If it's America, shouldn't Casa d'Ice be House of Ice?
Everyone can get their 15 minutes of fame, thanks to the Internet. Some pastors have managed to do the same with weekly church sign-board messages (7 days without prayer makes one weak, etc.) but Casa D’Ice has taken their owners political pontificating on his sign board and generated a viral campaign that came into my e-mail box this morning.
You may, or may not agree with his messages- but, you might spend more time reading these political rants than you would watching a low budget local TV spot on cable for his restaurant.
I’ve never been to North Versailles PA, but if I did- I might go to look at his sign- or ask what the locals think about his restaurant.
Guerrilla marketing at work.
What do you think of Mr. Bill Balsamico’s marketing campaign?
Our advice would be to alt tag the images- and change the site to have an RSS feed- but, if you’ve read much of our site- and about our Blogosopher seminar- you already would know that.
Please note- this is story about viral marketing- if you want to contact Mr. Balsamico, his e-mail is [email protected]
It is unlikely he will read the comments below.
HERE IS THE LINK TO HIS SITE: Casa D’ Ice - North Versailles Fine Dining and Live Entertainment
God bless Mr. Balsamico.
Freedom of speech is alive and well. Its a shame it’s this way in “po-dunk” towns and not on a larger scale. However I am willing to guarantee he employs a few latinos, as most restaurants do. The whole speak english or leave attitude has some aspects of Hitler’s ideologies.
I’VE READ SOME OF YOUR SIGNS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THEM GREAT. KEEP UP YOUR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
HOWARD REICHERT IN MINNESOTA
I love it. You are the best
I think everything you say is truthful and well put. Keep up the good work and
“GOD BLESS AMERICA”
An American with an ATTITUDE! HURRAY! The squeaky wheel gets the GREASE! I applaud his stance and willingness to; as I see it; put his money where his MOUTH is! It’s high time! I hope THIS encourages every owner with sign-space to follow suit!
Just wondering why he’s so anti-Spanish when his place is CALLED “CASA D’ICE” instead of “House of Ice”…
Hey Laura…Why can’t he be “Pro-English” instead of “Anti-Spanish”. You’re like the Pessimistic weatherman who says it’s “Partly Cloudy” when the Optimistic one says it’s “Mostly Sunny”.
Hey Laura you genius…maybe Casa D’ Ice is Italian.
very well put boys………and a huge Thank You to Mr. Balsamico. I am allowed to say that, aren’t I? (*_ ) God Bless America and those who reside in her, and who are WILLING to keep America Beautiful….in mind, heart, body and soul. For those who pay taxes from our hard earned working dollars…for those of us who donate to charity, for those of us who are sick and tired of giving hand outs….for those of us who ponder our future and the future of our children. It’s all right for us to do what’s right for us, and our next generation and our generations to follow….
He is soooooo right on………and I abhore having to wait on hold as some “bot” gives me options….in English or Espanol…..what a crock is right. Read the rules of what is required of non-residents of Mexico to spend time there. Then they come here to complain OMG – go back there – ’cause I don’t speak espanol………….and I SHOULDN’T have to….
but when it comes time for welfare checks, food stamp applications, gee, they seem to understand just fine……hmmmm, let me think about that for a half of a millisecond
I loved the signs and think that he expressed what most of us think. It would be nice if President Bush read his signs. This is America, and we need to keep it that way. Why is it that my father and other Italian immigrants came over from Italy and did it legally, and the Latinos refuse to do it the right way. The Italians learned the language and worked hard to assimilate, and never had any hand outs. They never complained and were too proud to even take a hand out. They were happy to be living here.
I love the fact that someone has the guts to say what we all are thinking!!! keep it up!
Is there a Casa D’ice restaurant near my zip code 91802?
I have something to put on your sign:
5 million of our older Americans have not signed up yet for their Medicare,
–they are old and confused. We are not going to grant them an extension. However, 12 million illegal aliens are in our country and we are going to allow them to stay, receive support monies, attend schools, get FREE health care!
WE MUST REALLY DISLIKE OUR OLD PEOPLE! OR, WE MUST REALLY LOVE TACOS!
This guy has some stones to post this, and I applaud him for his honesty. Too many of us set around and bitch about the state of the Union but do nothing about it. At least this Mr. Balsamico has the nuts to put it out there and get people talking about it. Way to go.
I’ve been in Japan, Korea(2) Germany, France, Vietnam and everyone wanted to practice their English on me. Well not France, but the French don’t even care for other Frenchmen.
The Squatamalens are the only people who don’t want to learn English, they just want “a better life” in the USA at my expense.
I think there are at least six billion people in other countries who would like “a better life” in the USA. Why not everyone? Why restrict it to Squatamalens?
Cubans must land on dry land to stay and can’t land on a stand alone dock or pier. Haitians are chased, tackled, manacled and returned to Haiti.
Amen Deena! Have any of you out there helped an elderly person with this “You Gotta Be Kidding Me This Is Helping The Elderly Medicare Part D – Drug Program”? This is the most confusing program ever! It doesn’t get any better once they have signed up either. Try to explain to an elderly person in their 80’s that they are now paying into a plan monthly that has stopped their discounted price on drugs because they are in a doughnut hole. How do you explain this to a person on a fixed income? I’d love to see a sign pertaining to that!
“In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality 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 in very fact 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 foreign 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, 1919
People are, in fact, making comments like this in larger communities… We (Citizens in Phoenix, Arizona) got a full sized billboard that says, in huge text, “Stop the invasion”. grassfire.org is the sponsor, I think…
Later,
http://www.grassfire.org/7042/images/Phoenix.jpg
Great job!!!!!! Keep up the good work.
It is a shame that common sense only lives within the folks that are not in charge.
Did anybody hear this man on Laura Ingraham’s show today. He’s really got it right. Go, Casa D’Ice!
If you failed to notice, Mr. Balsamico was baiting you with Casa D’Ice. I assume he is playing on ‘quesadillas’, with some reference to his “cool place”.
One smart dude, Mr. Balsamico!!
I would like to take over when you die. How soon will that be? I have a lot of sh#t on my mind. I was a resident of PA for 30yrs. Now I live in northern mexico (Houston TX) Not by choice either. My fiance lives here. Enough said. Too many people are afraid to say what they think because they are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings. F–K them it is what it is! Stay true to our roots.
GO BILL…..Where can I send money for you to post more TRUTHS!!!
Great Stuff. Don’t you know its just runaway capitalism and corrupt politics that leave us in this quandry. At the root of it is………….us! We only squeel when things get out of control and not when they can be fixed piecemeal by an informed voter base that actually does vote and lets its voice be heard before the crisis. Gosh, we’re just so “fat and happy” in the US!
I only wish there was more of this man, more people who will say what we all are saying in private,he gives us a much louder voice. Join Grassfire people–they will carry your voice also.
Those signs are great! How about some about the fact we cant say Merry Christmas anymore just (Happy Holidays)?
Hooray for Mr. Balsamico!!!!! I LOVE your sign and that you are willing to openly express your opinions, which I wholehearted agree with!!!!!!!!!!! If you had a restaurant in Central Texas I would certainly be giving you my business.
I live in TexMex (Texas that is QUICKLY turning into Mexico). But lets not forget, not all of the millions of illegals are from Mexico. I 100% support making ALL illegals return to their countries, and if they want to be American citizens then they MUST become an American legally, and in EVERY way conform to American life. Theodore Roosevelt had it right!!!!!!
I am a member of Grassfire. It’s a great organization which takes the voice of the American people to Washington and rallies for us. If you really want to be heard in Washington on issues that pertain to our wonderful country and preserve our freedoms FOR true Americans then take a look at Grassfire’s website and become involved.
It is about time that someone is willing to use his freedom of speech to point out the truth. If more people were like Bill we would not have to press 1. Keep up the good work.
AMEN Chris!!!!!!!! I REFUSE to to call it “holiday” anything…after all we do not celebrate the birth of holiday.
I hope you guys are the vocal MINORITY. If you’re not, I’m glad I don’t live in your country – you scare the sh*t out of me. I never heard so much hate-mongering and hypocracy with the “America – love it or leave it” attitude (aka “Fit in, or F*ck Off”). Unless you’re aboriginal, you’re an American because you or a relative are/was an immigrant. The only difference between you and the recent immigrants is timing. And don’t go down the legal vs. illegal street – I’m sure the pilgrims didn’t deal with INS.
Miigwech Hal! That is what this country is all about .. freedom of expression. You have yours and the other fine folks here have theirs.
Yes, we Americans do tend to have “attitudes”, but who does the world countries come to when they need assistance…..America. I’m all for giving assistance to others in their time of need, but I’m not for paying the bill for daily living expenses, free medical, free college, etc for millions of people that are not citizens and do not financially contribute to the American social fund while the American citizens struggle financially, some are homeless, some go hungry every day, some can not afford to go to college, some can not afford medical care, etc. –all because they do not qualify for assistance because they are Americans.
