Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

cali373 says on Feb 16, 2007, 08:13:

I think the historically the U.S. has come a long way in regards to racism. Usually people who have some biggotry, are those that have not come much contact with those of different races or nationalities. I just think it is so hypocritical when someone of Italian or Irish decent are intolerant when their ancestors that migrated here were met with much intolerance because the Irish were the white "niggers" and the Italians were not so fair skinned. And both were Catholic.

I think the big issue is immigration that brings out feelings of intolerance. The media does not help either because it is usually Latinos depicted witht issue of immigration and not the others that come in groves like Asians and Eastern Europeans.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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Swinn88 says on Feb 16, 2007, 10:36:

Just my opinion Immigrants to the U.S. have allways faced the same problems and will continue to face these problems. The Problem that todays society has with immigration is truly not about racism. It's about assimilation. Italian Americans, Irish Americans had plenty of problems upon immigration. However the dream was to be American. Very rarely do people that descend from past immigrant groups declare loyalty and wave flags of their fathers homeland(Something that most Americans would be killed for if they did the same in another country). Being born in the U.S. and attempting to live the American dream is a very important part of being american. Learning and Speaking English is important. Adopting some american ways is important. I have allways said that Colombia is a much better Colombia in Colombia than in The U.S.A.. Everyone holds on to their fathers Culture. The Italian Americans Celebrate like Italians. The Irish Americans celebrate like Irish, Chinese, Africans from whatever country they may be they hold on to their customs but they also know that they are part of the so called melting pot, and that they are Americans. Latinos it seems are being targeted because (As I have heard) a division has occured in America. Parents that are offended because a child speaks english. People in the streets that are offended if you speak english to them. People being made fun of because their spanish is more Spanglish than Spanish, or because they don't speak spanish. The truth is that everyone assimilates. Hispanoparlantes that come to the U.S.A. will speak english. Eventually. When this happens, the discrimination you see will fade quickly.

In the U.S.A. People are from so many backgrounds it's impossible to tell where their fathers are from.There are so many mixes so many flavors. Even though most people on PBH think they can tell the difference between a person from the U.S. and a person from colombia, I can't. In Colombia I have seen Whiter than White red hair freckles and Blacker than black looking like the night, and all colors in between. I do better after meeting someone and talking to them. Their actions and mannerisims are a better indication of origin. Thats why immigrants that scream racisim are not being realistic. Racisim is just an excuse.

People can protest and scream racism in U.S.A and make noise all they want. The fact is that they will get what they want. Not because of protest, not because they feel bad because they are racist. But because there is one group and only one group of people that will never be able to assimilate completely in American Society. White colombian. Indio Colombians can assimilate in the U.S.A. Mexicans, Chinese, French! In the end they will wave an American Flag. But only one group is different. Blacks from what ever country wear their obvious differences. you speak Spanish? so what! your still black. you speak french? you have an irish accent? but they all come from that dark continent. It's just my opinion. when latinos decide they want to live in and speak english in and live like Americans, they will be accepted. Afro-Colombianos? Afro-Americans? Afro-Francais? Afro-Latino? Africans? BLACKS! they are the ones that truly need to protest. They are the ones that are and will continue to be discriminated against racially. The U.S.A. has come a long way on equality. they still have further to go.

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cali373 says on Feb 16, 2007, 11:04:

Yeah blacks still have further to go. I was reading the other day where black people are less likely to be hired if the name on their resume sounded black, like Antwone or Latoya. I think the notion that latinos do not assimilate is a bit simplistic. Some immigrants just do not have access to learn english because they have to work too much. My mother is an example, she only understands alot because of all the years here. But it everything else she definitely assimilated, like working hard, making sure I got an education, pruchasing a home, vacations in disneyworld, etc. Another social issue with immigrants that keep them from learning english is the kind of jobs they are able to get. Many of them work with other latinos and they are not going to learn english working with spanish speaking people. Koreans on the other hand assimilate well, They don't waive their flags, learn english, excel in education. Yet they are very much discriminated against. Although I think it is because of envy against of their success. I can only speak from what I see or read but in NJ, I see many Italian flags being waived, especially this past summer for the world cup when I was waiving the U.S. flag.

Regarding Language I do not see anything wrong with knowing another language, although I think you were refering to not learning to speak english better. I really do not see a big deal when I hear polish yapping away.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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Qubo says on Feb 16, 2007, 11:48:

Interesting!! Swinn88,

You've covered all very well. As you mentioned the Irish were seen as the white "niggers" and Italians WERE the "niggers" mixed blood from arabs north africans and subsaharan africans.

