Matt Ryan 'pressed' at his pro day
Both Chris Long at Virginia and Matt Ryan at Boston College had their pro days Tuesday.
There were 39 NFL representatives in attendance with Director of college scouting Chris Grier and quarterback coach David Lee representing the Dolphins at Ryan's pro day. There were 42 NFL reps present for the Long pro day at Virginia. For more info on Long's day go to colleague Barry Jackson's Buzz column in The Herald Wednesday.
Anyway, back to Boston College. Ryan threw 52 passes and completed 48, as three were reported dropped and one was simply overthrown. But despite this high completion percentage several coach and GM types came away with mixed reviews.
Kansas City coach Herm Edwards, whose club has the fifth pick in the draft said Ryan, "pressed a couple of times, trying to throw the ball a little too hard. That's generally what happens with quarterbacks, when you get the media there. Again, he pressed some throws, but the thing this guy has is his ability to win."
Vikings personnel man Rick Spielman ('memba him?) also agreed Ryan was pressing.
Question: So some quarterbacks, including Ryan, throw too hard when the media is watching? I have news for the kid and that is the media watches practices, scrimmages and games. So he better get over it.
Bottom line is I would not draw too many conclusions from what happened Tuesday because Ryan, along with the Longs and possibly others will be scrutinized some more by the Dolphins. And as to what the Dolphins will do, nobody knows.
That's because even if you know Bill Parcells won't tell you. I refer to this item by Peter King at si.com:
"I'll never forget the 1986 draft, when I was covering the Giants for Newsday. I'd heard Parcells had sent a coach to Columbus to work out Ohio State linebacker Pepper Johnson a few days before the draft. On the eve of the draft I called Parcells. "Sounds like you're interested in Pepper Johnson,'' I said. The noise that came out of his mouth was something beyond, Are you kidding me? "Pepper Johnson? Pssssshhhhhhawwwww.''
For those of you not familiar with NFL history, the Giants drafted Johnson the next day.
There were 39 NFL representatives in attendance with Director of college scouting Chris Grier and quarterback coach David Lee representing the Dolphins at Ryan's pro day. There were 42 NFL reps present for the Long pro day at Virginia. For more info on Long's day go to colleague Barry Jackson's Buzz column in The Herald Wednesday.
Anyway, back to Boston College. Ryan threw 52 passes and completed 48, as three were reported dropped and one was simply overthrown. But despite this high completion percentage several coach and GM types came away with mixed reviews.
Kansas City coach Herm Edwards, whose club has the fifth pick in the draft said Ryan, "pressed a couple of times, trying to throw the ball a little too hard. That's generally what happens with quarterbacks, when you get the media there. Again, he pressed some throws, but the thing this guy has is his ability to win."
Vikings personnel man Rick Spielman ('memba him?) also agreed Ryan was pressing.
Question: So some quarterbacks, including Ryan, throw too hard when the media is watching? I have news for the kid and that is the media watches practices, scrimmages and games. So he better get over it.
Bottom line is I would not draw too many conclusions from what happened Tuesday because Ryan, along with the Longs and possibly others will be scrutinized some more by the Dolphins. And as to what the Dolphins will do, nobody knows.
That's because even if you know Bill Parcells won't tell you. I refer to this item by Peter King at si.com:
"I'll never forget the 1986 draft, when I was covering the Giants for Newsday. I'd heard Parcells had sent a coach to Columbus to work out Ohio State linebacker Pepper Johnson a few days before the draft. On the eve of the draft I called Parcells. "Sounds like you're interested in Pepper Johnson,'' I said. The noise that came out of his mouth was something beyond, Are you kidding me? "Pepper Johnson? Pssssshhhhhhawwwww.''
For those of you not familiar with NFL history, the Giants drafted Johnson the next day.
posted by Armando Salguero at 8:14 PM
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129 Comments:
Los tres amigos saben que tienen que buscar a los gorditos de las lines....lo demas es mentira
Ryan is a bum
los gorditos de las lines???? a chinga, y eso de dónde salió???
Armando, what is the chance the Dolphins make a real splash during the draft day and, after several moves, they land both, C. Long and Gholston????
I'd love to see that!!!
Arturo
ummm drop the chulupa?
I have news for you, Armando. The media doesn't watch practices of Bill Parcells' teams.
Anonymous,
Usted tiene razon. Hay que poner los fuertes an las lineas. Si no lo hacen, nada funciona.
Esos tipos estan singanodo la cabra!
-Manuelo
Eagles are endangered species... and Matt Ryan would be endanged behind our o-line. If we draft him, our only plays will be roll outs. Speaking of which, that's the only reason Lemon had any remote success - they had him roll out. They made Beck a sitting duck by keeping him in the pocket. I think we should draft the rights to Terrelle Pryor at #1. No hablo espanol, amigo. Adios.
Who cares........the franchise doomed itslef to eternal failure when Tuna failed to sign Faneca, Pace & Hall.
The last post was from Armando.
Last time I checked, this was an English site. I know that you guys can write it because your posting, so that probably means you can read in English. Why can none of the Mexicans in this country learn to speak the language? You come here and exploit things like welfare and can't even simply learn English. I guess that there is no hope for this country.
-Chris
Faneca, Pace, Hall, dude...are you a girl? You should go check out a cheerleader bulletin board.
martink... Eagles aren't endangered anymore (look it up), plus it was a lame attempt to be witty.
On another note, this management is driving me crazy and I like it. We have no idea where we're going with the pick b/c Parcells is anal and ultra secretive, which is annoying right now but an overall great strategy. I'm hoping it's Jake Long just b/c he seems like the safest bet and could definitely be an impt piece of the Phins for the next decade, sounds good to me.
Hey anonymous at 11:02. No need to hide behind your racist comments, I know who you are Thomas Robb. Dude, you are an idiot, have you ever actually been to Miami? How long have you lived in Florida? Guess what, Spanish is spoken here. A lot of it. And not everyone that speaks Spanish is Mexican, and by the way, Taco Bell is not Mexican either. It's not our fault that you don't have any pro teams in Arkansas. So take the cross out of your neighbors lawn, put away the lighter and go root for another team...maybe the Nashville Predators...I think they are all white there. Watch out though, they speak French in Tennessee.
Getting back to the football discussion, I would really like them to pick Ryan. The phins can't go another year with the same QB rotation they've had for the past few years. Beck can't do it and we know that. McCown can't do anything, especially with Miami's O-line. At least Ryan offers some hope for a future QB.
Getting back to the football discussion?? You should go discuss cheerleading with the guy that's upset over not signing a couple of senior citizens and a high priced #2 corner. Oh, and by the way, "Beck can't do it and we know that"?? Who is "we"? Do you have someone in your pocket? This WE doesn't agree with you at all...I'm not totally in love with John Beck either but please explain how Matt Ryan would offer us hope for the future.
Explain the difference between Matt Ryan and Erik Ainge. Erik played with a worse WR corp than Ryan and played in a tougher conference. Ainge stats last year was 62.6 Completion with 3522 yards and 31 touchdowns to 10 Interceptions. He also lost in the SEC Championship. To me he is just like Ryan.
Hey Guys...keep up will ya! The Anony who made the comment about Hall, Pace, and Faneca was referring to Armando saying similar things about us not signing those three. He was poking fun at Mando...not being serious!
And MisterX...I couldn't agree more on your who's the "WE" comment by Pat. I haven't seen enough of Beck to pass judgement on him yet, and we certainly haven't seen enough of Ryan since he's never taken a pro snap!