You can not tell me that you would feel any differently than we do if your native people were struggling because millions of people were taking advantage of your country’s benefits but not ever wanting to claim loyalty to your country. Even a dog is loyal to the person/place where he gets his food…that is more than can be said for many of the illegals in America….they want “the food” of America without giving loyalty (becoming a citizen and conforming and abiding to the American structure/laws).
Hal, I am glad you don’t live & pay taxes in our country also, we are not hating anyone, we do however dislike our tax money taking care of illegals & our jails filling up with illegals, that is not what we pay taxes for–unless you think we should pay taxes in Mexico also?
I’m picking up a few vibes from this thread:
1) the percieved problem is immigration from Mexico. (no other countries on your hit list?)
2) the talk about “undesirables” feeding off the teat of the US sounds like Germany in the 1930’s. Although in Germany, they were treated like dogs. Marie implied that dogs are better.
I do a fair amount of travelling in your country (31 states so far), and I see the good, the bad and the ugly. (no country is perfect) The opinions expressed in this string does nothing to improve your image.
Hal, I would bet most of the people on this thread are not upset because the immigrants are “illegal” or from “Mexico”. I would bet most are pissed because these people don’t pay taxes and could care less about the US. Which would also apply to the lazy ass Americans who could work but instead sit around and watch Jerry Springer all day. Maybe we should change the wellfair laws to say that if your of sound mind and your arms and legs work you don’t get wellfair. Hmmm, how would that change things?
Mr. Balsamico is my Dad and how proud I am that he values AND exercises his right to freedom of speech in America. And you have to love the simple question –Why do I have to press 1 for English? He’s the brave one to say what many people know and think. It’s been amazing how many people world wide have responded to his signs –which I think goes to show how many people agree with him and maybe are growing tired of everything going on in our country. What would be brillant now…people taking actin in response to his ‘attention getting signs’ –which is nothing more than me and you fighting for our future generations…Get to work America! Love you Dad! Way to Go!
I just received an email with several pictures of various signs. To be honest I didn’t think it could be true so I did a search. I came across this site and I am thrilled to find out that the sign actually exists. Mr. Balsamico you should be proud of your huge balls.
Happy Flag Day!
I think your sign is a spark of Genius, keep it up…
I just had a new batch of Return Address Labels printed that starts out
“IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Thanks a lot… Bob W. It’s Flag Day
Kenosha, WI
I agree with Brian’s opinions of able-bodied people assuming/expecting the rest to take care of them. My problem is the xenophobic attitude against certain ethnic groups and the broad generalisations about certain groups of people. And what’s the problem with selecting the language of choice? The US is a multicultural and multilingual country – get over it. After all, we have gotten over the way you changed the language. (not to be picky, the English language uses an “s” instead of a “z” in words such as “organise”, it spells the words completely, such as “labour” and “colour”, and English makes the distinction between a “center” and a “centre”, “check” and “cheque”, etc.) All countries are becoming multilingual and multicultural – it’s part of the evolutionary process, just like your language changed over time. Get with the program – embrace the diverse nature of your country. And while I’m in mid-rant, for Pete’s sake join the rest of the world and go metric.
It’s good to know that facism is still alive,
civic responsibility is bleeding out,
and racism can be hidden in a blanket of patriotism.
I agree with you 100%. I remember my grandparents, who emigrated from Russia, learned to speak English using the same textbooks (Fun With Dick and Jane) that I was using in first grade 60 years ago.
I believe in ordern to get ANY benifits from this great country, you SHOULD learn the language, learn the history, become a citizen, and pay taxes!
I play card games: You can’t win the pot unless you ante up!
One thing I realy do not like and that is we pay taxes federal,state,sales taxes out the ass and some bleeding heart Politically correct comgressman tells another congressman “vote for my bill and I will vote for yours” and our money we pay in taxes get flushed down the drain sent to some little crap hole country like Somalia it is estimated that the U S goverment give the WARLORDS about 100,000 dollars a month did our goverment forget what happened there. killing of U.S. troops in Somalia in late 1993 the pictures of them dragging our brave servicemen down the road behind a truck , I guess they forgot the basis for the movie “Blackhawk Down” I email my congressman weekly maybe some day they will get it right. and if you want to be an American thats great but there is a legal way to do it and it does not have and thing to do with crossing the desert in the middle of the night.
Mr. Balsamico,
I just got an e-mail showing a few of your marquee signs for your restaurant.
I just wanted to give you my praises for saying what is on my (and hopefully other non brain-dead Americans’) mind.
Keep up the great work!!
I think it’s the best!
Sincerely,
Judy K.
VA
Verna, My Dad was from Munich & my Mother from County Cork, Ireland, they both learned English.
They taught me, what a great Country we live in, to give people a chance at a better life.
They followed each and every rule and never broke the Law. This was in the ’30’s.
Things should not be changed, just to accordant the lazy.
We lived one family to a house or apartment, not 10 deep, in a 4 bedroom.
They paid their taxes and loved the Flag of the United States.
You would have never have seen my Father driving down the street with a flag, from the Country he left, America was his new Country. They were both so proud, when they became citizens.
SHERLOCK
Gary, the real problem with this Country is the people in Congress, they make the rules and Laws but are not personally governed by them, if they are to vote on Items such as Social Security, they should have to live by those rules themselves. As it stands they do not need Social Security, they have their own private plan.
I seriously doubt they read more then 10% of a bill or such before they vote for it, then say Hmmm! I didn’t realize that was in there.
They are the biggest waste of a dollar… Don’t get me started on the Kennedy Family, if they do wrong they get probation, what would happened to me, Joe Public, if I drove into the water and cannot find the woman I was with, and then they find her with water in her lungs, no air, just water, or I get caught driving under the influence a a drug, you would not have heard from me again…
SHERLOCK
You should build a huge wall around your country to keep the deadbeats and other undesirables out. And that includes me. It would also keep you in. I’m proud to be a citizen of my country too (although I’m not all that hand to the heart, daily pledge of allegiance, rah-rah about it), but I’m almost proud of my hertitage. You are what you are, as well as what you were. My country believes in diversity, not assimilation.
Hal – you clearly don’t know what it means to be an American. Diversity has nothing to do with national unity! To come to America and become an American implies taking on the attributes of Americans! And yes, this means learning to speak English. It does not imply disrespect for an immigrants birth nation!
Put the shoe on the other foot and see how you’d feel.
Sorry – you don’t speak English. You speak American (see #43).
And I’m afraid I still don’t see why you’re upset about getting a choice of languages. You are at least getting a choice, and your language has top spot. If anything, be angry with the business that offers the choice – but all he wants to do is provide a service to his customers. You guys are into free enterprise, capitalism and all that, so if the business suffers a dip in sales because of the language choices, the choice will be gone. Not everyone who crosses your threshold knows the language right away, but most learn eventually. What are they supposed to do until then?
And the statement “To come to America and become an American implies taking on the attributes of Americans!” means a loss of individualism. I thought you guys were big on freedom – freedom of expression (hence this blog) as well as freedom of thought. That means diversity and not everyone being expected to think/feel the same. Truth be told – you don’t have true freedom, as your government has told you where you CAN’T go on vacation. I can go to Cuba, lie on the beach and bring back Cuban rum and cigars. You can’t.
And the shoe WAS on the other foot. In the 60’s and 70’s we had a fair amount of “illegals” sneaking across our border too. They were called “consciencious objectors”. I believe you called them “draft dodgers” (another loss of freedom, by the way – being forced to fight in a war that you don’t believe in). I think they were treated well – they weren’t deported, they got healthcare, jobs, were assisted in getting citizenship, and they didn’t feel they were expected to lose their “Americanisms”. My country also took in “illegals” in the 1800’s. Also from the US – slaves escaping the cruelty of slavery via the “underground railway”. Most of your “illegals” are trying to escape the hardships of their home country,and they hope to have a better life in yours. Sounds like a similar scenario to me..
Freedom of speech is good, but this guy contradicts himself so many times, he looks like a fool. Half of the name of his restaurant is not in English and neither is his menu. A lot of his signs are ignorant and stupid (the seatbelt one, for example). There’s a big difference between a huge school bus and a car. This guy is doing nothing but promoting his restaurant and making more money by selling shirts and hats.
Finally, a voice of reason (from Brian). Freedom of speech is very good, but along with it comes responsibility. Mr. Balsamico was not being responsible when he advertised his xenophobic attitudes. (and as Brian pointed out, Mr. Balsamico was also displaying his ignorance) Freedom of thought means you can think any way you want, but be careful how you broadcast those thoughts. Charges like incenting to riot, slander and libel come to mind. Pretty sure your country also has hate crime legislation. Better yet, think twice whether you should even voice hurtful and hateful thoughts.