In my experience most hispanics just don't care about learning english since they are catered to. They focus more on what is going on in Colombia or X country rather than there adoptive home. And it's funny that people brandish there flag in the USA but don't do it back home..I can understand of holding on to your identity but some go to the extreme. I have a friend who was born here and when people ask him where he's from. He pridely says that he's colombian. I make fun of him and call him a colombian imposter. I,too, come from immigrant parents (Brazil) and can understand or relate. But this is becoming too much and annoying. The main reason why most hispanics never obtain the so called american dream is they don't want to be an american.

Cali373,

I am from NJ like you and grew up in Elizabeth..La cuna de los colombianos . If an angloparlante walks into the store there isn't one person there to attend him/her since no one speaks english. I have tried going to a colombian restaurant speaking english and they have the nerve to look at me like I am the one out of place..allo estamos viviendo en USA..

I teach English as a Second language part time(I want to give back to the community) and the program is FREE. the first thing I tell my students is, " stop watching TELEMUNDO & Univision". Live in your adopted country rather than outside of it. Most of my students come to class dead beat and I know it's not easy but everything is a sacrifice.. Now most of them are actually learning and speaking english. Some have been in this country for over 10 years.

I can understand your parents coming here and have priorities but learning english should be one of them. It goes hand in hand with paying the bills, IMO. To make it worse I see young adults that can't speak english and have been here over 3 years..How is that possible..I can't see myself living in Colombia without knowing english. I would go crazy...

BTW, Cali only lower class black americans name their children Latoya and Sheniqua..in the upper and middle class afro-american household those names don't exist.

Also the bilingual program is terrible. We have kids that can't speak english well nor spanish.. It's like they're in limbo mentally including their nationality. In my day you had the ESL program for several years then they would through you in a regular class to fend for yourself. It workt great. One had no choice between to swim. Now you have these bi-lingual teachers that barely can speak english themselves teaching bilingual classes. It gets worse..Some prefer their native spanish than the other and get offended when their child speaks spanish with a puerto rican or mexican accent.. Qué barbaridad!!

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Swinn88 says on Feb 16, 2007, 12:00:

More than one language is something i think we should all do. I have a friend from Nigeria and he speaks english french and his tribal language. I think thats pretty great. I'm talking about people that have lived in the U.S.A. for 30 years and can't speak a word of English like my wifes aunt. I'm talking about my wife who still cant speak a word of English. I'm talking about the lady who told me off because I asked her how can i help you in English. Then she got more pissed when i defended myself in spanish and wanted to know why i didnt speak spanish in the first place (I told her because we are in New York). I'm talking about the 38 year old guy that was born and raised in the U.S.A., went to school in the U.S.A., and can barely put a sentence together because his parents made him feel ashamed because he was driftig more towards english even though he was being raised in the states. I'm talking about the blonde haired blue eyed colombianita that screams racism when everyone thinks shes American and only know she's not because she can't speak English (This is my wifes sister she's a Pamela Anderson Clone). Old people get a pass. everyone else should learn. Oh and by the way i'm looking out a window and i just saw a guy with an Italian Flag on his car. He would be killed if it were an American flag and he were in italy. You are 100% correct about Immigrants working with each other and not being able to learn the language. I hear it everyday. My wife thinks that Male latino immigrants learn English and discourage Female latinos from learning the language so that the females won't wander off and take on partners that are native English speakers. I don't know. I encourage her to speak English and she just won't do it. So it's safe to say I disagree with her. I also encounter many polish people that don't speak English. However i would also say that 75% of them are taking English as a second language courses. 50% of them are forced to take the courses by people like me. Your Mom has learned the language a bit because of many years in the U.S. And I applaud her. However there are many more that choose to stay in tiny communities trying to live as if they were still in Colombia. That's not fair to them nor to the other people that make up the U.S.A. that busted their tails to learn the language so that they could live normally. Customs? Anyone can celebrate traditional customs. But there are some that want to celebrate Latin customs and are upset because they are invited to a thanksgiving dinner. What? thats an American Custom! well...your in the U.S.A. you should not be offended. Just enjoy. no one complains when Colombian Idependence day is celebrated in the U.S.A. even though it barely registers in Colombia. Most televized Colombian Independence day celebrations in Colombia (That I have Seen) are done in the U.S.A. (by the way i'm sure all you newyorcolombianos have gone to the park in queens to celebrate. If you have not done it then you are missing someting special albiet crowded). Imagine Americas doing the same in Colombia. I'm way off track but so what! The Point is this. If one decides to Leave his/her country for whatever reason. If you don't want to experience discrimination. Then do like they do in the country you left yours for. The only group that will have trouble doing it are blacks from whatever country. The rest you are discriminated against because you prefer it that way.