Anyone writing Beck off as trash already has zero football knowledge...ZERO. The examples are endless...firt one that comes to my mind is Brees. Took him almost two years to start playing at a high level, and he had WAY more talent around him!
I don't see it in Ryan. I think he's prone to making poor decisions and is way to careless with the football. IMO.
I've watched a few of Ryan's highlight reels on the various sites. He gets the ball out but Beck might put more zip on the ball than he. I think if we do draft a QB give me one of the cannon arms of Hennne or Flacco. I agree that Beck really hasn't had his shot yet. I like the fact that Beck is thrilled to be working with a QB coach. It amazes me that he didn't have one last year....did he? I also read he put on 10 lbs.....he seems dedicated....we'll see how it works out. Also McKown, they say he has the tools, has he played on a good team really with a good line? Hopefully we hit on a tackle and guard for our oline in the draft.
Kinda tired of guys saying I wanted the Fins to sign Pace. Not true, especially for $22 million guaranteed. So get your facts right, Jinva.
As for Faneca and Hall. If you're going to keep 34 year old twinkletoes as the Dolphins are "promising," might as well have a 24-year-old lockdown corner and a 31-year-old Pro Bowl guard, I think.
One more thing, I'm going to keep the moronic mexican insults up so you guys understand how stupid some people are. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the people who come to this country eventually do learn English and their kids speak English like natives (because they are) and their grandkids forget how to speak Spanish altogether.
Viva Cuba Libre!
Did Armando really cry about those 3 guys?? I think that's an exaggeration. Matt Ryan might make a good NFL starter...who knows. I just hope the Dolphins don't want to risk $35 million to find out. David Lee has a great resume as a QB coach - whether or not Beck is the future, he will be better next year. The thing about McCown is that he will probably always to be a #2, however, the last club he was with, the Raiders, have a bad reputation for wasting talent and maybe, just maybe with the right coaching he could have a breakout year. As far as QB in the second round, Flacco will not be there, maybe not Henne either. My sleeper pick is Andre Woodson, google him, youtube him, whatever. He has a few bad habits but he has all the "stuff" you want in a great QB.
Que tal Armando? or should I say or Como van las cosas? Actually, according to your reader I am supposed to say: Que paso hombre? Orale vato, viva la rasa! Anyway, that guy is a real stupido, que no?
YO SOY CHICANO
Armando, s'il vous plait. Quelle chance pensez-vous que M. Parcells prendra M. Ryan avec le premier choix dans l'ébauche ?
Je n'aime pas ce choix. Je préférerais que nous prenons M. J. Long, ou M. C. Long. Des deux options, je préférerais M. J. Long, mais je serais heureux avec C. Long.
En ce qui concerne M. Ryan, je ne crois pas qu'il a l'amont suffisant. En outre il a jeté loin trop d'interceptions dans son carrière d'université.
En bref, je suis d'accord avec M. Neil : M. Ryan est un clochard.
Or anyway something like that.
OK, I forgot that in Florida there are a lot of Cubans. I live in California, where it is like 99% Mexican. And Armando I usually agree with you, but you are way off. You know many times I have gone out to a fast food place, or the grocery store and see Mexicans talking to their kids in Spanish? Just about every time. You know how many jobs will not hire people that don't speak Spanish? Hardly any anymore, certainly not a customer service job.
The point is America is English speaking, (or at least it was) and people should learn English if the're gonna be here. And just to let you know, an estimated 20 million people are here illegally. And I can guarantee that most of them don't speak English.
-Chris
Salam alaken, eat a lot of bacon.
Ahab the Arab
(Sheik of the burning sand)
And BTW, I am not a racist. I am in the freaking miliary, you know how many different races are there? I have no problems with anybody as long as they speak English and follow the laws we have in place (ie come here legally).
-Chris
I'm just going to say two things:
1. To all the ignorant that diminishes other countries and cultures. I'm Mexican and I can read and write and speak in at least 3 languages. What about you?
2. I'm a Miami Dolphins fan since I was 10 years old and guess what, I'm proud to say that I was born and raised in Mexico and I've been living here all my life. The Miami Dolphins are not exclusive from those who live in Florida, is the team from everyone who saw Dan Marino's eyes on fire every single game, from anyone who have suffered with this team since he retired; who reads, and writes and speaks about the Dolphins as I love to do it, 'cause I love this game, I fell in love with THIS team, no matter I'm too far to see them playing up there as I'd love to. So... Viva Mexico Cabrones, y Viva los Delfines de Miami, hijos de p......
By the way, I think you are doing a heck of a job Armando and I have to say that I love what Tuna is doing with OUR team and I fully support every move from him and his scouting team.
Arturo
I'm happy that you can speak 3 languages Arturo, especially English. But I will say that if and/or when i got stationed in a different country, I would learn the language.
-Chris
I am also not what you call racist. But those little brown people that come into my store speaking what you say, gibberish?
They stand outside my store speaking gibberish, drinking beer and scaring my customers.
Slurpee sales are down and nobody buying hotdogs.
Apu (at the Kwiki-Mart)
To the guy who mentioned the "MExican" exploitation of USA...
Are you kidding me? What about the exploitation that USA preforms over Mexico and... actually the rest of the world? By the way... do the self-called "Americans" (rather United Staters or whatever, because, surprise: America is a continent, not a country!) speak any other language outside English?
Mmmmh... touché!
Let's go Dolphins!
Chris - who cares if you're in the "freaking military"? Do you think that somehow excuses you for having a tiny, closed little mind?
I fought in two wars, but that doesn't give me reason to blame our country's problems on people who don't speak English. If anything, your service should teach you to appreciate the differences between people. And by the way - if you were sent to another country, would you know how to speak their language on the first day? Would you simply sit there, dumb and silent, until you obtained fluency in that other language? How do you know these people aren't trying to assimilate? Why does it bother you so much that they speak Spanish?
Obviously, you've got some unresolved issues if the mere fact that someone writes in Spanish on a Fins blog triggers such anger in you. If you're going to blame your problems on Spanish speakers, fine, go to talk radio, where Hannity and Limbaugh welcome such hate-mongering. But please spare Fins fans your whining and let's get back to discussing why Jake Long is the only sensible choice for the Fins' first pick.
(&^*ing blue people, eh? Coming over here stealing our jobs and our hamsters.
I am the one who posted the first comment on the blog last night. For your information I am from Venezuela and i went to college in norht carolina. Armando I am sure you remember me because i rented you cars from enterprise office every time your GM car broke down a few years ago.....so you guys see i do know english and i do know about football not only soccer..jejejej
Like i say last night the tree amigos knows that they need to beef up the lines if they want to win any games in this league
Nos vemos en el espejo jejejej
Time to watch Fox News and catch up on more political stuff.
My grandparents came around the time of the first world war. They proudly spoke in their native language. Their kids and grandkids (me) still will only speak and write in their native language. Why should we have to learn a new language. Here in America, this country will accomodate me speaking in my Grandparents language, so there is no reason to change.
Oh yea, I forgot. My Grandparents were from England.
What do you call someone who speaks 2 languages?: Bilingual
What do you call some who speaks 3 languages?: Trilingual
What do you call someone who only speaks 1 language?: American
Mjfin: I cannot speak french. But I took two years in high school and college and I can sort of read it.
To wit: I don't think Ryan will be the pick unless the Dolphins pick the guy to trade him, which seems unlikely right now.
I think M. Chris Long is the pick today but who knows in 35 days when the draft happens. Stuff happens, you know?
And yes, I agree Ryan had a lot of interceptions in college, particularly earlier in his career.
Bon au revoir.
What in the hell happened to the football talk?? Who cares what language any of you speak!?!?!