You ought to live here in Texas…..English speaking people are becoming a minority. If you have anything to say against the “illeagle” issue you are considered a “racist” and risk being fired from your job if employeed by a culturally “sensitive” company. Nice signage, keep up the “voice of America”
Hal: You’re so full of sh*t, I’ll bet your eyes are brown. We are not a multicultural society or country. We are AMERICANS. We speak english as our FIRST language, not as some selected option and if you want to survive and do well here you will do the same no matter how you spell it.
As far as what some other a-hole in some other insignificant country (we kicked the whole British Empire’s ass twice) thinks of us, we couldn’t care less. Who the hell do Europeans think they are anyway? The wouldn’t even exist today if not for our support, innovation and financial aid.
F**K OFF
I agree with you Tom. People that aren’t Americans apparently don’t understand the concept of becoming an American once they’re on American soil. Imagine if a bunch of Americans went to France and *demanded* that all menus / languages / signs etc. etc. etc. be changed just because we are there in signficant numbers. You think they had riots before…
Hal – you’re muddying the waters. Our country is built upon assimilation of new people into our national fabric. It is a fundamental strength, and one of the reasons we lead the world. To argue for something else is pointless, in no way could it be said that America would be *better* for it. We’re already the most diverse nation on the planet – by definition. We need *more* diversity? Please don’t waste our time with that line.
Cheers.
Hal – ho’s voicing hateful and hurful thoughts? The point of this thread is that Mr. Balsamico is voicing his opinion. He’s entitled to do that – it is a free country after all – remember?
The fact that a vast, mostly silent majority of Americans *agree* is not hateful, or criminal. It may be politically incorrect, but that just speaks to the insanity of needing to be polically correct in the first place.
We have laws regarding immigration. We have a large segment of people *breaking* the law by coming into the country illegally. In *no* way should our society change to accommodate what are essentially law-breakers. They may be serving a need in some peoples view, but they’re still breaking the law.
Some more food for thought – according to one report I’ve read the illegal aliens in the U.S. export 20 billion dollars back to Mexico (ie. monies sent home). For Mexico, illegal aliens in the U.S. are it’s 2nd largest industry. 20 billion sucked out of the U.S. economy by people breaking laws to be here in the first place.
Any you’re getting upset by a sign in Pittsburgh ?!?
Hal has differing opinions and he certainly has a right to voice those opinions. But he is NOT an American and he does NOT live here, so let’s realize his opinions are coming from a different view than a lot of ours.
Verna – I agree with your comment. I was saying the same thing. It would be nice if those outside our country would have the same perspective as you do.
And in the same vein, Mr. Balsamico has every right to post his thoughts on his sign without the phrases being labeled as rascist, fascist, hate speech etc. It’s a free country and he’s speaking for a lot of people who do live here legally. My ancestors are German and English. They followed the rules in coming to America. Following the logic of some postings, we should have to “Press 3 for German” too.
Well Tom, I refuse to enter into a battle of wits with an unarmed man. I’m writing you off as being in the 1% group the other 99% has to put up with. I must correct a couple of points though – yes, you beat, as you called it, “The British Empire” in that you got your independence (it was actually only England – not the British Empire), but when you tried to invade Canada in the War of 1812, Canada repelled you and in fact burned down your White House (twice). Personally I don’t consider who-beat-who to be germane to the topic anyway, as I believe we have evolved to the point where “might makes right” does not carry any weight anymore. Good points from everyone else though, but I don’t necessarily agree with all of it. You ARE a multicultural country, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You ARE a great country in many aspects, but you’re not perfect – nobody is. Notice I didn’t say “greatest” because the term is subjective and depends on the topic at hand. According to the United Nations’s surveys the US is not number 1 when it comes toconcerns such as life expectancy,”quality of life” (whatever that means), literacy levels or formal education. You didn’t even score in the top five for human rights.
And Verna is right – I’m an outsider looking in. I have a different perspective.
And I’m out of my area here because I don’t know the US laws like you do, but where I come from, if a statement is made as opinion, that’s freedom of expression. Make the statement appear as fact and you are subject to the law.
Don’t pick on “Hal”, he is out of touch with OUR feelings, how is he to know. He is more than likely a misguided person with no real committment to anything. I wonder how Hal would feel if he was getting Social Security and finds out the taxes on 50% of his Social Security payments are going to illegals for their health needs, when he (at over 65 is working two jobs to pay his bills) cannot afford supplement insurance for himself…
Thanks Sherlock for making assumptions about me. For what it’s worth, and not that it makes a difference, I’m a married caucasian heterosexual professional male with a graduate degree and 2 kids in university. I guess it’s no secret by now that I’m also Canadian. I’m proud of my country as I’m sure you are of yours. Your feelings about immigrants from the south were the same as what we had in the 60’s and 70’s. If interested, check this site:
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-71-348/conflict_war/draft_dodgers/
Apparently hyperlinks don’t work in this forum. We got over our feelings and moved on, so hopefully you can do the same.
Anyway, I fail to see why Sherlock labels me as having no committments to anything. I’m committed to my wife, my kids, my profession, my country. (although I do note that he said “more than likely”, so he does admit that he could be wrong in his assumptions – which in this case,he is).
I guess the only thing I can say at this point, is “sucks to be you”, but I’m sure you can get past this. Good luck from a concerned Canadian.
I was born in Weisbaden Germany and immigrated to the US when I was 12 years old. I learned english and gave up my native tongue without hesitation. My feelings about this country have always been those of pride and respect. I choose to repay the honor of becoming a citizen by doing something in return for this great country and serving in the Marine Corps. I believe in the “milticultural society” we have become and the great advantages that it lends us in our views of issues. Our language is a prime example of that greatness, is is made up of every language on the planet and is the most complex language to learn but has the ability to speak to everyone on some level….. with all that said…The laws of this country, whether you approve of them or not, are not subject to wandering interpertation by people who stand in violation of them. The simple fact remains that immigration made and will continue to make this country great but “ILLEAGLE IMMIGRATION” is just that “ILLEAGLE” We are great because we help each other and understand what it means to be FREE…. not so much as a birthright but as a byproduct of what we are willing to stand for and what we are willing to sacrifice to keep. If your stance on an issue is nothing more than “I hate all them muthers cause they’re brown, or cause we kicked their behinds before or cause they speak a different lingo or cause “they not like me”… please consider yourself an antiquated buffalo on the sure path to self annilitation (and not fast enough)…. And to out freinds in Canada, please understand, just like in your country, we have people who are blind and ignorant to the big picture. We’re not all like that…… but we all have a right spew whatever line we choose…. a right bought and paid for in blood by our forefathers……
Amen.
quote “We’re not all like that…… but we all have a right spew whatever line we choose…. a right bought and paid for in blood by our forefathers……” unquote
You also have the right to be sued or arrested for the lines that you spew, so please be responsible.
Dead wrong again, Hal. We have the right to express our opinion about anything at nearly any time without fear of reprisal in any way. You can’t sue me for anything I may say unless you can prove that it is damaging to you in some material way.
I apologise to all British citizens for my previous comments. I thought you, Hal, were British, but might have known that you are only a Canadian living on the wealth and under the umbrella of protection provided by US….The United States of America. Funny, but not even a stupid dog will bite the hand that is feeding him.
I still maintain that we ARE NOT multi cultural. We ARE multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-everything else you can think of, but we share a single culture, a single view of what our country is and a single-minded purpose in keeping it that way. If you don’t believe that try looking at the “single-minded” response of the whole country to the 9/11 attacks. That part even surprised me because most people in my area of the country regard New York as being the armpit of the continent, but suddenly they regarded it as being “our armpit”, by god!
One final point….very few of us hate anyone for something they can’t help, ie, color of skin, eyes, hair, etc., but we DO hate them for actions that they do have control over. The invasion from the south is certainly something they have control over.
While I appreciate and believe in free speech, and served in the US Army- and am a first generation American- I’m a little surprised by the amount of traffic this post has caused- and the number of comments-
This was supposed to be about viral marketing- not the message on Mr. Balsamico’s signs. I’d say he’s getting a bit more than his fifteen minutes of fame out of his signs- but, this discussion should be held on his site- not on a site about marketing and advertising.
Instead of bashing the Cannuck- or spending so much time worrying about new immigrants taking your jobs- why not take some of your energy and think about volunteering to teach English to legal immigrants- or even volunteer in our schools as a tutor- or work on a local political campaign.
It’s easy to point fingers- it’s hard to make a difference.
I’m debating closing the comments on this post-
any chance we can talk about marketing- or how to build a better web site for Casa D’Ice?
Thank you all- The Next Wave
FYI people, the media is getting ready to do a mass pro illegal story! if you agree with this–ok, but if you disagree with that then please go to Grassfire.net and sign their petition to force the media to tell the truth of the illegals.
I hate to repeat myself, but “Amen” to David Esrati as well. As the expression goes “talk is cheap”, but Mr. Esrati has a possible solution. Mr. Balsamico was just flapping his gums irresponsibly.
