Rick Santorum thinks Puerto Rico should be fluent in English before they are granted statehood.
Santorum told the El Vocero newspaper, “As a condition for admission people would and could speak both languages, but they’d have to speak English. That would be a requirement.”
He added that was important that we give the island the “gift of English,” in order to become fully integrated into the economy.
This could not bode well for the GOP's issue with Hispanic voters. In a head-to-head match up with Rick Santorum, Barack Obama's poll numbers among likely Hispanic voters are 69%. Santorum came in at 14%. In the same poll, Obama trounced Mitt Romney 70% to 14%.
The United States does not have an official language. The island of Puerto Rico lists Spanish and English as their official languages. The Hawaiian islands are officially bi-lingual with Hawaiian and English. Some states with large Hispanic populations like Florida and California list English as their official language.
Ed will have more on this story tonight at 8p ET on MSNBC!
What do you think? Can the GOP mend the divide they are creating with the Hispanic voters?
Leave a Comment:
rick santorum wants to tell everybody what to do!
Rick Santorum does not know the requirements to become a state, and Gingrich say that Spanish is the "language of the ghetto". I wonder what the Principe Carlos of Spain thinks about it along with all those in the Latin countries. Some of those speak more than four languages. How ignorant can the GOP shows to be to the world. I even feel embarrassed for them. Their lack of knowledge is shameful.
Rick Santorum should start making sense if he wants to be president. Of course, then, he'd lose his base.
Yes and he makes me sick,
There isn't a law saying people must speak English, and besides that most PR natives can speak English and Spanish can that dumb cluck speak anything but English.
Another thing PR doesn't want to become a state as what I remember they voted applying for state hood down.
Agreed with you. This guy Rick is sick in the head .
Yeah, Rick spoke two languages 1: is ENGLISH And 2: Is Rick is SUCK . He doesn't care about anybody feeling when he talked like that he just wanted to be the president of the USA . I'm sick of the way he talks and treated the people like he is the only one who live in this world . He's acting tuff. If we have this guy control of USA , united state will go down the drain because he doesn't know how handle the big job or just the way he talks racism. WHAT A LOOSER YOU ARE ,RICK SANTURUM, I hope you get your head check b4 you wanted to be our President ...........Cause you never will .....Rick..
Well, if that don't take the taco. Since when does what language you speak make you less of an American. I guess rick is intimidated when he can't speak Spanish himself. If he is going to be a president he better learn a few languages. He is probably one of those people in this country who get angry when they are asked to push one for English, or push two for Spanish.
Such a petty person.
Have you ever seen the rules that one is expected to live up to or preform to become a citizen of this country. Extremely difficult to meet the qualifications. We want to take the territory, then their citizenship should be automatic. Why are they always trying to create barriers.
He acts like he would be Dictator not like our President true servant of the peoples best interest!
If this is how Sanatorium talks to a Commonwealth of the US shows just how bad a communicator he would be with unfriendly nations. He would be far worse than GWB!
candidates who feel that they are being led by god to the presidency (or some other job) do not feel the need to stop and think about what they say. the "voices" they hear, are really just crazy irrational ideas that they feel free to express, because they think the voices are from god.
And these are the people who the right pretend can handle a country that is made up of many different cultures and races. Right. The stupidity of the right goes marching on.
add this to a long list of "shoulds" under rick santorum.
IDIOT is what I think. "Gift of english?" What are you columbus taking over native americans?
Saying that english should be the official language of the US is far from racist, what makes this dumb is that Santorum doesn't realize that most people in world even outside of America like Europe or Asia already learn to speak english it's lsadly our own nation that refuses to become smarter and learn other languages
Remember this is what Arab nationalists think about others invading their lands conform to my way not yours.
America is a melting pot, good job Rick! Americans should speak English! The more you guys talk about him, the more I like him! He, like Rush, is standing for American values, culture, and morals!