And to Harry Potter.......... America is a country you ever hear of " United States of America" or "USA"
Look Ryan is a no go for teh Fins. Why? Look at this quote from today's Boston Globe:
>>Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman agreed that Ryan seemed to press at times, but he added that he was impressed with his mobility and arm strength. Spielman called Ryan "an anticipatory thrower" with "a good sense for where to put [the ball]."<<
When Rick Spielman likes a QB, the Fins should get very, very far away from him!
I normally keep out of political crap and stupid comments but I have to jump into this one. Chris, you are a fool and a disservice to the military. You write that you spend a lot of time in the military surrounded by different races. Races that are defending this country and risking their lives just like you.
I was in the military as well. I was born in El Salvador and I laid it on the line for the US. I was in Iraq and paid my dues in my eyes. Not because your worthless and closed-minded opinion matter to me, but because of my own beliefs.
The United States (country) of America (continent) was started by immigrants who came here and killed all of the natives off. You're essentially European (including Spanish). I don't have a personal issue with that. It's just a fact. Go back in your own ancestry and you might come out a little surprised.
OK rant over. Who else is as excited as I am about this coming draft. I have NO IDEA who the Dolphins are picking and it's driving me crazy in a good way. I feel like I'm waiting for my blind date to arrive set up by a friend I KNOW has good taste. I can't wait!
Oh yeah, please no Ryan. I still have faith that Beck can give us plenty and look forward to seeing it come to fruition. Ryan hasn't shown me anything and I think he takes a long slide in this draft like Quinn did last year.
ALL OF YOU!! PLEASE READ.......
I just read an article in the Palm Beach Post regarding O.J. Brigance and his fight with Lou Gehrig's Disease. I have to admit that I didn't know anything about it other than who it is named after and it is very saddening when you read the story. I appreciate in advance Armando that you'll keep this post up even when it points to another paper. Please take the time to read the article and maybe look inside and donate to the fund O.J. Brigance started. It is a terrible disease and I wish him the best.
Oh yeah, forget I said ALL of you. O.J is an African-American and the hyphen is sure to throw Chris off. Don't worry about it Chris, the intelligent people will handle it.
Buenos Noches Mien Freunds,
Of course Matt Ryan was throwing hard. When I get nervous I start spewing chunks too. You know, tossing my cookies... aka the techicolor yawn, hurling, retching or just plain barfing. Sometimes it just feels like I drank a 16 oz glass of kitchen grease that they keep in metal tanks out back behind the restaurants.
As far as him 'pressing" - I think he may have had a large meal in anticipation of a big day and it got the better of him as the days activities wore on under the glaring scrutiny of the media hordes. And of course he succumbed like the best of qbs. You know... prairie dogging, poking daylight, or God forbid the dreaded fudge bubble. That once happened on a date and I had to coyly exciuse myself and deep six my BVDs in the young lady's toilet to hide the evidence. Well wouldn't you know it- that clogged the toilet and there were several massive bloated floaters in there too... I was spending far too long in there and she asked if everything was alright, and I mentioned that I might need a mop and a plunger. Fortunately after some wrangling I got the thing down, and we ended up going out to a quiet little bar I know called The Powder Keg. Later at her place I scored big time ... Yea Baby! So I think the moral of the story is that this Ryan kid will be fine.
Spielman and Herman Edwards threw out some negatives so that Ryan can drop to them.
Rick Spielman is a BUM!!!! He's part of the reason why we're the worst team in the NFL!!!
The poster was slightly confused and certainly won't find an American who understands geography well enough to get the point. North America is a continent. The Americas refers to three regions - North America, Central America, and South America. Anyone from any of those places is technically an American including Mexicans and Canadians.
White people who think they are Americans are actually citizens of the United States of America. Of course, none of this would need to be known if people didn't feel the need to limit themselves by attaching myriad labels to themselves to divide one another. Given human nature and the need to subjugate another to make yourself feel better about your own lot in life, I would suggest when using a label to at least know how to apply them intelligently. The political correctness police and their need to call black people African-Americans (they aren't anymore than I am European-American) or third generation "Americans" calling themselves Cubans are equally ignorant. I can't wait to see how many "Cubans" immediately reject the idea of moving to Cuba once the doors open again. Similar to "African-Americans" who visit their homeland.
As far as the Dolphins, linebacker and cornerback should be the priorities because there are plenty of tackles to be had. Anyone calling for a QB as the first pick should be sent to an isolated island in the Pacific.
It sickens me that racist rants are allowed to remain on this blog. This only happens in Miami where it is acceptable to publicly state derogatory comments about hispanics. And, Armando, I am absolutely flabergasted by your response. Second generation hispanics will not speak Spanish? That would be an absolute travesty! As a first generation hispanic (my parents were the immigrants), I am making sure that my children speak Spanish --- hopefully better than I. Every single person that I know is doing the same. I will also make sure to speak only Spanish with my children, parents, friends and family when Chris is around.
Me da mucha tristesa que Chris es tan racista y estupido.
Expecting an immigrant to learn the native language of the country s/he moves to, is NOT RACIST.
If I move to Italy, I need to take it upon myself to learn Italian. I cant just show up in Italy, not knowing Italian, and expect the rest of the country to accomodate me. Of course they would not -- and they would NOT BE RACIST.
On Ryan-PRETTY sure Miami is feigning interest, he's definitely not 1st pick material. Does anyone know the numbers on Chris Long's Pro Day? Was wondering if he benched(skipped it at the combine).
Also, gotta wade in here....its the offseason so why not?
The problem with Race in America is historical ignorance. Here are some FACTS: Black Africans captured other black Africans and sold them to Europeans (the Spanish, Portuguese (sp?) and English, etc.) MOST people who immigrated here were not royalty. They were fleeing oppression (war, genocide, etc.) They came here as INDENTURED SERVANTS. Meaning they were OWNED for at least a period of 7 years, if they were ever let go, or weren't worked to death.
EVERY RACE contributed to our situation today. Its a wealthy vs. poor/working class issue.. Those of you who bicker back and forth over stupid racial differences have taken it hook, line, and sinker.
I'm a working class white dude who has a hot latin (spanish/italian) wife. I love our country in that the world is HERE. If it weren't for all the different cultures, this would be one boring place. Yes inequalities exist, but just standing around cheering your "team" and cursing the others are the actions of MORONS.
History shows that it is PEOPLE who oppress others, not just a certain color of people. Whatever you are, don't buy into the hype...Alot of us have moved on and are waiting for you..
Oh yeah, GO FINS!
Matt Ryan is the second coming of Ryan Leaf. I can't see them drafting him but if they do they must see something. Trust in Parcells and Ireland.
Thanks Rick, at least someone gets my point. Look people, all I'm saying was that if your gonna be here, learn the language. It's an opinion, everyone has one. And just because I think that doesn't make me a racist. The only reason I mentioned that I was in the military, was to show you that I am not a racist. I work everyday with people that are all different races. You know what we all speak... thats right English! Some of my good friends can speak Spanish and are from Mexico, But they can speak English. Looks like I did stir up a hornets nest though, holy crap!
