Obama Encouraging Second Language Learning Makes Conservatives Angry

Barack Obama's speech on the importance of being bilingual, left me having a hard time understanding what some people saw so wrong about this?

Republican anchor Lou Dobbs of CNN, stated that Obama is putting pressure on kids. Dobbs stated, "This is America and the language here is English, so immigrants coming in should learn the English language."

Dobbs proceeded in calling Obama's comments elitist and condescending. But what is elitist about children learning a second language? 

Elitist is when conservatives feel no other culture matters in America but American culture, and that isn't fair because America is the melting pot for all races of people. Not to mention Spanish, is the second most spoken language in America, so it would behoove us to learn the second most popular language as a way of connecting while advancing our job skills. In many schools it's a requirement for children to learn a second language, and after residing in California for awhile, I definitely checked out a Spanish book or two to brush up on the basics.

Children learning a second language would broaden their minds, influence their intellect, and make them well-rounded individuals who can pass the same knowledge onto their own children. 

How is it elitist and arrogant to want more for your children, and most parents have "wanting more" for their children in common. The importance of communicating effectively with other cultures will ultimately unite us. However, conservatives are branding Obama as being divisive for simply embracing unity and America's differences. 

But with all the cultures currently residing within America today, we're already our own "international" country wouldn't you say?

2008 LA