Some here might consider joining the rest of us, instead of advocating this "war on women!" Just my ever so humble (but mainstream) opinion.
No thank you capt I don't want to live in a country that would make Muslim countries look like bastions of democracy. Personally brown shirts and white hoods don't look good on me.
All of the so called candidates are all worse than GWB! And Capt. your mainstream is running in a sewer. Just Saying!
Since when is it American to FORCE your beliefs on to others? We are a Country of many Races,Languages & Religions. So far the GOP serve one belief system,theirs! & If Rush is your standard on "Morality" I feel bad for you.
This is from MD/MI to Capt. MAGGOT your a GOMER!
Let me get this straight...
Rick Santorum wants people to either home-school their children, or pay for their kids to go to Catholic or private schools...
At home, the paremts speak Spanish, and are too poor to send their kids to Catholic or private schools...
Hmmm... Could there be a contradiction here?
the fact that you, capt., agree with santorum and limbaugh, tells alot about who you really are.
@Captain America: What values are those that only the GOP has? The one that prefers to have both mothers and baby killed when a young woman dies trying to abort her not wanted baby. Look it up, that is why abortion was legalized and birth control was researched and made available. The moral thing to do is to save one. Abortion will happen even illegally. OR is that the value of keeping the poor poor and taxing the poor more and giving tax breaks to the wealthy? Hmm. I wonder what would Jesus say to that. Eh? Or is it the value of pledging loyalty to a pledge designed by a non elected person instead of abiding by the pledge to the US and its people. Norquist has more power for a GOP man than the constitution.
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 14:31
"Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly." Proverbs 29:14
(Proverbs 29:4) 4 By justice a king makes a land keep standing, but a man out for bribes tears it down.
The question is what is best for the country at this time? In 2005 the top 20% of the population in this country was controlling and still controls 93% of all the financial wealth. The top 1% controls 40% of the financial wealth. The remaining 80% (the rest of us) have been allowed to share (by policies designed to protect wealth) only 7%. Now, do the math. How much does everyone in the bottom 80% is able to keep or save for retirement or how much of that is used for living expenses and how much of that can they pay in taxes. Maybe we should think as the top 20% thinks that the majority of the US is not smart enough to create wealth at least not the 80%.
And which of the GOP candidates have shown to have benevolent concern for others when even their base applauded when the example was made about someone who did not have any insurance. They cheered when it was suggested to let that person die. I think your values and integrity are screwed up. You should read the Bible before you speak about good values.
And what value is that the one that says Spanish is the "language of the ghetto" and English is the language of success. There is 80% of the population who have spoken English all their live but have been kept sharing only 7% of the wealth by the policies of the greedy
Hey Cappy America: Tell me who your friend is and I will tell you who you are.
Cappy, is your friend S A T A N ??
it seems that the capt. is on the verge of joining the S.T.U.P.I.D program.
Spamtrolls Totally United Promoting Ignorant Deceptions
Capt. America, isn't.
Thanks guys! Cute and very representative of what you believe! Most comments merit no response, but:
afrommi (7.8) - my best friend is also my savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks for asking. I believe a fetus is not a person and therefore support abortion (7.7). I believe it is moral to terminate a defective fetus, and that the abortion should be provided if the mother cannot afford it.
David (7.6) - don't strangle yourself on your twisted logic. The public and private school model are about the only thing we should take from the Europeans.
Juan (7.3) - as a conservative, I don't want government to force citizens into anything. That said, if PR wants statehood, they need to join the rest of the country in a common language. Don't feel bad for me, no human being is my standard, only Jesus Christ, my lord and Savior!
whom (7.2) - your fascination with Ernst Rune's brown shirts and Nathan Forest's KKK is a little creepy. Just my opinion, but you might need to check your own racism before you start bloggin'. Just sayin'.
Thanks Chris (15) - let's just keep that out little secret. I've been visiting PR since '61, and watched them debate and vote on their 3 options many times. They have it too good to apply for statehood, or break ties. Just my take.