-Chris
So some of you are defending your own nationalities by bashing ALL USA citizens? You get mad that someone dare suggest a foreigner learn the language if he/she is going to live in the country. And then you tell deragatory jokes about the citizens in the same country you now live in? A tad hypocritical isn't it? This just goes to show what some of the problem is with the "melting pot". There is no loyalty to this country from most people who were born outside. People move to the USA for a better life and then bash the country that has welcomed them. I am sick of going to baseball games and seeing flags of other countries being waved in my face. If you moved here because you needed a better life, that your country couldn't provide,why the loyalty to that country and hatred of ours? There are plenty of immigrants who come here and embrace and appreciate our way of life. They have helped shape this country. But this political correct BS that would have us believe that all immigrants are the same is nonsense. Some of them hated our country before they moved here and are now undermining our society by not trying to fit in. Oh yeah and, GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Chris, don't apologize to these fools for stating your opinion. We are still in the USA where we are supposed to be afforded freedom of speech. If they want to attack you because you don't fall into line with their politically correct views, let them. There are MILLIONS of people who feel the same as you. No apology necessary.
OMG! Mexican, Spanish, who cares. I don't.
But I would say that if you can post in english as well so that I can know what you're talking about please do. only because I only know one language and would like to hear your thoughts on the Dolphins because this is what the site is about. If not, I don't care, not a big deal.
so, I would bet a million dollars we don't take Matt Ryan. I think we'll trade Taylor to someone and get one of the longs, and gholston. That would kick ass. I think we are going to beef up the o-line with hadnot signing with the Browns, just a thought.
Chris, my misguided little soldier...
You may be well-intentioned or not, who knows, but you completely miss the point. You simply assume that people should speak English because that's the language that is the easiest for you to speak. This argument assumes its own conclusion: "People who live in America should all speak English because most Americans speak English."
Using your logic, we should all be speaking the language of the Upper Mattopi tribe, which is the tribe that occupied Jamestown in 1607, when Europeans arrived. Or the other languages of the native american tribes along the east coast.
But the bigger issue is that it bothers you so much. You seem angry that some people are proud of their heritage and the seek to preserve it, in part, through their language. Why does that threaten you so much? Because it means that you might have to extend your cultural awareness beyond Fox News and actually learn something new?
It's a large world out there, dude - bigger than just one language. You can either join it, are disappear into the margins. Your call.
Chris you really need to get a life, how many languages you know? why you even commenting? people that come here come here to live because life where there from is just a count down till death they come here to better there lifes and for there children and the last thing on there mind is you so why you stressing? oh i know youve never had a hard day in your life military??? you think thats hard?? try not having food or cloths your stupid and heartless anyone who come to this country needs to worry bout surviving not the f****** language theyll leave that to there kids and by the way Armando in most cases by the 2nd generation the kids have lost some if not most of there culture, of course there are exceptions by the way i dont want to be understood iam all for learning more languages its better for you however telling someone that is coming from another world that doesnt even know how there going to feed there family that oh you have to learn the langue dude go Fu** yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julio from MIAMI and i was born here in miami but all my family is cuban viva cuba
I like how I am considered so angry. I am not angry, just making a point. And I agree that people come here to make a better life for themselves, and I'm even fine with that, as long as they do legally. And BTW in order to come here legally, you are supposed to learn how to read and write in English. Someone on here was talking about the differences in culture, and how I should embrace them. Well how can I when I don't know what the f*ck your saying? The only rreason I want everyone to speak the same language is so we can all understand each other. What a concept huh? And I know that alot of you are gonna say, well why don't you learn Spanish? I will not learn Spanish because I shouldn't have to. This is the U.S. (yes America is continent) and we have been speaking English for hundreds of years.
And Julio, I lived on the street for about 2 years before I decided to do something with my life. So don't say that I haven't had a hard day in my life. I have seen some pretty bad sh*t ok, so you can go f*ck YOURself.
-Chris
Chris, i mean no disrespect but i cant but get pissed when u make such a big deal over the language, u must keep in mind what there running from funny how u say that they should come "legally" mabe u just dont know what ur talking bout so iam sorry if i hurt ur feelings but let me ask u how are they suppose to come in legally when if there caught coming here there put in prison or killed and this i know because i have family currently in prison for "political reasons" which include disagreeeing with the gov. and attempting to come here so again i say have a heart these people come from an enviorment u cant see even in ur nightmares, oh u spent 2 yrs on the street poor baby wonder all the crap u did 1st to get there!!! ur so privliged and u dont even see it! karma finds its way to people like u i just hope u pay the bill and not ur kids!!! Julio from Miami - besides this beautiful country was made by many cultures not just the "english speaking people"
Your right, I am pretty privileged, but I worked hard for everything that I have. And it would be alot easier to come here legally if so many people didn't try to get around the system. For every person that tries to come here legally, there are ten Mexicans crammed in a van trying to get here illegally. And I have to agree with one of the people on here. If it is so hard, and there is so much crap, why all the Mexican and Cuban flags? If I came from somewhere that was so bad I would want to distance myself as much as I could from that. I would not embrace the country I wanted to leave so bad.
-Chris
Chris, so u know iam privliged aswell ive been here all my life and i only know the stories my mom has told me, however the reason people are proud of there flags is becuase that represents there heritage there running from the assholes who run the country not the country itself, and when i speak for the imigrants i speak for the ones trying to better there lives for them and there kids not the idiots who come here waving a flag and talking shyt bout usa those drank 2 much salt water or something, but again ill tell u it is close to impossible to get here legally if u wait u might die first thats why they do it, as for mexico in particular i dont understand of all the imagrants they have it the easiest to come here and they still do it illegaly i know they do it to work here and take the money back i dont understand but just cause i dont understad doesnt make it wrong everyone does what is nessecary for that person to survive iam sure they have there reasons and iam sure there good, i dout there doing it for fun
Julio from miami
sorry i dont puncuate iam sure it make it real fun to read my comments lol ( at work and just typing fast without proofing)
usa = U.S.A.
julio
Lets get real here. You attempt to emigrate to any country other than the USA and you must learn that countries language. Period. No one cares about your culture, your native language or any other BS you want to claim. You emigrate to another country you learn their language and may continue to speak yours as well. Good for you. That isn't racism, it is reality. Racism, as cried here, is merely a euphanism for "I want everyone to conform to my wants" rather than assimilate. The Irish still speak Irish, the Germans speak German, the Italians speak Italian... all of them living in the US also learn to speak English.
It must also be said that anyone shouting "Viva Cuba" while living in the US is a fool. I daresay you know nothing about Cuba or its history and its endless string of dictators who were supported by the Cuban people. I daresay you don't know YOU created the problems in Cuba by demanding the US leave the Cuban people to their own devices after the Spanish-American war. No, the people of Cuba supported an overthrow of their government and championed Fidel Castro into power... they then fled to the US where they could take advantage of Democracy - Democracy they can't provide themselves despite decades of opportunity in Cuba - and live in a country they wanted nothing to do with when it "owned" Cuba and demanded the "gringo's" go home.
You can't have it both ways. You want gringo's to solve your problems in Cuba but insist they stay out of your affairs when they do. You then, after screwing up Cuba (Viva Cuba!), want to tell the USA and its citizens what policies this country should have. Is there anything dumber or more prejudicial than insisting Cuba be treated differently than any other country and be completely isolated while Cubans receive special privileges not afforded to other illegal immigrants.
Frankly, the language solution is to write your Congressman and Senator and demand they pass admendments recognizing English as the official language of the USA.
Mando, I thought this was a dolphins blog, but dam you have all these Taco Bell fools argueing bout there green cards??