I could respond to “Tom”, but what’s the point? His lack of class, lack of knowledge about the law (you don’t have to suffer just a “material” damage to sue), lack of knowledge about his neighbour to the North and so on speaks for itself. As I said before, I won’t enter into a battle of wits with an unarmed man. Canada and the US have a special friendship, as evidenced by numerous acts of kindness we have shown to one another. 3 examples from a Canadian perspective -1)What was the first ship to offer aid to the people of New Orleans after Katrina, even before a US ship? (Canada) 2) Who “smuggled” Americans into their own embassy after Iran fell to the radicals in 1979? (Canada) 3) Who sent a large contingent of aid workers to NYC after 9/11? (Canada).
Tom sounds like the kind of person who would let someone drown rather than let him into his lifeboat. I suggest you vote him off the island.
Mr. Esrati,
In response to your comment… your question at the end of your story was:
“What do you think of Mr. Bill Balsamico’s campaign?”
You got your answer… please, for future reference, if you do not want that type of response, take better care in phrasing your question to the public – be a bit more specific.
Side-note: You, too, are guilty of the same
crime: offering up your opinion regarding the topic of discussion.
Respectfully,
Cheryl
Mr. Esrati,
I echo Cheryl’s comment, in that essentially you can’t ask for comment and then be surprised when you receive it. Marketing 101 I would think.
Additionally, it is interesting that you admonish the group not to bash Hal, and yet you use a derogatory term (albeit misspelled): Canuck.
From Dictionary.com:
Ca·nuck ( P ) Pronunciation Key (k-nk)
n. Often Offensive Slang
A Canadian, especially a French Canadian.
Hal can speak for himself, but if I were Canadian, you’d owe me an apology.
Also – no offense to you intended, but, I’m certain that every one of us *DO* make a difference. We after all *are* legally here. We pay taxes. We vote. We raise families. We serve our country and our communities in innumerous ways, without doubt, all legally. We don’t ask foreigners in *their* countries to change for us and to look the other way when we break their laws.
Who are you to judge? You’ve characterized the discussion improperly, and injected a negative slant apparently due to your own biases. Shut down the discussion if you want (given that it does not pertain to marketing per se as you noted) – but please, keep the ad hominem oriented editorial/attack to yourself.
3 points
Hal-You are correct, these people are the 1%. But we have to be careful as a noisy minority can get more done than a silent majority.
2nd- Illegal immigrants do pay taxes, sales tax and social security are removed from their paychecks with no hope of a tax refund in April which they would be due because of their low annual salary.
3rd-The amount of spelling errors contained in a post from some of these folks screaming about illegals needing to learn English is embarrassing.
This thing is winding down, so a couple of parting statements:
1)As mentioned before, I have done a fair amount of travelling in your country (31 states to date). I’m a teacher by trade, so I have had the pleasure of interacting with American adults from various regions. (and contrary to what my misguided friend “Tom” has to say, Americans in Appalachia ARE culturally different from Americans in Seattle. They may share some common values, but trust me – they are different). Education is always a two-way process, and I have learned a lot from my students. This forum opened my eyes quite a bit as well.
2) Obviously this is an emotional topic, but a cool head must prevail. I caught myself getting emotional too, and had to dial back some of my replies.
3) I’m not offended by “Canuck” (I didn’t even know it was a reference to a French-Canadian – I thought it referred to Canadians in general). We named a hockey team the Canucks, so it’s not really a derogatory term. Do you get offended by “Yankee”?
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to contribute my two cents (Canadian)
Which 1% are you referring to?
http://www.pollingreport.com/immigration.htm
This covers a lot of ground in polling where people stand on immigration issues.
Having lived in Canada- when I was a tike -learning to play hockey- I never heard of “Canuck” as negative- and neither had Hal.
When I asked what people thought of the campaign- I was asking from a marketing, and specifically, viral marketing- aspect-
as in- what do you think of his method of reaching the masses- not the actual ads- this was all meant to be about marketing- as you see all of the other posts on this site are about…
At no point was I getting into the fray about his actual message- but, after reading many comments full of vitrol- I wonder if there isn’t a more productive way to solve the “Press 1 for English” part- like tutoring.
If we had spent 300 billion on building schools and hospitals in Mexico- instead of Iraq- we might have a 51st state, or at least a neighbor like Canada to our South.
As to being here legally by birth- thank your parents, it’s not a huge accomplishment to be an American- what would impress me more- was what you do as an American-
less than half of the people eligible to vote in this country do.
Our literacy rate and high school graduation rates are both pathetic compared to Cuba.
And- while we’re all so proud of being Americans- right now- the rest of the world doesn’t think we’re so hot- maybe we can work to solve these problems- instead of arguing on this site.
I’m not closing the comments- as long as people stay civil- but, I’d really prefer to talk about gross rating points, efficiency of delivery and how to make a good viral campaign.
Thank you all for your comments. The web is a great tool.
I just received this in an e-mail, and as it relates to illegal immigration, I thought I would pass it on. Soory for its length. (and Tom – it’s just a joke – it’s not real)
>>> Subject: Pressing News from Canada!
>>>
>>> Manitoba (Canada) Herald
>>>
>>> The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada
>>> has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols
>>> to stop the illegal immigration. The actions of President Bush are
>>> prompting the exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they’ll soon
>>> be required to hunt, pray, and agree with Bill O’Reilly.
>>>
>>> Canadian border farmers say it’s not uncommon to see dozens of sociology
>>> professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields
>>> at night.
>>>
>>> “I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood
>>> producer huddled in the barn,” said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield,
>>> whose acreage borders North Dakota. The producer was cold, exhausted and
>>> hungry. “He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range
>>> chicken. When I said I didn’t have any, he left. Didn’t even get a
>>> chance to show him my screenplay, eh?”
>>>
>>> In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher
>>> fences, but the liberals scaled them. So he tried installing speakers
>>> that blare Rush Limbaugh across the fields. “Not real effective,” he
>>> said. “The liberals still got through, and Rush annoyed the cows so much
>>> they wouldn’t give milk.”
>>>
>>> Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals
>>> near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons, drive
>>> them across the border and leave them to fend for themselves.
>>>
>>> “A lot of these people are not prepared for rugged conditions,” an
>>> Ontario border patrolman said. “I found one carload without a drop of
>>> drinking water. “They did have a nice little Napa Valley cabernet,
>>> though.”
>>>
>>> When liberals are caught, they’re sent back across the border, often
>>> wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors
>>> have been circulating about the Bush administration establishing
>>> re-education
>>> camps in which liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch
>>> NASCAR races.
>>>
>>> In recent days, liberals have turned to sometimes-ingenious ways of
>>> crossing the border. Some have taken to posing as senior citizens on bus
>>> trips to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a
>>> half-dozen young vegans disguised in powdered wigs, Canadian immigration
>>> authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed
>>> senior-citizen passengers on Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney hits to
>>> prove they were alive in the ’50s.
>>>
>>> “If they can’t identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show,
>>> we get suspicious about their age,” an official said.
>>>
>>> Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are
>>> creating an organic-broccoli shortage and renting all the good Susan
>>> Sarandon movies. “I feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian
>>> economy just can’t support them,” an Ottawa resident said. “How many
>>> art-history majors does one country need?”
>>>
>>> In an effort to ease tensions between the United States and Canada, Vice
>>> President Dick Cheney met with the Canadian ambassador and pledged that
>>> the administration would take steps to reassure liberals, a source close
>>> to Cheney said. We’re going to have some Peter, Paul & Mary concerts.
>>> And we might put some endangered species on postage stamps. The
>>> President is determined to reach out,” he said.
LOVE the signs!!! Keep up the great work!!!! I agree with putting something up there about being politically correct about the Holiday season. What a crock!!
As a very conservative retired teacher I can tell you that, “Those of us that get it just plain get it. Those that don’t never will.” Millions of common sense Americans knew we were headed for problems back in the 1960’s when overkill laws were put in place. Forty years later we are struggling over how to unravel the stupid politically correct garbage we’ve wasted forty years on. Keep it up Mr. Balsamico. You’re right on target. I wonder if the ACLU will support your right to free speech?
My assertation would be that this is simply one more issue that is at least partly being viewed by the more liberal part of our country thru their “I hate George Bush” glasses. Whatever the subject is, he’s doing it wrong according to that contingent. It seems to be visceral, and not intellectual. In my view it is really not possible for any person to always be 100% completely wrong on every subject, hence my skepticism of those who trash the current administrations policies consistently without ever acknowledging the issues may not be so simple as right/wrong, or that there should be plenty of middle ground to strive for. This in my view is what you’re referring to as “those who get it”, and “those who don’t”.
To me, the interesting question is, what would they have as a solution? Open borders? Open disregard for laws that are on the books? Should there be no rules?