So far from mainstream. And you can't deny the GOP war on women. Just look at the legislation being passed. Action speaks louder than words.
larry, I do deny the "GOP" war on women. It makes no sense, and typical of liberal spin. Liberals have destroyed the once proud and independent Native American Nations, the blacks in this country, and now are going after women.
Just look at what Obama has done to the blacks in this country today! Over 20% unemployment of young black men, almost 47% in the major cities! Most black children are now born out of wedlock, the breadwinner replaced by a domineering government that discourages the head of households to get work!
Many liberals really have good intentions, but are like the overindulgent parent, their assistance is crippling those they are trying to help! I agree -
My point exactly! Thanks, larry!
It's not "our little secret." It's fairly widely known.
Now,everyone remember Rick home schools and college is bad,so if you don't speak English like him then he feels stupid and that just can't happen.
Great move Rick go to the people and insult them! SMART!!!!
Rick speaks off the cuff that's why his sweater has no sleeves! And they really make him look tough!
What in the hell is he talking about and why? in the hell is he in Puerto Rico. I am a Connecticut Born with a Puertorrican background and I for the life of me don't understand why are this As.... are in Puerto Rico criticizing the Island for not speaking English. I will have you all know that we do Speak both Spanish and English, People should check facts before speaking Bu... and As a fact We as humans and living in a country where we have freedom of speech, we all have the right to speak whatever we want, Or why in the hell would others try to learn other languages. Republicans suck and this racism and war against anything that is different , or against woman should be stop, Are we in the 20's. We should be ashamed. Republicans= racist, sexist and plain simple the worst I ever seen.
This statement would lead one to ask: Does Rick Santorum even know that Puerto Rico is already a Territory of the U.S. with American Citizens? So you know his statement is the proof that he is idiotic, and as Donald Trump once said, "How do you go from losing a senate seat to running for president?" - The man is obviously locked in his own world of egoistic hedonism.
In general, the entire GOP doesn't seemed concerned about courting the minority vote and doesn't appear to care if they alienate that group. Could their strategy be founded in all of the voter ID/suppression laws they are trying to pass? Could they simply be trying to remove that segment of voters (along with the elderly, college students, etc.) from the equation?
Here's an idea (which is so far down the thread maybe 3 people will read it)
If the Latino population of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas outnumbers the white non-Latino population, does Spanish become the official language of that state?
Ok, not all Latinos speak Spanish--this is a thought exercise.
Do people here still not realize that most people in the world even in countries whose official language is not english already can speak english? Yes that is a fact....look it out doubters......
Based on that I'm almost certain that most folks in Puerto Rico can already speak english once again it is this nation which believes we should not endeavor to learn other languages.....even though it makes you smarter......
Puerto Ricans already speak english, it is a prerequisite for a high school diploma. Santorum, pick up a book before you open your mouth.
Second thought, dont pick up a book. It'll make it easier for the intelligent party kick you behinds. I cant wait for you schmucks to debate the President, it is going to be a slaughter.
Agree totally
Although I think a debate on the issues is needed. But I think it would be an insult to the intellect of the President to put Sanatorium on the same platform with him.
unfortunately, President Obama doesn't have much say in who he gets to debate, on who will be the nominee.
one thing i have to say here, is that santorum, romney, and newt, all think that they are the only one who can put President Obama in his place.
i would love to see the president debate any or all of them.
doesn't the repub party remember the health care debate, even fox news had to admit that repubs should stay away from President Obama, "he knows everything".
Obama/Biden 2012
Suzzette, it's called sarcasm. The debates may be fun to watch, Obama has so little to be positive about. All he will be able to do is attack his opponent, and attempt to defend his pathetic record.
Santorum is a racebaiter,,,misogyristic....racist.....prejudice. hater of woman kind. June 2011.. Santorum said, "ladies and gentlemen, Amercia was a great country before 1965."