MANDO DO SOMETHING!!!!!, BEFORE ALL THESE CHULUPAS TKAE OVER THE SITE
to anonymous: ur misinformed, my cousin lived in japan ( i think thats far enough) they speak english and japanesse and u go to jamacia they also teach english in school so budy get ur fact right before making urself look stupid there are several places that teach english even tho it ain there 1st language. its just people like u that hold humanity down of cousre people who come here should learn to speak english but for gods sake whats wrong with u saying it has to be mandatory, yea ur right cubans did screw themselves but hey so do we every 4 year by picking idiots like bush, only difference is that weve been lucky that we have never elected someone as evil and ruthless as fidel but hey i think the last 30yrs + have been enough punishment for them? and at the end of the day were all humans and just because u dont speak the same language as me dont mean u aint entitled to live where i live, i have respect for my fellow humans the day u find urself somewhere u dont know the language and ur not smart enough to grasp it cause u dint get an education cause there wasnt one availabe for u where u grew up and u have people telling u that u shouldnt be livin here because u dont speak the language???? not everyone is as fortunate as u - Julio from miami at the end of the day all our shit is the same color so dont be so damn strict on people everyone has there flaws and there all different
Interesting thread here, although it has nothing to do with football.
It amazes me, however, how the anonymous person above insists people learn English while writing "countries" instead of "country's."
So let me get this right: You want folks to learn the language you still haven't mastered?
I believe people come to this country and want to learn the language. I don't think there is a evil plot to turn the USA into a Spanish-speaking nation. And I tell you all the people who have come to this country that I know, love it, defend it and their kids speak English better than some folks whose families came on the Mayflower.
I also believe this post above me throws out facts that are simply a figment of his imagination. FACT: The Irish speak Irish and ENGLISH which is also an official language of the country.
FACT: Most everything he/she posted about Cuba's history or its people is distorted. They are simply a bunch words strung together that fail to equal truth. I would have to write for the next 10 minutes to correct all the flaws.
And as to writing your congressmen or senators to make English official: Yeah, write Sen. Martinez, Rep. Diaz-Balart or any of the six Cuban-Americans in congress. Go right ahead.
Armando,
Can you please delete the off topic posts?
The topic is about Matt Ryan's pro day. I didn't come here to read about race issues and don't have time to wade through the BS (90% of the posts).
Keep the posts on topic or don't post at all!
Idiots like Bush? Would you honestly rather have John Kerry? Maybe we could fly the terrorists here ourselves and give them some guns and bombs. God I hate stupid f*cking liberals.
-Chris
Finsfan, I am not Mexican, but I guess by your standards you would call me a chalupa or a Taco Bell also, no?
After all, don't we all look alike?
Great, now ARMANDO is off topic.
BUDY BUSH IS A MORON KERRY WAS NO BETTER THATS MY POINT!!!!! ALL THEVE DONE IS RUIN OUR ECONOMY AND BUSH WHAT HE DO WHEN KATRINA AND WILMA HIT PLEASE DONT GET ME STARTED- JULIO
Woops, my mistake, I thought I was in a football forum. My two cents, there is now way in hell Tuna/Ireland draft Ryan with the first pick. NO WAY IN HELL. They are looking at him to make the Falcons worry and possibly trade up. They will take a QB IN the 2nd 3rd or 4th,,,Period. NYScott
Lilly White Boy (me) was a ah... "specialist" in the military, I can speak a bunch of languages. The funniest thing is when I speak vietnamese and I do it very well. It freaks the vietnamese people out!
I don't have anything against people speaking different languages. It does seem to create enclaves, little societies within the society and I'm not sure this is a good thing because we have enough things that separate us causing hate and mistrust. It's sad but true that the repression is many times caused by the unwillingness to adapt to the culture of the country you have immigrated to.
By excluding yourself in a Little Havana or even an Overtown and not fully adopting the country you immigrated to, have you not caused your own segregation?
Hahahahahahahahaha!!!! Yeah if the democrats were in office the terrorists would be running this country. Chris, is your last name Romney? "A vote for a democrat is a vote for terrorism" (Romney on why he was backing out of the race). That was priceless! Thank God for George Bush, he has saved us from the terrorists! All of the terrorists in Iraq are scared because of Bush. Oh wait, there really are no terrorists in Iraq, the ones we were after were in Afghanistan and are still thriving! And now they hate the US even more! Thank you George Bush. Hey George the price of gas is estimated to rise to $4.00 per gallon what do you think about that? " Really? I didn't hear about that". And this is the guy you are backing? Oh this crazy "intrenet". Well at least obgyn's will be able to "practice their love of women" if the republicans stay in power. I got sucked into the discussion! NYScott
Patrick! Awesome post. Good point. NYScott
Did anyone notice how Obama said Friday he had never been in church while his racist reverend was damning the USA and saying white people invented AIDS to kill blacks, and saying 9-11 was justified, then yesterday he said he was indeed there?
What a liar!!!!
Chris, dude, stop, you're embarrassing yourself. Equating "liberals" with terrorism? Ha! Have you been paying attention to who put us in the position we are in right now? Who was the party that controlled Congress from 2000-2006 and voted us into this mess? Who was the President that warned us of "mushroom clouds", and who laughs off his mistakes while sending your buddies off to be IED magnets?
What are they teaching you in the Army these days? Jesus, when I served, even E-2s knew the difference when they were being fed a pack of bull. If the Army is populated by gullible sheep such as yourself, maybe we do need to prepare to be in Iraq for the next 100 years. With braniacs like yourself running the show, we're "emboldening the terrorists" by putting our worst and our most dim on the front lines.
Armando,
The best you can do is point out a typo? Countries is of course the plural of country (want to point out I missed a comma too?) while the possessive is country's. No $hit. I wrote that post in 60 seconds and didn't proof-read it and you write columns over a period of days, or is that, while dazed, which are rife with grammatical errors not due to proof-reading.
Lets take your last post as an example and this sentence And I tell you all the people who have come to this country that I know, love it, defend it... You might want to rewrite that one, no? Or should I point out to you the error in construction?
I would love to spend a couple hours elaborating on my post and pointing out the fallaciousness of your "facts". The Irish speak Irish & English? No kidding. I was referring to the Irish who settled in this country (as well as the Germans and other immigrants I did and did not mention) while you claim my fact is incorrect because you are thinking of Ireland and didn't follow the context of the post? That simply won't do - by the way the Irish constitution mandates Irish as the first and national language. Check out which language you must speak if you emigrate to France while you are verifying. Bottom line, English is the common business language around the globe and here in America it should be our official language.
Regarding Cuban history, I would be glad to discuss it at length. It is impossible to summarize Cuba's history into a thirty second post BUT do some research on the succession of dictators in Cuba and the ever popular revolt. Heck, revolutions in Cuba are as ubiquitous as cafecito in Miami.
Lastly, that is the problem. You think the US (didn't put any periods in there) should be jerked around by a few Cuban Congressmen and Senators from Florida. The rest of the country thinks the whole is far more important than the parts.
Here is a nice quote which explains succinctly how Cubans viewed Americans in Cuba; contrast this with the flags flying in Miami.
Máximo Gómez refuses to go to Havana for the raising of the American flag at Morro Castle. "Ours," he writes, "is the Cuban flag, the one for which so many tears and blood have been shed… we must keep united in order to bring to an end this unjustified military occupation."
He was referring to the US after we gave them their independence from Spain. Lot of animosity and resentment in those words - not too different from the situation in Miami or Hialeah today.
All the righties are just pissed beacuse the "contract for a new american century" is coming to an end...
Does either of the Longs speak spanish?
Anonymous: That was no typo. That was a botched attempt at grammar. Please don't spin it.
Now to your greater argument: Maximo Gomez was a Cuban patriot and he was pissed because, frankly, Spain was pretty much defeated when the Maine mysteriously blew up and the US decided it needed to insert itself in that which was previously the Cuban-Spanish war for independence.
Now, let me ask you one question: If, after the American revolution, the French had wanted to raise their flag over US soil, what would Washington have done? I doubt he would have approved. Guess what? The French did as much, if not more, for the American revolution than America did for Cuban idependence. That is a fact.