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Qubo says on Feb 16, 2007, 12:23:

Swinn88,Jajajajaj. I Swinn88,

Jajajajaj. I thought I was the only one that experienced people offended when I spoke to them in english rather than spanish. And when they would curse or fuss in spanish I would turn on my hard core Colombian accent then they would have the nerve to say...wHY didn't you speak spanish in the first place..jajjajaj.. Por qué estamos en E.E.U.U. y me da la gana...LOL... I understand you fustrations man and I'm here with you.

It is almost not cool to be an american these days in the USA. Everyone wants to be from somewhere else. They want the american dollar but don't want to live the american lifestlye. It's ok represent where you from but fit in here as well. It's simple..Colombians and other hispanics have a tougher time being accepted in Spain than the USA go figure no language barrier. And some hispanics have the nerve to call spain la madre patria... Or maybe they should see the conditions the algerian immigrants face in the ghettos in France..Immigrants just don't know how good they have in the USA.

I can see a subgroup of hispanics circling like rats in the barrio never advancing because of their lack of english. Creating a new breed of ghetto that is going to make the afro-american ghetto look like disneyland. Sure the hispanohablante that is bi-lingual love doing business with you solely en español,so he can rip your behind off. I don't mind speak spanish anymore. I am tired of getting that wierd look when I address someone in english.

Some hispanic males are macho and ignorant trying to keep their women captivated in the house by not encouraging to speak english and that's sad. It's sad to see young women that have been here with no responsiblity can't take an english course. They prefer novelas and run to the peluquería.. NJ is almost up to par with miami.. We are going to have to put signs that says "YES, WE SPEAK ENGLISH"...

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Swinn88 says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:25:

WOW!!! I agree with you. I hear it all the time! To top it off no one wants to believe i'm born and raised in the U.S. when I speak Spanish. And they are pissed when I say i'm from the U.S.. regardless of my Parents background I am American...and More. Look...i'm as Black as they come...but...i'm American. I Speak Spanish...I celebrate Colombian Customs...But I'm American. I celebrate Thanksgiving... I celebrate St. Valentines day in the U.S. and in Colombia. Call me what you want. African. Afro-Colombian, Afro-American. But the truth is when you look at me...I could be from Ghana, Nigeria, Long Island,NY, El choco, Colombia, France, Australia, i'm Black and there is no hiding it. Latino or not I understand Racisim a bit more than someone that fits in more than me. Simply because I wear it. Listen... I am by no means a disgruntled Negro. I do pretty well for myself. however I kind of think its strange to hear someone that looks like they stepped off the set of a classic American movie scream racisim in the U.S.A.. Just because they don't speak English. What they are going through is what every group goes through upon arriving in mass in the states. It's almost like an innitiation. our right it's pretty good in the good ole U.S.of A., but no one knows it! even though they have escaped hardship in their own countries the U.S.A is a horrible place. For me...It's not perfect, but it's better than most places, and you can get away with shit that you can't get away with in most countries regardless of the laws that abound in the U.S.A.. Yes I speak English and I speak it better than I do Spanish.

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Swinn88 says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:29:

forgive my typing errors. I'm a horrible speller and often type without thinking first.

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mvefwd says on Feb 17, 2007, 16:34:

Yes!! We Speak English.... I'm so glad that you brought up this topic. I am glad to find out that there our others that share my view. I thought I was crazy. I honestly thought there was something wrong with me. I am black. My GF was born in Cali. We have been together about a year. She has been here in the US for six years and her mother for about nine years. Her mother does not speak any english. And refuses to try. Qubo, it dives me insane. She goes about her daily routine... Los Americas Bakery, calling card centers, Girotel, the entire Morris Avenue gambit. And then Parador Rojo, Ole or The Station House Cafe on the weekends. She refuses to watch english TV or listen to english radio. Loves reggaeton but hates hip hop. In my elementary spanish I cannot illustrate who I really am. She knows me, but has no idea who I am. It is a real source of distrust and disdain. It's frustrating. To add insult to injury, I am black. I am university educated, gainfully employed and I treat her daughter with respect, patience and compassion. However, in her myopic view, I am no different than the uneducated ghetto urchins that she passes on her way thru, as you put it Qubo, la cuna de los colombianos. It's infuriating. She doesn't know the language and refuses to learn. Therefore, she has no means of being educated to what is going on outside her world. Then she has to gall to tell me, a black man, that I dont know what its like to be discriminated against. It's bananas...