July2011...Santorum said, Americia was a great country before 1965."Why does Santorum say this about our beloved America?
This is because:
Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote. There is no reason which can excuse the denial of that right. There is no duty which weighs more heavily on us than the duty we have to ensure that right....The command of the Constitution is plain. There is no moral issue. It is wrong.....deadly wrong.......to deny any of your fellow americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of State Rights of National Rights. There is only the struggle for human rights..........
President Lyndon Johnson....The American Promise.....March 15th 1965.
President Johnson was telling America and the members of Congress to move forward on what would be The Voting Rights Act of 1965. In August 1965 The Voting Rights Act passed.
There are many ethnic groups in America that vote. Is that why Rick Santorum believes America is not as great today because the right to Vote allowed minorities to vote? YES! 47 years ago yesterday, President Johnson set us on the right path. Today Santorum , Romney and the TPRepubs want to pull us away from the right path We need to support President Obama and the democrat party that all our fellow American continue to have the right to vote.
LBJ started us down the wrong path of 2 unsuccessful and costly wars while putting the SS trust fund into the federal budget. He is the perfect example of an honest liberal trying to do the right thing and getting everything wrong! Think about it!
LOL what a crock of capt rewrite BS. The real destruction started when Nixon decided to follow the advice of one Milton Friedman who created a economic theory that inflation could be traded off unemployment to balance the economy which brought about the high inflation rates of the 70's. Later Reagan used students of Friedman who stopped inflation by driving up unemployment in the 80's. What capt rewrite hopes no one on the left knows that LBJ putting SS on the budget did nothing more then simplified the budget so instead of having 3 different budgets to look at there was 1. The raiding of SS had been used by every president since FDR to shore up the national budget and to lower deficits. LBJ did not start the raiding of SS. That capt rewrite also thinks LBJ stole his seat from a republican is also well known as he has repeated it often in the past in responses to what happened in Wisconsin when that woman found extra votes on her PC while leaving out that in LBJ's case the votes found were in secured locked boxes and were recorded before being "lost".
What an arrogant SOB. Friendly advice, get "ROSETTA STONE" and do some learning, cheaper than hiring an interpreter.
I think we will be insulting Pres.Obama's intellect by putting Santorum on a same stage with him on a debate. What a disaster.
i think we will be watching with great PLEASURE no matter who the President ends up debating.
it will be MUST SEE TV.
Agree. Another great reason to buy a big screen TV. For the Olympics and the debates.
I remember everyone saying how JFK would destroy Reagan at their debate, and Kennedy's subsequent directive to never put me on stage with him again. It was a massacre as those of us that were there remember it. Highly edited parts are still available on UTube, and most can see how 1 sided it was, even with the edited versions.
I do look forward to a Obama/Romney debate. It does seem a little one sided, given Romney's political history and business experience. Liberals better stick with "the politics of personal destruction" they are currently using, they will loose if they try to debate the issues. Most know that and are telling you so by their current strategy.
Poor little capt rewrite Reagan never debated JFK, though in 67 Reagan debated JFK's brother Robert. Funny I can't Find anywhere that either JFK or Robert ever was quoted as saying never put me on stage with him again.
They should learn English, When he learns to stop being a IDIOT!
except they already speak english
Well, he's already and idiot, so there.
OK let's all go to the School of Insult and appoint Rick Santorum headmaster. African Americans, Women, John F. Kennedy, going to a college or get vocational trading and the list goes on and on. Now the people of Puerto Rico. If he thought in those terms about Puerto Rico, why is he there? Following Romney's lead. If Romney can claim victory in Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands, let me go and insult the people of Puerto Rico and then TELL (not ask) them to vote for him. Typical, typical, typical Republican logic. How long has Puerto Rico been a US territory? Now there is Mr. Stupid telling the Puerto Rican people you have to speak English to become a state. I am going to use the excuse and say I am old but this is another one I missed. When did Puerto Rico say they wanted to be a state?