And, I remind you, when American troops were short on food and resources and congress was broke in 1777, American ambassadors collected nearly $1 million [big money then] in gold, silver and coins from philanthropic Cubans in La Habana to help the American cause.
So please give me a break with your rhetoric. It rings as hollow as your mean-spirited swipes at Miami and Hialeah.
Oh, yes, one last thing Armando. While I believe most Cubans don't know the history of their own country and believe that the nationalism they exhibit is potentially destructive, I am far more content to spend a day on Calle Ocho sipping a cafecito and arguing politics and history with my Cuban friends than I am hanging out with a bunch of rednecks.
I grew up "Cuban", speak Cuban (and Spanish) and some of my best friends and most girlfriends were Cuban. My Cuban friends are movers and shakers in politics and government in Hialeah and Miami. I love them all and we argue like hell - another Cuban pastime. I understand your sensitivity.
I'm not SENSITIVE!!!! Who's SENSITIVE? I'm not SENSITIVE on this subject.
You have NOT touched a frayed nerve here!
Señor Armando, do us a favor and use your delete key to eliminate all bigoted and stereotypical commentary in the future. We understand how stupid some people are. I think that leaving them up only detracts from the quality of discourse.
Muchas gracias, caballero.
Oh, and if Matt Ryan has the goods the Dolphins should draft him.
I like what Herm Edwards said: "The thing this guy has is his ability to win. And that's what you like in a quarterback. Some guys can do a lot of things. But, in the end, can he win? He's very levelheaded. The players believe that if he has the ball in his hands at the end of the game, that you have a chance to win the game. He has that demeanor about himself. He's fiery, but he keeps himself under control."
All of what Edwards says about Ryan is true. There’s no question that BC won a lot more games with Ryan, the reigning ACC player of the year, than they would have otherwise. Can the Dolphins say that they have such a player today?
Chris: Free speech? I believe you to be bigger than these flimsy charges of racism. Keep fighting. You make excellent points.
PS. Me thinks thou protest too much Armando.
I like the passion. Those couple of posts were some of your best writing ever; your points were wrong but hell, you wrote well.
Meet you at Latin American for some lechon asado and platanos maduros and we can argue about why you are wrong and discuss Cuban history and America's involvement both good and bad.
Hasta Luego Cabron - said with a smile and intended to be interpreted as such.
"Bottom line, English is the common business language around the globe and here in America it should be our official language."
I know this is a Fins blog but I can't let this gibberish go. If you're going to make an argument, back it up with something coherent.
First off, the two most prominent languages in the world are FRENCH and ENGLISH, not simply English. Anyone who travels beyond his little cul de sac would know this.
Second, I have not seen any coherent argument for WHY English should be the language. All I see are ipse dixit proclamations that Americans SHOULD speak English.
Why? How does it harm ANYONE for citizens to speak any language they want? Travel to North Africa, they speak French or Arabic, often not both, and have no problems with this. Within the states of the former Soviet Union, there are a multitude of dialects and languages. The fact is, the US gets along fine with its Little Havanas, and with other enclaves of German-speaking, Dutch-speaking, and native american-speaking communities.
The only ones with "problems" are those angry, close-minded Americans who, in times of distress, project their own problems onto those who are different (subtext: brown-skinned people who don't act and dress like them). Which is why the Republicans dredged up the "illegal immigration" issue before the last election - hey, don't blame us for your problems - blame the illegals!
Ani Ohev et ha Dolphinim
Hmm, I left my cul de sac, traveled around the world and was never asked to speak French(except while living in France). In any case, who cares about the French...bunch of rude irritants anyway. I could find folks who spoke English everywhere I went - including Mexico.
Are you asking why we should speak a common language or why that language should be English? Obviously, it should be English as it was settled by the English and the subsequent immigrants who founded the country all assimilated and learned English - heck, even the native Americans we didn't kill learned English. In any case, the vast majority of the country speaks English so it makes sense for it to be the common language. Make Spanish the second language and make everyone learn it - we had to learn it when I was in school in Hialeah - or just make it a rule every American has to speak a second language.
By the way - you reference "us" as angry close-minded bigots and then promptly exhibit the same qualities in your references to Republicans. Nothing wrong with hypocrisy is there? Is it only bigotry or close-mindedness when it doesn't conform to your opinions of correctness?
Pressing because he was being scouted and millions of dollars are on the line and pressing because the media was there are two totally seperate things.
We have seen your writing and logic ("their uniforms are not intimidating enough"). I don't think any knowledgable football fan would be influenced by you, let alone a football player.
You think way too much of yourself.
Chris and Rick
Please move to Italy.
Soon.
oscar_g
On Ryan.
Just because he is rated the #1 QB, it does not make him a legitimate first pick in the draft.
I think he's way to risky for the first pick.
Either Long will be a much safer pick. And will fill a major need to boot.
And for u Armando - Go X-CLUB
oscar_g
I can't, Oscar, as I dont speak Italian. Get it??
Can we deport Rick?
Those of you that want ONE language in America are very sad people.
The whole point of America was to create a nation that was a melting pot of FREEDOM.
Being able to speak in any language you wish is part of our RIGHT as AMERICANS.
I am American born, but of Japanese decent, living in Hialeah. I have no problems here speaking my parents language whenever I please...because ITS A FREE COUNTRY. I could care less if people speak spanish...because ITS A FREE COUNTRY.
Do I know spanish? Yes. I chose to learn it in college to become a more educated individual. I also learned to speak German and Russian.
Educate yourselves my friends.
BTW, I find it funny that (besides the native Indians) the ORIGINAL settlers of NORTH AMERICA were the SPANISH...yes SPANISH FROM SPAIN!
The OLDEST city in the great United States of America is ST. AUGUSTINE, FL. Founded by whom?.............wait for it....................................................................THE SPANIARDS.
For those of you that live in California, remember that the Mexicans were there before the Americans and will always be there...speaking their native tongue.
I am sorry if the truth hurts but America WILL NEVER have ONE language. It would go against everything she is and represents...FREEDOM.
All in all, if you have trouble understanding someone, EDUCATE YOURSELF. You will feel much better about yourself and this great country when you realize you've learned something. It is a much better feeling than the feeling of superiority you wish to have over those that speak a different language.
When you move to a country that primarily speaks a language you dont know, do yourself a favor and LEARN THE LANGUAGE.
That way, you'll be able to get a drivers license, read the street signs, fill out a job application, and have a basic conversation when you walk into a business.
Its simple.
I really do not get what people dont understand about it.
Post @ 6:08
That was the post of the day.
Way to go anonymous.
oscar_g
post @ 6:12
Stupid post of the day.
oscar_g
Hmmm, anyone find it suspicious that the coach of the team with the #5 ick, who also happens to need a franchise QB is the one who offered some public criticism of the possible #1 pick. Sounds like some mis-information to me... And AS bought right into it...
Hmmm, anyone find it suspicious that the coach of the team with the #5 pick, who also happens to need a franchise QB is the one who offered some public criticism of the possible #1 pick. Sounds like some mis-information to me... And AS bought right into it...
Man, this blog has went to a place that makes little sense. We start with Matt Ryan then on to the problems of language and expression. Who gives a crap? Write what you want in any language. I don't understand anything in Spanish and little in French. So why write if you aren't going to contribute something that everyone can read. I don't get it. You are wasting your time trying to be cute. Don't Spanish people have blogs where they can express their opinions in their mother tongue? If you support this Mando maybe you need a Spanish forum where people can express their opinion. Not a put down, just a thought.