The part that *is* new is the equal treatment of English and Spanish. 1 for English, 2 for Spanish. That is the one sign that has really struck a chord with this group and I believe it might represent the core of the immigration issue with the greater population.
In my view the reason it is a hot button is that they’re not equally weighted at all. At most, the default 100% of the time should be English, with a way for instance to switch to Spanish in those areas of the country that have a significant non-native Mexican presence. Eg: An ATM in English, with an option to switch to another language. There are many Hmong in the general area I live, so the issue doesn’t just apply to those from Mexico. It’s not logical to make the 240+ million people on the country who “speak English very well” change to accommodate the 22 million who “speak English less than very well”. Source: 2004 Census data. Making the default always English encourages those who don’t speak English well to learn it, whereas treating English and Spanish as equals tells them they don’t have to learn another language.
http://www.factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&-qr_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_S1601&-ds_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_
Sorry for the length of the post, and for the non-viral marketing content! 😉
Au Contraire, Eric. It is directed toward advertising. Where do you want your ad dollar to be focused? Toward the 240 mil who speak English or the 22 mil who speak something else????
Bet you thought you heard the last of me. I’m confused about the “Press one for English” thing. Are you getting these choices when calling just private sector phone numbers, or do you also get this situation when calling public sector organisations? If it’s just private sector, either contact them to voice your displeasure (much better than Mr. Balsamico’s approach as it’s direct), or refuse to do business with them, and tell them why. Businesses don’t like to tick off their customer base, so I’m sure they will act. Or maybe the majority of their customers like to have choices of language. It’s a marketing decision – who do I cater to, and who do I alienate. What do my customers want?
If the public sector is doing this as well, do something about it in the voters’ booth.
I’m making the assumption that your constitution has something in it about English being the official language. In other words, it’s not assumed – it’s written down somewhere.
Hal – “Never assume the obvious is true.” English is not the official language of the United States. The Constitution does not reference an official language. Efforts to pass an amendment to the Constitution making English the official language have not been successful. This is becoming an increasingly frustrating issue, particularly for those people living in states where there is a large populous of Spanish-speaking only immigrants (legal or otherwise) and the “push 1 for English” concept is the norm. This feature is used both in the private and public sectors. Businesses from large utility companies to small dentist offices offer customer service, instructions, appointments, etc. in both English and Spanish. Regarding the public sector, almost all, if not all, government agencies have a Spanish-speaking option, both written and spoken. One even has the option when obtaining a driver’s license!!! And did you know that in Texas, there are some public schools with classrooms taught entirely in Spanish – for those students who do not speak English? I certainly agree with Eric (#79, above) that “making the default always English encourages those who don’t speak English well to learn it, whereas treating English and Spanish as equals tells them they don’t have to learn another language.”
Sooo … your first ammendment currently means freedom of speech in ANY language.
I guess you have some work to do with your elected ones.
We have 2 official languages written into our constitution (English and French), meaning we have the right to be served by our government in either language. Parking tickets, tax notices, court appearances, etc. are in both languages, and bilingualism is definitely a plus if you’re wanting a government job or seeking promotions within the civil service. Private firms are free to do business with their customers in whatever language(s) they want, and obviously the ability to do business in other languages is a competitive advantage.
I don’t believe there is room here for two (or more) official languages. It is contrary to the “unified” concept. Unification is achieved by one common language.
Unification can also be achieved by one religion, one political party, etc. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Hal,
Yes WE DO get offended by the term Yank, or Yankee. I was fortunate enough to spend 4 years in Europe as a youngster, and even then knew that to be called a Yank, or Yankee was not a good thing. They were fightin’ words! Still are. I was glad to have had the opportunities I did, but even more glad to be back in Texas…the land of the wet backs, and pepper bellies unfortunately.
P.S.
Right on Mr. Balsamico! Keep up the good work.
Last note…the reason the wet backs from Mexico get so much of the press is because they make up such a large majority of the illegals entering our country. Our country of the American culture, and American heritage!
I guess I missed the announcement of Greg B. being elected as spokesperson for the American people, but I expect he will be soon launching legal action against the baseball team in New York for having a name that is offensive to all.
It’s ironic though that Greg finds “Yankee” offensive yet “wetback” and “pepperbelly” is perfectly acceptable in his lexicon. I believe Greg has issues best dealt with through therapy and psychotropic medication.
And maybe I’m missing something, but isn’t the U.S. comprised of >300 million INDIVIDUALS? I find it hard to believe that everyone thinks and feels the same on every topic and issue. Maybe it’s that “unity” thing Anne was describing previously. I’m having visions of The Borg from Star Trek -“You will be assimilated – resistence is futile”. I guess after you have the language thing licked (and written into law for Pete’s sake), you can decide on one common religion, a single political party, and heck, while you’re at it, why not have just one skin colour? Obviously I’m being more than a tad facetious, but I think you can catch my drift – where does it end?
And then Greg can continue to dream of his country with the one American culture and the one American heritage… Let’s hope he never wakes up.
Glad to see you’re still tuned in Hal. I found it ironic that the number poster on an American topic was a Canadian. Love the hunting in your country by the way. I’ve taken some verbal abuse each time I’ve been there, but I’ve got really thick skin, and have a way of taking people with a grain of salt. You included.
I’ve re-read my post a few times, and I can’t find anything it that smacks of me posing as a spokesman for anything, or anyone. Unless of course you want to count my “WE DO” as speaking for everyone. Just for you Hal, I’ll clarify. When I said “WE” I meant “We” as in sons, and daughters of the Texas, and the South”. I don’t hold any grudges against the North for winning…abolition of slavery was an idea who’s time had com…but that doesn’t mean I want to be categorized as one of them. Not that slavery was what the American Civil War was about by any means. I’ll bet you can’t find many Texans, or Southerners who doesn’t mind being called a Yankee. I’m not talking about people who’ve moved to the South, but rather people actually born, and raised there. As for Steinbrenner’s Yankee…who am I to care or take umbrage at what he decides to call his team. That’s as absurd a thing as when Kevin Costner decided to hold a one man protest against the Super Bowl because he felt for the Buffalo team to be called the Bills was derogatory to bison.
As much as you would like us to not have our own culture Hal, you’ll have to face it that we do. I’m not saying there are not sub-cultures at play in our society, but there is most uneqivocally an American culture. In regards to sub-cultures, I know of towns in Texas where German is still common to hear, as well as areas where various Asian languages are common. Additonally there ar areas in the U.S. that you can still hear Italian if you so choose. I’m sure there are others as well. I suppose you think with smug self assuredness that America is far to young an upstart country to actually have it’s own identity, or had it’s own culture, or heritage. Well rest assured Hal, we have, and we do. It’s not your place for that matter to decide we haven’t any of these things for our own, any more than I can presume to speak for the entire U.S. population. Which I didn’t.
Wet backs, and pepper bellies, one in the same, I’m more than sure is offensive to the individual the tag fits, but then they the ones invading our country, and breaking out law. So who cares Hal. You obviously. So, why don’t you come down here, and help us see the error of our ways. That would be quite amusing. You could actually do something about an issue you obviously feel quite strongly about, rather than sitting comfortably, and safely in your house in another country.
Wet back, and pepper belly are words deeply entrenched in the lexicon of the American Southwest whether you personally like it or not. I know they’re not as widely spread throughout the rest of the U.S. though they’re not on the front lines of this problem.
Lastly, I don’t know why you have to bring so many other issues into the argument of illegal immigration, other than that fact that you possibly feels it adds validity, or strenght to your argument if you broaden the scope of it. It’s an immigration issue Hal. Not religious, not racism, and not party politics.
I’ll close w/ this. Since you felt compelled to list your creditials, and give us a brief rundown on your bio, I’ll include a little on me.
I have two batchelors degrees, a BS in Wildlife Management, and a BS in Range Management, and completed the Ranch Management program at TCU in Fort Worth. I currently over see operations on two family properties one is West Texas, and one in Colorado. I am on the front lines, and have many real live experiences with illegal aliens, or pepper bellies just for you Hal. These experiences have been both positive, and negative. Lastly Hal, my mother was born in Mexico, which makes me 50% of Mexican heritage. I spent 3 years in interior of Mexico. I also and 1/8 Comanche Indian, from my dad’s side. So until you’ve lived the life, and walked the walk Hal, I suggest you don’t try to talk the talk.
Vayo con Dios mi compadre’
Gregorio San Miguel B.
Hal,
I know you threw out the illegal immigration of American draft dodgers during the Vietnam War. Is there a number you have at your disposal for the total “wet backs” Canada so graciously took in? I’m sure it doesn’t compare to number of greasers we receive even monthly, let alone annually. Some estimates are 100,000 beaners enter the country illegally on a monthly basis.