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

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Qubo says on Feb 19, 2007, 08:55:

MVEFWD,
Wow, I've been to MVEFWD,

Wow, I've been to every spot that you've mentioned. I see that you are fustrated that you can't communicate with your girlfriend's mother and she categorizes you with all those hoodlums on Morris Ave. Well, I don't know how this thread got twisted into the race category but you shouldn't let you being african-american discourage you. The truth is you are dating her daughter not the mom so don't let whatever stereotype the mother has effect your relationship.

My parents learnt english because they wanted to assimilate to a certain degree and communicate with americans. You'll be wasting your time if you think you are going to change the mom. It ain't going to happen. It appears you are bitter that she doesn't see pass all the stereotypes and come outside her realm. It is what is..

Well, if you are serious about this girl then you need to show her family the better side of african american culture. Take them to a soul food restaurant and eat some collard greens and fish whiting..LOL..I remember when my sister was dating this african american he took the entire family out to eat. My mom was skeptical at first but had an open mind. Food was pretty good and even I enjoyed it. Can you believe I was born in the USA and never heard of a fish fry until I was in my mid twenties...LOL.. Just to show you the lack of understanding of each others culture.

As a black person, as you stated you need to accept that this is the new america and things aren't black & white anymore. There's alot of blend between the two(also different cultures) and you are going to have to just accomodate or look for a new girlfriend that's going to have parents that speak english and share the same culture. Since I am 100% sure you aren't going to change her mother's p.o.v or you can improve your spanish and dis-spell all of her stereotypes of black americans. Are you up for that task?


BTW, did you go to the high school? I miss that town so much. I don't live there anymore. The town is very multi-cultural but everyone stick to there own. I remember when morris ave had nothing but italian american shops and the blacks were down by the dunkin donuts that lived in the Projects around the corner. I had to bust a couple of heads to get my respect and prevent myself from getting robbed. The Ol' days..LOL... There is only one italian shop there now and I think they are going out of business soon. I must say the colombians have changed that ave for the better although some have increased illegal activities there as well. Hey in every country you'll find those working hard looking to make that american dream a reality and then you'll find those that are just loosers. Have you been to the station house? I was there for the inauguration. The owner is a good friend of the family. Very hard working people "paisas" and neither one speaks english but at least they are taking courses to learn. The wife always wants me to speak english with her. She is very ambitious and making an effort.

Hey man this is the new america..Maybe it will become a real melting pot this time around rather than ethnic enclaves...

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mvefwd says on Feb 19, 2007, 09:56:

Thanks I was raised that education is the key to enlightenment. This forum has done a lot for my immersion into Colombian culture. I will learn fluent spanish. (Colombian spanish) It might not make a difference with my GF's mom, but it will make a world of difference for me. I hope that others find what they need here.

Qubo, sorry... I moved here just to be closer to work. I've been here for 10 years now. I love it's multicultualism. And it led me to the love of my life.






Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

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Qubo says on Feb 19, 2007, 11:02:

MVEFWD,
That's the motto. MVEFWD,

That's the motto. It appears that your colombianita is worth it. What part of Colombia is she from? Education is indeed the key to enlightment but one has to realize that staying in the dark requires less effort which some people prefer. I sometime say to myself "I wish I was dumb". Ignorant people just go about their lives without asking questions and live in a small world. Anything outside of that dark world is a threat because a dose of light will eventually brighten the room.

Wow you've been living there for a while I moved away 10 years ago. Unfortunately, things have changed alot. It's crowded and bustling like a city. When I grew up there it was still a town with a little splash of city life. That city has so much potential and could be much better in my opinion, not to say it's horrible. If you need any recommendation let me know.

In regards to you obtaining a colombian accent that's going to take you about a decade or more..LOL.. Most anglophone speakers no matter how fluent in spanish or any latin language never seem to break that accent. I kind of cheated. My portuguese made it easy for me to learn spanish. Actually I always could understand everything it was my pronunciation that needed improvement. I suggest you learn how to conjugate the verbs first. Good luck and hope your relationship last..

