.
That % of Spanish people would go down if we didn't cater to them. "
shelbygt500 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:17 AM:
" ya know, this makes me sad... if someone is going to come to our country and live, they NEED to learn english, why must we cater to their every need... they chose to come here, they need to learn english, if they don't like it they shouldn't be here! i wonder if they are getting free health care and prescriptions too.... ? "