Lets hope that Parcells makes the right moves. The one that brings us a champoinship. I don't think we need a big name free agent when you can draft one. I also don't think that we need a new QB, just yet.
MANDO, I was trying to get you to get these people to stop talking bout there countries and english and spanish, but I guess you got caught up in the convo to.
Well I guess i"ll join you.
Que Viva Fidel Castro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahaha
Poster at 6:08. "If you have trouble understanding someone, educate yourself". So now I have to learn Spanish to go to the corner store? Naah, I'll just take my business elsewhere. Why go through years of learning a language so that I can buy a gallon of milk when I can just go to a different store? See how that works? Doesn't really hurt me any, just hurts the people that move to the country and refuse to assimilate.
to anonymous at 5:14 p.m.,
1. You assume that the country needs a single language and haven't provided a rationale as to why it must be mandatory. Making it mandatory will not solve your problems.
2. If you truly "traveled the world" and only spoke English, then you didn't travel the world. Or you didn't leave your hotel. Travel to Russia, North Africa, Eastern Europe - you will find few people who speak English, unless your custom is only to speak to the hotel concierge.
3. I don't understand what you're attempting to argue with respect to "closemindedness." I referred to the Republicans launching the anti-immigrant platform before the 06 elections to spur animosity among voters, to animate the racists who reside among them. And this blog here is Exhibit A that it worked, in part. Are you claiming that this didn't happen?
Hey Guys
I'm just happy that we don't have
to hear about the "PERFECT" Patriots anymore! I'll jump on the bitching bandwagon if(or when) the Fins start 0-2 in the regular season.
Que Viva Fidel Castro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahaha
7:42 PM
What a fool, you have no idea...
This is anonymous @ 5:14.
1. I didn't argue a single mandatory language. I argued for making English the official language of the US and requiring people to speak it in additional to whatever other language they choose.
Requiring English as a common language is not contrary to a free country as some dimwit claimed; you have rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Learning English should be one of those responsibilities. Oh, yes, to that same poster, the Vikings were here long before Spaniards ever learned to float a boat so save the history lesson.
My expectation walking into any place in the US is English should be spoken. My expectation is to become a US citizen you should be able to speak English. Again, the Irish, Germans, Swedes, Indians, Russians, etc. all learned English - why should hispanic immigrants be any different. Every other culture readily attempts to learn the language of their host country.
2. As I said, I have traveled all about and I am unaware of any country where you can't find a segment of the population that speaks English. Most of my travels since you seem to be concerned were in Western Europe. We can discuss specific locations if you like. I spent most of my time hanging out with the locals not tourists.
3. There is little difference in the close-mindedness of someone whether they be prejudiced against immigrants or Republicans was my point. There is virtually no difference between Republicans and Democrats; they simply use different issues to distract the voters from the reality in this country.
Not that I am a GM or even want to be one but sometimes it is fun to pretend you are 'shopping for the groceries' as BP would put it. My draft may go like this:
1. Jake Long
2a. CB Antoine Cason
2b. OT Oniel Cousins
3. DT Trevor Laws
4. WR Dexter Jackson
6. TE Craig Stevens
6. RB Cory Boyd (projected compensatory pick)
7. DE Jeremy Geathers-undersized defensive end that if a force in the pass rush and can be converted to a 3-4 LB
just thought I would break up the political molodrama with my last post.
Why is it that all I do is point out that speaking the same language would solve the communication problem in th U.S., and I get labeled as a racist? Then those same people want to call me uneducated, and tell me to learn another language. Well guess what, if I moved to Mexico, I would learn Spanish. It's not rocket science. I don't think they would be too happy if everyone moved to Mexico and forced them to speak English in order to communicate with each other. I don't get why everyone is so riled up about it.
-Chris
Armando,
Clearly, this is an emotional issue for you. However, I request you respect the 95% of your readers who do not wish to have the blog cluttered with non-sports topics. You are the only one who can stop this. Please do so. I enjoy your sports reporting and hope to be able to continue to read your blog.
Thank you,
David Carrell
Chris, they all want freedom of speech and expression as long as you go along with their point of view. I don't get it either. It seems pretty simple, you move to a country you learn that countries language right? Anywhere else in the world you are required to do this or you can not thrive. How can you get a drivers license if you don't know the language? They require you to serve in the armed forces (IF YOU WANT TO IMMAGRATE) for specific lengths of time in some countries like Greece. So why everyone is up in arms because you pointed out it would be simpler if we all spoke a common language is beyond me. And to the people saying we should have to learn Spanish so WE can converse are delusional. The majority of the country should learn a different language so that the minority can understand US? REALLY?!
Hey anonymous at 4:10, I don't know what country your in, but the Army is not the only branch of the military. I don't know why you just assumed that I was in the Army, but good try I guess, you had a one in four chance. And then you have the nerve to call me a brainiac? BTW the man who warned us of mushroom clouds is the President of the United States. He was voted into office by the American people, actually twice.
-Chris
reading this dribble put me to sleep. people have way too strong and hateful opinions on all sides. the sad thing is few americans care about one another, unlike most other cultures that have a strong national pride.
A U.S Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the, British, U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French navies.
At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, "Whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English". He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French"?
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German"
"There is little difference in the close-mindedness of someone whether they be prejudiced against immigrants or Republicans was my point."
OK, let's try this one more time, albeit slowly.
Prejudice against immigrants emerges from judgments about immutable characteristics that immigrants possess - e.g., skin color and ethnicity. Most of our civil rights jurisprudence emerges from the idea that such discrimination is wrong. (I know, I know, you think "civil rights" are unnecessary, but most civilized nations disagree.)
The "prejudice" (as you characterize it) against Republicans emerges not from immutable characteristics, but from specific actions that Republican political leaders have taken -- i.e., dredging up slime campaigns against war veterans, blaming latino immigrants for the country's problems, race-baiting, launching a war based upon a pretext, discrimination against the elderly, and other actions.
So your point about "close-mindedness" is misguided. There is no moral equivalency between people who discriminate based upon one's skin color and ethnicity, and those who discriminate based upon actions that are morally wrong.
Armando - I've been following this post - GREAT IDEA. It's great that we can have this kind of conversation, even on a Dolphins Blog.
Question for Chris: if you moved to Mexico, would you speak fluent Spanish on the first day you arrived there?
Would you never speak English when in Mexico?
The fact is, you have no idea whether Spanish-speaking immigrants are attempting to learn to speak English, or actually speak English but choose to speak Spanish in your presence.
Based on your posts, if I ran into you on the street, I would pretend I didn't speak English to avoid having to speak with you. No offense, but you seem to be pretty close-minded.
David
I don't think the Dolphins need to use the #1 pick on a QB. There are plenty of decient QB's to be had in later rounds.Like Henne,Brohm,
Brennan,Woodson and the one that I think is a sleeper Josh Booty. USC runs a pro style offense and he would be ready quicker than all the others. I'll settle for either Long with the first pick or better it would be nice to trade that pick - if we can find a trade partner !
What a load of rubbish. Immutable characteristics? Are you a clown?
Lets retrace this a bit: You claimed anyone who would want folks to speak a common language had a "problem" and were close-minded and implied they were racists. You then decided to betray your own prejudice by slamming Republicans; which, ironically, is what most Cubans are.
Language is not immutable. No one claimed ONLY Mexicans or Cubans should learn English, they said everyone should learn a common language. Your racism comment is out the window here. Strike 1.
I stated while you are attacking others for their viewpoints, your own viewpoints betray the same prejudicial thinking you believe was exhibited by others. It does. Prejudice isn't based on an immutable characteristic; lets just point to religion... or political beliefs as an example. I won't prolong the point. Strike 2.