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miamimike says on Feb 19, 2007, 12:00:

I see this aversion to english Bigtime here in Miami,,,LOL True. I have Cuban neighbors on my Condo Floor who have been here for over 30 years and otherwise then saying Hi, Thanks, Good morning, How much does this cost, they don't speak anything else. Imagine, 30 years here and they can't speak the langauge of the country! They refuse to learn and assimilate into our culture. In practically every Neighborhood there are Free English classes offered at the Local public schools, so distance or price is not a barrier to learning. Go into their homes and the TV Is on in Spanish, all correspondence is Spanish print media, be it the newspaper(here they rarely read the newspapers) unless its for a help wanted ad, sad but true,,,I know more then a few cases where as one poster mentioned, the Male in the house doesn't want his Novia or wife to learn English as he feels that then, she will be more independent and then enlarge her circle of friends and maybe just leave him someday. He wants to keep her in a Dependent position in the relationship. Immigrants wanting to learn English would do themselves a big favor if they avoided NYC, Miami, La or Union City(NJ) to settle in first instead head to middle america to learn and perfect their English. A Common langauge is the Thread that binds a country! Its sad to see many of these immigrants struggle to read legal contracts and then get cheated, fail to understand the fine print in Immigration rights and wind up deported or in detention, failure to advance beyond the Nanny/Housecleaner positions,,,Sad,,Tom Tancredo was spot on in his recent comments about Miami being a 3rd world Banana Republic

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Qubo says on Feb 19, 2007, 12:23:

Florida is Spanish Territory Miamimike,

It is hard to get adequate service in some areas if one doesn't speak spanish. There are some areas in NJ that's worse than miami. Union City, West New York, even Elizabeth. You can go miles and miles and not find someone that speaks english. I got lost in Union City and stopped at the first pedestrian I saw. "Excuse me, Do you know..? No spic Ingles... Espere espere señorita ud. sabe como...? Oh si si..claro..Sigue dejecho y dos blokes doble a la izquielda...Yo pensaba que eras americano...LOL...Yo americano!!!..NO NO!!!pss..estamos en nuestro pais "Estados Unidos".

My wife usually gets mad at me for not speaking spanish first but why should I initiate a conversation in spanish when I'm in the USA. I told her that when in Colombia can I start speaking english to everyone and expect them to accomadate..She was pissed.. I prefer not to have these conversations with her anymore..

An acquantaince had the nerve to tell me that since Florida was spanish territory at one time spanish should be an official language.. I didn't bother getting myself into that debate.. so I nodded my head..si si..claro..los gringos son racistas..LOL

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miamimike says on Feb 19, 2007, 20:32:

Qubo I used to do the same, iniate the conversation in Spanish here in Miami but no more. I feel the same way you do, its the US of A and the langauge is english.I knew NJ was bad but never imagined it was as bad as you write. Wow, worse then Miami for lack of English, now that is really a stretch! I know Union City is a big Cuban stronghold and they simply refuse to learn English. I really feel they don't want assimilate into the American Culture. I remember in '96 we had a Office Thanksgiving Dinner Party(at the Federal krome detention center in Miami where I worked then) and the Spansh co-workers only ate the Turkey but with Rice and Black Beans. They refused all the Dressing, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie and American style Vegetables eaten at a Tradtional American Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a real eye opener and a Harbinger of things to come as to what they accept in our culture. When I visit their countries I try all their food so this refusitis with our food is a hard one to understand,,, I could write a Book on the subject in Miami. What I can't understand is they offer all these free english classes so what's the reason for not learning? This is really sad,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Qubo says on Feb 20, 2007, 07:41:

I confess Miamimike,

I confess I dont eat cranberry sauce nor american style vegetable. Our family have the turkey and every else is brazilian/colombian style.... I don't play when it comes to my food. If the rice and beans aren't on the table then I haven't eaten yet...LOL.. Can you imagine that I was born here and I can count on my fingers how many times I had an american style dish unless you consider McDonald's and other fast food restos. Well come to think of it "what's an american dish?" It's a fusion of all of the immigrants b4 us that becomes american style dishes. The Greeks with the lamb and mint jelly, italian's lasagna etc etc...Am I correct? Mexican dishes are american as well.. I will try anything and if I like it..the family will incorporate it in our dish..That's what I call american.