It’s easy for you, as an outsider to condemn us for the majority’s attitude here regarding the spics, but I’d seriously like to know how’d you react in the face of such an influx over a extended period of time. Also, how much property damage did our draft dodgers inflict on the property of private citizens? Probably not much. Last year on just one of my family properties in West Texas, we had two pastures burned by careless wet backs moving through the area, one barn burned in the process, two houses burgularized in their search for food, and valuables, and one vehicle stolen. Additionally we had to replace 14 gates destroyed, and several hundred yards of fencing. Then there’s the livestock that is lost with gates and fences being down. Granted it was a bad year, but our records show that every year for the past 12 have gotten worse than the one before. I suppose you think we should just grin and bear it huh Hal? I know we suffered monetarily more damages that your annual salary Hal. You still begrudge us wanting some controls in place, and enforced?
Wow. Talk about proving my point. Apparently I was mistaken – Greg is the spokesperson for just the South, and then he goes on to say that he does not want to be categorized as being a Northerner. If you’re all the same culturally, what’s the difference? He continues with a fairly lucid defence of his thesis, but I can only guess his medication was not titrated properly, because he starts to lose it at the half-way point.
I’d love to see Greg’s view of “American culture” and then compare and contrast it with that of a couple of dozen citizens from various parts of your country. I’m sure there would be some common threads, but probably more differences than similarities would show . And there’s nothing wrong with that – it would just demonstrate further that everyone is an individual.
Greg goes on to say that he recognises what he calls “subcultures” from an ethnic point of view. I believe that would be due to different backgrounds, although he said in a previous posting that there is just one “American heritage”. Put someone from the Seattle area in the same room as someone from rural S.E Kentucky and tell me they share the same culture. They share the same citizenship and probably love of their country, but culture? I don’t think so. (I taught in both areas) How about a US citizen from Little Havana sharing space with someone from The Hamptons? (same thing – I have worked with these people)
The topic at hand though is immigration; specifically “illegal” immigration. I agree controls need to be in place, and I admit I don’t have first-hand experience with the issue – my only experience was having to go through a US Border Patrol checkstop about 15 miles north of Laredo. Never seen anything like it in Europe or Asia. Heck – you don’t even have to make a stop when driving into another country while in Europe. (at least not in the 8 countries I have been in)
I don’t think it’s rocket science to assume the migration into your country is due to people simply wanting a better life, and the perception is they can get that better life in your country. And for that they get called very uncomplimentary names. I guess you’re the victim of your own successes – others want in on the action – the so-called “American Dream”.
Solutions? Better control of your border is reactionary – why not address the cause? Maybe if conditions improved in Mexico you would see fewer people making the move northward. Is it an easy solution? Hell no, but it’s better than bitching about it on billboards and then congratulating the person for having said it. Talk is cheap, and from what I’m sensing from Greg, you’re frustrated. Talk time is over – make a difference.
And yes it’s ironic a crazy canuck even cares about your problem, but I believe we are joined at the hip. I used to joke in my classes that a Canadian is simply an unarmed American with healthcare, but I’m not so sure anymore.
It’s also ironic that Greg has such strong views on newcomers. His Comanche forefathers could have had the same opinions when the Europeans invaded their turf.
And for an educated person, I suggest Greg take another look at his parchments. TCU issues Bachelor of Science degrees. There’s no “T” in “Bachelor”, and since he pluralised “degrees”, “bachelor” does not require an “s”. Sorry for being pedantic, but that’s the educator in me.
Hal –
The educator in me cannot let this slide –
“He continues with a fairly lucid defence of
his thesis”
Defence is spelled defense.
Nope, in my language the noun has a “c”:
CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
defense, defence (n.), defense (v.)
The noun defense (defence is the British spelling; see SPELLING [1]) is usually pronounced di-FENS, but in the jargon of football and certain other team sports where it means “the defensive unit, or the team currently on the defense, playing against the team with the ball,” it is pronounced DEE-fens. The verb defense is also restricted to sports argot: it means “to design and execute a defense, to defend against,” and it too may be stressed on either syllable. See DEFEND.
Which is not to say that I don’t suffer from “fat finger syndrome” and hit the occasional incorrect key. I get the odd brain fart as well.
Sorry Hal, but as much as you’d like to think I helped your cause…your cause is beyond help. Enough said. I proved no such point of yours. If you doubt how I feel about being classified as a northerner would be the majoritiy feeling in my part of the country try asking around ol’ chap. However, my thoughts about it are not cultural in origin Hal, they are geographic. Sure you can see the difference.
I apologize for misspelling bachelor last night…it was late, and I was tired after days upon days of celebration. I hope you can forgive me, and get past the personal ridicule you seem so bent on.
If you bone up on your reading comprehension skills you’ll see I never said I had any bachelors from TCU, but rather had completed their Ranch Management Program. I received a certificate of completion. My Bachelor degrees are from Sul Ross State University after doing freshman/sophmore general studies at The University of Texas.
In regard to Europe, I suppose things have changed since I lived there. Back in the day we had border stops at all the countries on the continent, and underwent thorough searches when we crossed into East Germany. Hard to fathom them being so care free now.
It’s too bad posting on web sites doesn’t fulfill any requesites for being published in academia. You’d be famous by now if you’re not secretly already someone we should all look up to. LOL
Keep up the good work Hal as your pontifications are very amusing.
Thanks for the chuckles
As the saying goes “just because you said it doesn’t make it so”.
Sul Ross State U. eh? (that’s my canuck accent) From their website, and take note of the first line on paragraph two:
Sul Ross State University is located in scenic Alpine, Texas, the county seat of Brewster County, at the gateway to the Big Bend Country.
The Big Bend Country of Texas — a crucible of cultures: Indian, Spanish, Mexican, Anglo — is a multifaceted region encompassing vast expanses of the great Chihuahuan Desert, picturesque hills and mountains reaching more than 8,000 feet high, rolling plains and lush grasslands and a wide assortment of plants, wildlife and geological features which annually attract over half a million visitors from throughout the world.
Sounds lovely, but as most people on this blog assert that the U.S. is NOT multicultural, I am left to conclude that the Big Bend Country of Texas is not in the U.S.
The sentence construction of the second paragraph is horrendous – good example of a run-on sentence and a split infinitive. This from an institute of higher learning?
I apologise if I was getting personal. I just can’t stand still when I see or hear bigotry. I can understand your frustration and/or anger with the destruction caused by some of the immigrants, but you are blaming the many for the actions of a few.
At least you have treated ME with respect (well, pretty close), and I respect a healthy exchange of opposing views without resorting to cheap shots. And if by “chuckles” you mean post #76, you’re welcome.
In case for just a second you think this is a race issue don’t forget from where my Mother is from. This issue is one of the legality of a group of people to be here. It most unequivocally is not a race issue. To many in my own country I’m a greaser or beaner though because of my light complexion the issue never arises untill they see my full name, or I tell someone. This issue has nothing to do with race. If I’m bigoted against law breakers, a group different from my own, then so be it. I can live w/ that. By this definition of bigotry you are a bigot, and practice bigotry against bigots. I’m against law breakers, and you’re against people who are against law breakers. There you have.
By chuckles I meant all of your posts. Hope you don’t mind I find them, and you funny.
I believe I have treated you with respect, and I try to treat everyone with respect. I have in my employ just FYI several Mexicans who have documentation obtained legally, and have entered this country legally.
Thanks again for all the humor.
Quote : If I’m bigoted against law breakers, a group different from my own, then so be it. I can live w/ that. By this definition of bigotry you are a bigot, and practice bigotry against bigots. I’m against law breakers, and you’re against people who are against law breakers. There you have. Unquote
Huh? Must be a language barrier 🙂
What’s your opinion of jay-walkers, people that are late returning library books and those that rip the labels off their mattresses? You must have a colourful term of affection for them as well. (and that IS a joke)
Just to let you know that some in Australia share (some) of your views. And here’s a surprise – I agree with some of the opinions in the article, but not all of them. It’s a parochial point of view, but recent events are probably causing the mind-set.
Interesting that the article has a “quote”, but doesn’t state the source, thus shattering any credence it attempts. Anyway, here it is. Feel free to blog your “attaboys” just like you did for Mr. Balsamico:
THREE CHEERS FOR AUSTRALIA
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.
Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament.
“If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you,” he said on national television.
“I’d be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can’t agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that’s a better option,” Costello said.
Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country.
Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should “clear off”.
“Basically, people who don’t want to be Australians, and they don’t want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically clear off,” he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation’s mosques.
USA and Canada….. ARE YOU LISTENING?
Quote:
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It ! I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.
However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the “politically correct” crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia.
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.
This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.
This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, then learn the language!
Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, Because God is part of our culture.
We will accept your beliefs and will not question why, all we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.
If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don’t like “A Fair Go”, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don’t care how you did things where you came from. By all means keep your culture but do not force it on others.
This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this, but once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian/Canadian/US/British et al freedom, “THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.”
If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.