Then you want to inject "moral equivalency" into the picture as if that gives you some higher standing. It doesn't. The guy who is homeless doesn't care why you discriminate against him. The Mexican who works his a$$ off to get to this country doesn't care why you discriminate against him. The Mormon doesn't care, the Indian doesn't care, and I daresay the Republican doesn't care. You think the means justifies the end, I don't. In every case - whether immutable characteristic or not - the end result is to divide; my purpose is to unite. Strike 3.
BTW, hate-mongers and folks who like to claim anything and everything is racist, I have a diverse family group which includes Mexicans, Chileans, Swedes, Scots, blacks, and your basic caucasians. We all speak a common language. In additional to English, some of us also speak other languages. Imagine that.
STFU & talk football.
Football Fans To recap:
Blogger1 You are a racist.
Blogger2 No, you are.
Blogger1 You are a redneck.
Blogger2 No you are ...
Blogger1 I worked too hard to ...
Blogger2 This is my country too....
Blogger 1 and Blogger2 (chorus) waaaa waaaaa....waaaaa....
The Autumn Wind
"The Autumn wind is a pirate
Blustering in from sea
With a rollicking song he sweeps along
Swaggering boisterously
His face is weather beaten
He wears a hooded sash
With his silver hat about his head
And a bristly black moustache
He growls as he storms the country
A villain big and bold
And the trees all shake and quiver and quake
As he robs them of their gold
The Autumn wind is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He'll knock you 'round and upside down
And laugh when he's conquered and won"
Football is a game played by men on a field measuring 120 yards
by 160 feet. There is no other game. Other countries play other games similar and sometimes on fields slightly wider but there is only one football. On these fields men do great evil unto one another when the icy breath of old man winter blows onto the gridiron. These mean knock the snot out of each other for the grace of traversing a grimy trodden piece of real estate with the carcass of a porcine mammal.
They ask no quarter and none is given. Bad things happen to the weak in the mass of humanity that is "The Pile". Wide eyed graceful receivers who prance in September are violently dislodged from from any such pretense when the temperature descends into the hell that is winter. The beasts come out.
This is the game we talk of. We are men. We are not women. They are not allowed in this place.
We do not talk of other things.
Amen... get a pair, grow some thick skin and man up. This site is for football.
First: If anyone is seriously discussing Matt Ryan, it MUST be a slow news day.
Second: Anony at 10:12 a.m.,
With all respect, I think you're in over your head, bro.
"Immutable characteristics" is language drawn from judicial opinions and scholarship discussing the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable forms of discrimination. You may regard it as "rubbish", but that's the language that educated folks and people in the legal profession use when engaged in a serious discussion about the topic. It appears that you are not a lawyer and are otherwise not accustomed to discussing this, so perhaps that's where your confusion lies.
Also, I think you're missing what I think is the earlier blogger's distinction between the criticism of Republicans for their racial strategy (which is valid criticism) and criticism of Mexicans for not speaking English (and it was solely directed at Mexicans and Latinos, if you look at the comments by the now-famous Mr. Chris). I don't know if anyone can make a straight-faced claim that this isn't about race: virtually all of the discussion about mandating English comes out of complaints about mexicans or cubans not speaking English. If you're going to deny there's a racial aspect to this, I don't know that anyone is going to get through to you.
Peace.
David, you know I probably wouldn't learn Spanish in one day, your right. But do you think people wake up one day and say "hey, I think I'll move to another country today." No, probably not, so to answer your question I would learn Spanish BEFORE I moved there. Hey what a concept huh? And I never said that they can't speak Spanish, just know English too. I usually try to talk to people when they are speaking Spanish, but you know what, they can't understand me. And I am glad that you would go to all the trouble of pretending to speak another language just to avoid speaking to me. Save me the trouble of having to deal with you.
-Chris
A few things.
Matt Ryan threw 19 INTs during his senior year of college, which is 1 more than he threw in his first 3 years at BC.
Second, the native language of the Emerald Isle is Gaelic, not Irish.
Hmmm. Immutable characteristics - afforded Constitutional protection against discrimination.
Let me think back... was anyone discussing the legalities of discrimination? Uh, no. Would requiring English to be spoken in order to gain citizenship be unconstitutional? Uh, no.
I don't think I am in over my head, I don't think you are grasping my point. I fully grasped the distinction the other poster attempted to make and disagree - hence my comment about the "means" and "end".
Regarding your other point about "virtually all conversation about mandating English", I think you need to broaden your horizons a bit. Virtually all conversation in YOUR geographical area may be about Mexicans and Cubans, but the US is much larger and that conversation takes on a much grander scope.
I have no issue with pointing out the Republicans try to blame all the problems on illegal immigrants - which by the way in certain areas is dominated by the Chinese and not Mexican but that would counter your argument it is all racist. I don't see a difference between their nonsense and the Democrats attempting to all the problems on the Republicans.
I am arguing unity and you are trying to establish a rationale for division. Think about it. It doesn't requre a law degree and it isn't a legal issue. Read some Thoreau.
"Would requiring English to be spoken in order to gain citizenship be unconstitutional? Uh, no."
This is flatly incorrect. Such a law would introduce significant constitutional challenges, depending upon the way it was drafted, on 5th or 14th amdmt grounds. I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but it is way way off. And looking back on what you've written, I'm not sure that your failure to understand the law justifies you calling anyone else a "clown."
Notwithstanding your ad homs against the lawyer, your quest for unity, if to be believed, is admirable; your citation to Thoreau is misplaced. If anything, Thoreau's essays, especially those on Walden and Civil Disobedience, advocated individualism, separatism, and a refusal to succumb to popular will. Sort of like those pesky Spanish-speakers.
Free country means every one can choose to learn English or not.
If you can't speak Spanish and you run into someone who speaks Spanish, you try to wing it. If not go about your merry way.
Mind your own business. To say someone has to learn English for your convenience is wrong.
If you can only speak English and cannot communicate with someone, that's your problem. Don't be a baby.
oscar_g
I am beyond tired of bothering with this - English can be made the law of the land with little difficulty. It is simple, you must comply with certain guidelines to be a US citizen, speaking English should be one of them. Speak any other language you like as well, who cares. I speak English & Spanish. The claims about a "free country" are nonsense, period.
Lets talk about the law smart guy. There is an amendment against unreasonable stops & searches, right? You have the right not to incriminate yourself, right? Get stopped on suspicion of DUI. Refuse to blow. See how your perceived constitutional rights hold up. They won't. Maybe you would like to explain why. Then, perhaps, you can envision wanting to recieve a green card or citizenship and having to comply with certain requirements. There are plenty of other examples which support my position.
And, once again, for the slower students, I wasn't particularly interested in discussing the particulars of the legislation which would be needed. My point, which apparently is difficult to understand, was the United States should have a common language ALL of its citizens speak. Period.
Now I am insulting lawyers? Right. Point specifically to where I attacked the character of a lawyer. Better yet, don't.
As regards Thoreau, you get out of it what you put in it. I could go into detail why Thoreau is applicable in this situation but I have no more interest. You might do some more reading and understand the character of the man. Take a look at those who were inspired by Thoreau and their pursuits.
I am done with this. What will be, will.
Of course you're tired of talking of this - you got taken to the woodshed and spanked. You are way out of your league.
Oscar G was right on -- you want a law passed because it's convenient for you.
Wow, that gut citing Thoreau just made claims with no factual evidence. Though ignorant, at least it is better than the people who think the way to win an argument is throwing out the most cuss words.
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