Anyway, I'm making myself hungry talking about all this food. Miamimike, Union City is no longer the cuban enclave. Most of the well off cubans have moved to the outskirt areas and those that expected more aide without work are still there. But the majority of the immigrants are mostly central/south americans and dominicans. Read my spanish above that was with my cuban accent..."dejecho".. It isn't a place one wants to get lost especially at night and if you don't speak spanish..you will never get by..

Bob Menendez NJ-Sen. is of cuban descent.. The mayor of Perth Amboy barely can speak english..I was so shocked but you don't want to go there..I've been there twice in my life..Come to think about I think NJ might have South Florida beat..

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cali373 says on Feb 20, 2007, 09:06:

There is nothing interesting about NJ. It has its own accent but not it's own culture. I would have left if it was not for my parents.

"I'm talking about the 38 year old guy that was born and raised in the U.S.A., went to school in the U.S.A., and can barely put a sentence together because his parents made him feel ashamed because he was driftig more towards english even though he was being raised in the states."

I have really never met anyone that experienced this situation. I would think this is rare. Most Latinos that were born here or came at a young age do not know spanish well, and while they hold a short conversation, they cannot read or write spanish. I don't think the parents cared they just know english.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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Qubo says on Feb 20, 2007, 10:15:

Cali373,
I am contemplating Cali373,

I am contemplating leaving the GARDEN State. BTW, they should call it the Toxic State at least north jersey. Everything is getting too expensive and property taxes aren't going down. Then they are thinking of going private with our highways and also add tolls and I78 & 278. At one time we had it real good. Close to the City for everything and across the hudson I'm back in the suburb..

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miamimike says on Feb 20, 2007, 17:12:

Qubo- The Dressing and Cranberry Sauce is an American tradition going back to the Pilgrim Days. Had they tasted some of the traditional thanksgiving food and then declared it "Not Good" I could accept this. They declared it unfit by Proxy! The same comparison would be if I was invited for Noche Buena at a Miami Cuban's home on Dec 24 and instead of tasting the Black Beans, Rice and Yucca I asked for Cranberry sauce, Dressing and Pumpkin Pie, trust me, I would have been looked like I sprouted a second head a collective round of "Coños" from the people at the table.

On NJ, I went to Boot Camp there in 1965(cape may) and had a Fellow Coasty Buddy who lived there. We went to his Unc's Cranberry Farm(bogs), went Deer and Duck Hunting--it was great; there was also great Ocean Fishing off the Jersey Coast. I visited the Boardwalk in Atlantic City drinking beer and chasing the Chicas(very good). It was pretty diverse then. I still read about the ever expanding whiteail deer herd as well as increasing Black Bear populations in NJ. I enjoyed my time there and sure prices have greatly increased but its all reletive as my monthly Serviceman's Salary was a princely $92 per month....Today that would be $1200 monthly but my point is the $92 monthly would have went just as fast then as $1200 monthly goes today,,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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mvefwd says on Feb 20, 2007, 18:37:

NJ I love NJ... I have been all over the US and besides South Fla. or San Diego, CA. There is no other place to be. Less than an hour from the greatest city in the world... NYC. The only reason I would choose SD or S.Fla is because of the weather. NJ is home that is until Medellin calls.

As for food.... Variety is the spice of life... Try it all, learn what you like and dont like. But try it all, it won't kill you.

Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

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Swinn88 says on Feb 22, 2007, 17:43:

MVEFWD don't let anyone fool you. In the U.S.A. it has been and allways will be black and white. If Central and South American Countries get it right one day then we can expect immigration to slow down like crazy. when that happens everyone will be reclassified into the same old groups. if you have black in you or african heritage you are black. If you are white with European heritage then you are white. Salvatore Mancuso the child of an Italian immigrant to Colombia is no longer white for what reason? because he speaks spanish and nothing more. Thats a load of SH--. A generation or two in the U.S. and his family would only identify with being Italian American. Every Immigrant group in the u.S. is different at first. Then they join the old U.S. Black White and Indian groups. no more no less. for foriegners that think different I suggest a study of American Immigration history. Your wifes Mom won't speak english but when one of her granchildren refuse to speak spanish or when shes the only spanish speaker left alive and everyone else is speaking english then she will see the error inher ways but by then it will be to late.

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mvefwd says on Feb 23, 2007, 15:55:

Choco I told her that I was going to Choco to adopt a child. She nearly had a heart attack...It was great!!


Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

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