Pretty easy really, when you think about it. I figure if we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.
I don’t know why I even bother to respond to such drivel, but just to keep you happy, and keep this going…I am against law breakers of all sorts Hal, though I’m know I’ve broken some intentionally, and I’m sure I’ve broken some unknowingly. I guess next you’ll say I should be bigoted against myself.
I have a question for you Hal. Are there any countries with worse illegal immigration problems than the U.S.? Someone told me there were other countries w/ the same problem but on a larger scale. I figure you might know. I couldn’t find anything to document it, and the person who told me couldn’t back his sh*t up either.
Well, I must sign off now, as it’s time to hit the river and see if there’s anything to shoot at tonight. We must protect ou property you know.
Cheerio
Greg, take a shot for me, I cannot afford subplimental insurance but my taxes on my Social Security goes to pay for medical for the illegals…
In fact, take a second shot.
Wonder how much Canadians pay for illegals to have insurance?
No one in any country, should have to pay for anyone, who does not belong there.
Can’t be more simple.
Darn – I wanted to be #100.
Greg – #97 stated it was a joke with a smattering of sarcasm. The intent was that everyone breaks laws, either intentionally (motive, premeditated, malice aforethought) or unintentionally (accidental, or simple ignorance of the law). Murder, theft, destruction of property, defamation – all serious crimes. Jay-walking – not so much. Hell, I’m forced to break a U.S. law every time I enter the States on business. As I said before, I’m a teacher, yet I’m not allowed to say the purpose of my trip is to teach. I’m forced to lie and say I’m attending meetings. Funny part is I’m teaching U.S. government people (Military)
Your question about immigration problems in other countries : Off the top of my head I would say some countries in Africa are having problems, because people are fleeing their home countries due to famines, droughts, political unrest, and enter countries that are a little more well-off. (and we’re talking millions of people) Once in the country they are usually kept in refugee camps or detention centres (or “centers” for you guys – up here in the land of free health care and the Robertson screw a “center” is a “middle”, and a “centre” is a place such as a shopping centre).
And I hope YOU were joking about the hunting.
And I could have a go with “Greywolf” and his comment about “belonging”, but I won’t, except to say my assumption is that he is Native American (because of the name), so if anybody should be ticked about immigration, it should be him (her?). His ancestors were doing just fine until the immigrants arrived; starting with the Vikings, Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and so on.
I know you were joking. I still felt compelled to answer the way I did because that’s the way I roll…to use common vernecular.
I’m going to leave you wondering about my activities last night, though no where did I use the word “hunting”. I just got in around 4:30 am, and there’s no social night life this far out. The nearest party is in another country.
In regard to your comments about the indians of North America, and keep in mind, I’m 1/8 Commanche, and 1/2 Mexican, American, or the U.S. if you will was not a country at the time any the conquerers arrived. They were for a large part nomadic hunter gatherers, though some in the East, and Southwest did have permanent settlements. They were also living a stone age life as the majority of the world was nearing the industrial age. Clash was inevitable, and necessary, so don’t be so naive as to think that the people of Scandinavian, or Euro descent did anything that didn’t happen in due time.
I’m not in the frame of mind to attempt a long drawn out well constructed reply to you, but I’ll leave you with this, and it may well be my last reply.
I know you’ve traveled extensively, as have myself. However, until you’ve spent extended life down here, in this country (the border lands), and truly experienced life among the hoardes of illegal immigrants, as only someone that lives here can, you’ll never even come close to understanding the problems we face down here on the border. A tourist, or someone passing through for a few days or weeks will never understand. Also, I’m confident that were you to spend a few years here, you would come away a different individual. I don’t mean different point of views, or that you’d have an understanding. You would have adapted yourself, partially knowingly, and partially unknowingly, into a different person. That’s what humans of any nationality, or race do. They adapt. This is a totally different environment than anywhere else in the world. Not to say it’s the only unique environment in the world, but having traveled to every continent w/ the exception of Antartica, I can tell you that most places in the world have similarities with somewhere else in the world. I’m not just talking geographical similarities, but rather lifestyle, and socio-economic similarities. I’m sure for you to come live here for a couple of years is: 1. not something you want to do, and 2. not possible for you. Since you can’t you need to realize you can not understand, or explain, or begin to offer a fix w/out the life experiences of life in the Southwest. If you think other wise we’ll just have to agree to disagree, and I’ll be the one who’s lived it, and you’ll be the outsider with all the opinions. You’re like the guy in a adult club staring relentlessly at a girl until his buddy says he needs to quit “stare f*cking her”. You’re just stare f*cking our problem.
Have a great day, and thanks for the jousting.
OK, we’ll leave it as that – a gentleman’s agreement to disagree. Have a nice life and I hope it gets even better for you.
Mr. Esrati’s original question – what do you (we) think of Mr. Balsamoco’s campaign as an example of viral marketing? I am not a marketer, but my undergrad degree is in microbiology, so I will comment from that perspective. “Viral” implies the inability to reproduce or propagate by itself – a virus needs a host. Mr. Balsamico’s ideas expressed on his sign were planted in the viewers’ minds, where they festered and mutated. This forum is evidence of that. During the viral reproduction cycle these ideas are repeated again and again at an exponential rate – just like when a virus attacks a cell, takes control so only viral material gets reproduced, where they in turn invade other cells, and so on, and so on.
So my opinion of Mr. Balsamico’s campaign? Effective – very frighteningly so.
I am wondering why Hal ( Mr. Microbiology)
is still on this site posting if he dislikes what he hears here ? Isn’t it odd to get a lecture on freedom from a “subject” who still bows to a queen ? I wonder if Mr. Hal has learned French to converse with his Quebecan fellow “countrymen”? And he chides US for our language while he still uses an antiquated Elizabethan tongue ?? I, personally do not “Sprechen Sie Deutsch” because my grandparents decided they wanted to be
“American” !! But it is awfully kind of him to give “comfort and solace” to the cowards and deserters who shunned their duty to THEIR contry. He is, of course. wrong on the issue of immigration. It is NOT Mexicans, nor any ethnic/national group we protest, but ALL who sneak into our country in violation of our laws.
OH, and his history is wrong also. It wasn’t Canadians who burnd the White House, but British regulars, who DID at the time have the ‘greatest army in the world’ and DID rule an empire! Trouble is, even THEY had to hire Germans to help them during our revolution !!
But what can you expect from someone who has suckled on the teet of Socialism all his life. OH, Hal ? How long does it take you to get heart surgery in your medical fairyland ??
Wess, don’t pick on Canadian Hal, he does not know any better. He is like our own Liberls, who I have dubbed “Lost-in-Space”.
My Mother was from County Cork & my Dad Munich, but they both came to the US, learned to speak English, and raised myself and 2 sisters as though there was no other Country, but the US. Ireland and Germany were in the history books. It is alright to keep a culture, but don’t run around like it is the only culture.
If my Father were alive today, after fighting for America in World War II, he would be furious, with the “Lost-in-Space” Liberls, such as Kennedy, Kerry & Fiengold.
Bob
Hal may have just gone out to hang himself if he just learned Canada elected a…….GASP !! Conservative !??
now that we’re done slappin por ol “lost in space” (his own) Hal…. did anyone ever figure out why we have to press 1? (for english)… if you listen to the introduction you would realize it is in english so pressing “1” to continue is a statement that english is sttill the recgonized (oficially or otherwise) as the language of most who choose to answer a phone…. Immigration… you hit the nail on the head when you said “we are not mad at immigrants, but upset at the ones who, in violation of laws of our country, sneak in and then try to dictate their beliefs to us… a little like a home invasion burgular telling you how to live
I’m off for a month of vacation on my houseboat and the laptop stays home, so this will be my last communiqué. I’m hoping to read a lot of books, drink a few Canadian beers and catch a mess of Pickerel and Jack. (That’s Walleye and Northern Pike to those south of the 49th) This blog will probably be pulled before my return, so please don’t waste your time responding. The forum is supposed to be about marketing anyway.
You have your opinions, and I have mine. Yes, I don’t live and breathe the immigration “problems” you are alleging, so I can’t possibly know them first-hand. But I CAN have an objective opinion, as I’m an impartial bystander. (or try to be) Different perspective, that’s all.
Wess – I don’t “bow to a queen”. 1) I’ve never met her, and 2) not every Canadian is a monarchist, just like not every American is a Republican.
What is a “Quebecan”” Do you mean Quebecer or Quebecois? Mon Français est un peu rouillé puisque je ne l’emploie pas très souvent.
I’m not “chiding” your language – just saying that it’s different due to isolation, evolution and mutation. (just like your cultures and demographics have changed over time). If you don’t like how I communicate, don’t call your language “English”, as that was the language I was using. People in Sweden, Norway and Denmark speak similar languages and can be understood by each other, but each country calls their language by a different name. Suggest you do the same.