Really not sure if Santorum just insults people on purpose, for fun or just he is just plain STUPID. How deep of a grave does he want to dig?
Cute guys, but Santorum is right about English. English is the international language, required by international air traffic controllers in most of the world (all of the free world).
I had a college professor explain to us how his dad came home and announced that English would be their family language! He was an 8 year old 2nd grader, and credits his doctorate and his success in this country to his dad's decision on that day so long ago!
Language is the barrier liberals use to keep so many minorities from succeeding. Think about it!
cbb, don't you care about others? How can you be so heartless? Think about what you're advocating!
Every morning, Cappy's dad would take him to the lake to learn how to swim. The only problem he had was getting out of the bag!
You sure he just didn't take capt to the pool and just kept forgetting to fill the pool before tossing capt in head first?
CA - I agree that English is an international language. Everyone in the world knows that too. Many in PR already speak English. His statements were condescending. Just like you.
The problem with Santorum is that he speaks uninformed statements, then when called out, says he misspoke. Doesn't that qualify for STUPID.
cbb, I like his freshness, he doesn't have the polished look of Obama or Romney. I see his ability to say he misspoke as honest, a trait not common with politicians in either party.
I will apologize if anyone takes my comments as condescending. Please let me know what I have said that sounds so. I try to inform, but never mean to demean.
I do enjoy Chris and whom's silly slams, but I don't take them personally. I just consider the source, and see thru them. Something about my personal self-esteem, I recon'.
CA- Don't you think misspeaking is not something a president should do and should not do often. It could be dangerous and or damaging when misspeaking on foreign policies or positions. The President can't be apologizing always for misspeaking. He represents the country. But obviously, Santorum is speaking to his base and doesn't care who he insults.
Good point cbb, just what has Santorum misspoke? What did he say that was so insulting or wrong?
Santorum is a DOLT - maybe Gingrich is right - this process is idiotic!
If anyone thinks Santorum is good for America, they need their head examined.
I'm amazed how Santorum coming from a commy socialist background can be such a right wing fascist! its crazy!
This debate has me viewing in my minds eye, West Side Story, my favorite musical:
ANITA
Puerto Rico,
My heart’s devotion--
Let it sink back in the ocean.
Always the hurricanes blowing,
Always the population growing,
And the money owing.
And the sunlight streaming,
And the natives steaming.
I like the island Manhattan,
Smoke on your pipe and put that in.
GIRLS (chorus)
I like to be in America,
Okay by me in America,
Everything free in America -
BERNARDO For a small fee in America.
ANITA Buying on credit is so nice.
BERNARDO One look at us and they charge twice.
ROSALIA I’ll have my own washing machine.
JUANO What will you have, though, to keep clean?
ANITA Skyscrapers bloom in America.
ANOTHER GIRL Cadillacs zoom in America.
ANOTHER GIRL Industry boom in America.
BOYS Twelve in a room in America.
ANITA Lots of new housing with more space.
BERNARDO Lots of doors slamming in our face.
ANITA I’ll get a terrace apartment.
BERNARDO Better get rid of your accent.
ANITA AND THREE GIRLS Life can be bright in America.
BERNARDO If you can fight in America.
ALL GIRLS Life is all right in America.
ALL BOYS If you’re all white in America.
Americano, blue jeans and chinos, in the land of the free, you can what you want to be ....
Its pretty clear how Santorum feels about Hispanics how does he feel about the cajun dialect in the swamps or voodoo practice and the Vampires in Forks WA.
Captain, you are so right the left will use any thing to divide this country. English is the spoken language of this country. By having folks speak english does not injure their culture. In fact being bi lingual is a good thing. Same with voting the left wants no ID so they can appear to be on the poors side. They do not care about election fraud. All lrftist care about is themselves and how they could control the poor to keep them dependent on their elitetist leadership. Yikes these folks are nuts