“Duty to Country” – for you I guess that means being forced to fight and possibly die in a war that you don’t believe in. Good for you, but that’s not for me. I don’t consider that to be “freedom”. I guess you do.
And please excuse the reference to “Canadians” burning down your White House (twice). It had nothing to do with the topic at hand, but was a knee-jerk reaction to “Tom” and his drivel. Canada became its own country in 1867, and the War of 1812 was in, well, 1812. I just figured if someone in Arizona can call an event that happened there in 1911 “American”, I could do the same with a Canadian reference. Sorry. And don’t believe everything you read in history books. The Bible is the most edited book in the world – next to that are history books. Hence the term “re-writing the history books”.
You use the term “socialism” like it’s a bad thing. All it means is “concern for others”. I don’t know if you have a family, but if you do, I hope you are a socialist within that context, because it just means you care about the well-being of your spouse and children. If your only concern is about yourself, there’s another word – “selfish”.
I’m not upset about the Conservatives being elected. It was time for a change, and since they have a minority government, they know they can’t do anything stupid.
Canada ranks 9th in the world for life expectancy (80.22 years). The U.S. ranks 29th (77.85 years). Bosnia is ahead of you. (!) Our healthcare system must be doing something right. The system here in our “medical fairyland” is based on triage – the people needing the heart surgery the most urgently get the procedure now; those than can wait, do wait. I get the impression your lives are determined by your ability to pay. I sure hope I’m wrong.
Greywolf – are you related to “Sherlock”? Both of you think “I don’t know any better”. As I said, you’re entitled to your opinion and I respect your right to be wrong. (about that idea)
Thanks for saying it’s alright to keep a culture. Maybe not too tightly – you have to adapt. Blend your heritage (culture) with the indigenous culture (whatever that means – seems to be some debate on that), and you’ll become a better person. That’s all I was trying to say.
And for the record – it’s spelled “Liberals”. I can forgive 1 error as a typo, but do it twice and it’s a spelling error. Since you capitalised “Liberals”, you’re speaking from a political point of view, and of the Liberal Party. Kennedy, Kerry and the other person you mentioned (spelled incorrectly, I believe) are Democrats – not Liberals. They may however be liberals.
Oh, if your mother came from Ireland, she probably already spoke English.
Darrell – as I discovered, you (the U.S.) don’t HAVE an official language, you only think you do, so how can it be recognised as such? I also suggest you press “1” to learn how to spell in English, or at least how to proofread.
In parting:
1. Complaining, whining and/or bitching amongst yourselves serves no purpose. Talk to the businesses offering the choice in language. Talk to your politicians.
2. Fewer than half of the eligible voters in your country actually cast their votes. That’s really sad, and gives the impression that you simply don’t care. This forum tells me otherwise. Do something about it.
3. The cure for the immigration issue is not just border controls. That’s like just using a goalie in a hockey game. Address the cause of the problem – not just the problem itself.
Good luck.
See ya, eh?
I understand Bill’s point of view very well. Borders should be closed and no one should be allowed in until verification of employment and a language test has been administered. I don’t care which country someone comes from…immigration laws need to be completely re-thought. Our current immigration laws are outmoded ideas. I was at the supermarket 3 days ago and this kid could not complete his transaction because the automated checkout machine was in ENGLISH. So the customer service person was trying to help him and she had to walk around and ask people if they spoke Spanish. Finally, he finished up because a Spanish speaking girl helped him….my point being….learn how to speak English. By the way, I’ve lived in other countries and I learned how to speak the languages…I am a proponent of learning a new language, however, I would not live in another country unless I possessed a basic command of that language.
Simple solution to Patrick’s concern – since majority rules in a democratic society (note the absence of capitalisation so as not to reference a political philosophy), make your version of “English” the official language in your country. And by that I mean put it in your Constitution. Better do it soon though. If you try it 10 or 20 years down the road you may find the majority votes for Spanish.
Sure seems simple enough doesn’t it? Congress has been considering the proposed amendment to adopt English as the “official” language of the United States for something like 20 years or so, and it still has not passed. Go figure. Groups opposed to the amendment (i.e., the ACLU) believe that, among other things, the amendment would somehow violate the rights of the non-English population and would not afford them due-process under the Constitution, as amended. Others opposed to the amendment believe it not to be necessary, as the English language is not in jeapordy of disappearing. Hmmmm. You’re right, Hal, let’s see in 10 or 20 years how in danger the English language is of disappearing. I just may be joining you in Canada, Hal!!
On a side note: Hal, I eagerly await your responses to this blog, and have to chuckle at many of your responses. While I agree with certain of the things you say, and I believe you believe some as well, I think you choose to play “devil’s advocate” in some instances (i.e., your “gentlemanly” bantering with Greywolf (see above)) just to yank some chains. Good for you — you keep it interesting! Hope to hear from you soon!
Anne – you have me pegged. I like to stir the pot a little to get people thinking. I just don’t like to take the cheap shot route, so try to keep it “cerebral”. Some times it’s really difficult to bite my tongue though.
Not being American and being more than a little ignorant about constitutional matters, does everything in the Constitution need to be brought to “the people”? By that I mean, can the language issue be handled by the politicians? (who hopefully represent the will of the people)
This is me stirring the pot again, but I find that sometimes your government listens to “the people” a little too much. 2 examples come to mind:
1. Your currency. I HATE handling your one dollar bills. They take up a lot of room in a wallet, it seems that no matter how hard you try to get rid of them, they “pile up”, but most importantly, most are in terrible shape (ripped, mangled, so thin that light shines through). A $1 or $2 coin is more expensive to manufacture, but lasts a lot longer, so is more efficient in the long run. Since they are heavier, you don’t want to carry lots of them, so you tend to unload them faster. I know the U.S experimented with the $1 coin in the past with the Susan B. Anthony coin and the recent one with the Native American woman, but I think the government made a big mistake – they offered a choice. They should have pulled all the $1 bills from circulation, thus forcing the populace to use the coin. Yes, loss of freedom, but I don’t think it would have been a big deal.
2. Imperial system of measurement (sort of – your gallon is different). You (the U.S.) are only 1 of 3 countries in the world that have NOT gone metric (the others being Liberia and Myanmar). It’s in your best interest to go with the flow. (trade implications, lower manufacturing costs, etc.) Yeah, it will be a pain in the glutes during the transition, and some people “just won’t get it”, but future generations of Americans will thank you. Now if they could only metrify time …
Glad you enjoy my rants.
i can’t stand it when people have jobs yet don’t understand english in the simplest form… i haven’t had a drive thru order right in 8 years.
however, technically mexico stretched up to colorado thru california..
so its not really an invasion.. more like them just ‘coming back’.
however i do believe the bastards should speak english and learn how to drive first.
Seems a little strange someone in Canada would be complaining about American money … Maybe if ya lived here you would get nice shiney money in good shape (hardly able to see through) like the rest of the people from this country that use it. Unfortunatly, up there, yall are so desperate for dollars that the ones ya have stay in circulation and wear out. Solution… take it to a bank and exchange it !!… heh
And, on a lighter note… Mexico used to strech all the way up to Oregon. Here in the south the Mexican nationals call the refiltration of Mexico back into the states “reconquista” roughly meaning “the reconquest” and their government does everything in their power (short of a cry for open revolution) to assist this.
I see you didn’t take the suggestion offered in July concerning your learning of the language or proofreading before you send :
Darrell – as I discovered, you (the U.S.) don’t HAVE an official language, you only think you do, so how can it be recognised as such? I also suggest you press “1” to learn how to spell in English, or at least how to proofread.
I was complaining about the money I get while in your country – U.S. money – the flimsy bills that everyone passes around down there until they disintegrate.
We (Canada) got rid of $1 and $2 bills years ago. I’m looking forward to having a $5 coin.
And what do you mean by “refiltration of Mexico back into the states”? Do you mean “reintegration of the states back to Mexico”? (maybe repatriation?) Anyway – see previous comment about learning the language.
I’m so hapopy your country does it so good hal. Hell, we should all move there and learn how to do it “the right way”, you should become the minister of money printing (or at least the guy with the pointy hat that dances in the court) We stand in ahhhhhhh of you mastery of the english language, you are indeed a reel smarty of a dood and we should all want to be just like you…… oh weight, that would make us….. never mind. I like being down here. Deal, you stay up there and i’ll stay down here
Now I KNOW you’re spoofing me – no one could possibly fracture the language as you were doing without making a conscious effort to do so.
Why would I want to be the “minister of money printing” when I’m avocating coinage? It’s pretty difficult to print a coin. (you mint them)
The U.S. Treasury was going in the right direction when they introduced the 2 versions of dollar coins. Its mistake was is in not pulling the bills from circulation at the same time.
There are not many countries that still offer a paper version of their base monetary unit. Maybe it’s an aversion to change thing in the U.S. (pun intended), and that could also be one explanation for your country’s resistance to convert to the metric system.