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PAHRUMP, Nev. (AP) - Elected officials in this southern Nevada town have adopted an ordinance declaring English the official language, restricting the display of foreign flags and denying town benefits to undocumented immigrants.

"If you pass an ordinance that is blatantly in violation of the First Amendment, this town will be on the hook," Rowland said.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/nov/15/111510272.html

Passing a resolution (or a part thereof) that has nothing to do with illegal immigration and you know you're going to lose in federal court is not bravery. It's stupidity.

I don't see this law on the books for too long.

I bet the lawyers are already lining up to file against the city.

You want to fly a damn foreign flag? Fly it where it belongs. I'm sick and tired of people coming here for all the benefits they don't have access to in the rathole of a country they came from, then proclaiming the greatness of said rathole. If you really care that much about your rathole then stay there and fix the problems instead of running away.

You want to fly a damn foreign flag? Fly it where it belongs. I'm sick and tired of people coming here for all the benefits they don't have access to in the rathole of a country they came from, then proclaiming the greatness of said rathole. If you really care that much about your rathole then stay there and fix the problems instead of running away.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your cultural roots and displaying the symbols of those roots or joining organisations that promote that culture.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your cultural roots and displaying the symbols of those roots or joining organisations that promote that culture.

There is nothing wrong with that until, like "too many" people around here, you "promote" it or "support" it More than the home country (USA). IMO, you should Not be flying flags of other countries by themselves (e.g. from your house, your car, etc) and they should always be lower than the US flag. IMO, it seems like "too many" of those "specialized" organizations tend to hold themselves and their cultures in higher regard than anyone/everyone else - often to the point of claiming/demanding greater privileges and opportunities than what is "fair" or "right"...

There is nothing wrong with that until, like "too many" people around here, you "promote" it or "support" it More than the home country (USA). IMO, you should Not be flying flags of other countries by themselves (e.g. from your house, your car, etc) and they should always be lower than the US flag. IMO, it seems like "too many" of those "specialized" organizations tend to hold themselves and their cultures in higher regard than anyone/everyone else - often to the point of claiming/demanding greater privileges and opportunities than what is "fair" or "right"...

I used to live in Little Italy in Baltimore. We had Italian flags everywhere, many people speak Italian, etc. There are many other ethnic neighbourhoods in Baltimore and other major cities. How is that wrong? Or is it only wrong when it is Mexicans?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your cultural roots and displaying the symbols of those roots or joining organisations that promote that culture.

If they want to promote their native culture let them go back where they came from. We have our own culture. I wonder if I could go anywhere else in the world and fly an American flag on non-native soil? No, I couldn't. Maybe you should be there preaching this tolerance and diversity nonsense. There are still some things that shouldn't be tolerated. This land belongs to Old Glory and she'll never share it with another!!;)

If they want to promote their native culture let them go back where they came from. We have our own culture. I wonder if I could go anywhere else in the world and fly an American flag on non-native soil? No, I couldn't. Maybe you should be there preaching this tolerance and diversity nonsense. There are still some things that shouldn't be tolerated. This land belongs to Old Glory and she'll never share it with another!!;)

Are you kidding me? There is no one culture in the United States. Everywhere you go there are different cultures mingling together. Go to States that border Canada and you know what you will find? Scandinavians that still speak their native tongues. Go to Boston and you know what you find? Irish. Pennsylvania? Germans. San Francisco? Chinese. It is possible to be American and celebrate your roots. Unless you are Cherokee or something all of us are immigrants. I am a third generation American and have a deep reverence for our country and volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces for 10 years, but that doesn't stop me from being a proud Italian.

...but that doesn't stop me from being a proud Italian.

I too am an American of Italian decent. With a quarter German and a quarter Irish from my Mom's side thrown in for good measure.

I love America and all it stands for, but like Movementarian I am proud of my Italian heritage. I still celebrate Italian holidays and when I lived in the States I was active in the Italian-American Catholic Federation. That dosen't make me any less an American nor do I love my country any less.

Are you kidding me? There is no one culture in the United States. Everywhere you go there are different cultures mingling together. Go to States that border Canada and you know what you will find? Scandinavians that still speak their native tongues. Go to Boston and you know what you find? Irish. Pennsylvania? Germans. San Francisco? Chinese. It is possible to be American and celebrate your roots. Unless you are Cherokee or something all of us are immigrants. I am a third generation American and have a deep reverence for our country and volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces for 10 years, but that doesn't stop me from being a proud Italian.

Lets stick to the topic: Flags. Don't bring languages into it because that's not the same and you know it.

Yes, there are many subcultures, but with one common thread holding them together: They're Americans. I'll bet, as you mentioned, that the majority of them are Mexican. Many, probably, aren't even legal. Many probably want the American culture (yes there is one no matter where you're from) to go away. The refuse to assimilate, and hold our laws and way of life in contempt.

Knowing all of this I'll ask again why do we permit it? 1st amendment? Didn't know it applied to those who aren't citizens. Do I have a problem with someone celebrating a heritage? No. I don't have roots here either. My ancestors came here in the early 1600s. I'm Anglo-German but that is secondary.

I don't fly a foreign flag nor do I hyphenate another countries name into my own. I'm an American plain and simple. The only places that should fly foreign flags here are embassies of other nations.

I'll ask again since so many people dodge the hard questions.:rolleyes: Where else in the world would you be permitted to fly an American flag without being arrested, killed, or worse?

What does a flag symbolize? Ownership. does the flag of Mexico or any other for that matter have a claim of ownership here?

Many in my family have fought and some have gave their lives for their country and their flag and it's almost like a slap in the face to see a foreign flag on land that they shed blood for.

Now go ahead and call me a racist because I believe people should either adopt our culture legally, or go back to wherever they came from.

I too am an American of Italian decent. With a quarter German and a quarter Irish from my Mom's side thrown in for good measure.

I love America and all it stands for, but like Movementarian I am proud of my Italian heritage. I still celebrate Italian holidays and when I lived in the States I was active in the Italian-American Catholic Federation. That dosen't make me any less an American nor do I love my country any less.


Once again. This has nothing to do with heritage, it has to do with flying a flag that isn't our own.

If they want to promote their native culture let them go back where they came from. We have our own culture. I wonder if I could go anywhere else in the world and fly an American flag on non-native soil? No, I couldn't. Maybe you should be there preaching this tolerance and diversity nonsense. There are still some things that shouldn't be tolerated. This land belongs to Old Glory and she'll never share it with another!!;)

You can fly it here mx - we don't mind at all. No-one objects. :)

I'll ask again since so many people dodge the hard questions.:rolleyes: Where else in the world would you be permitted to fly an American flag without being arrested, killed, or worse?

I have seen the American flag flown in both Mexico and the United Kingdom. Specifically in Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexico City in Mexico. London and Portsmouth in the UK. And no, not just in front of embassies either. I have seen them flown in front of private houses and businesses. Those houses and businesses were probably owned by ex-pat Americans, but that dosen't really matter anyway. They were allowed to display a foregin flag.

At IACF meetings I used to attend the Italian flag was always displayed, but only along with the American flag and the American flag was given precedence.

American flags are flown here and I concur with the above post that it is not only at embassies, consulates but at private homes, businesses, hotels and the like. No one gives a toss.

Ok, Thanks all for informing me about the flag situation.

I suppose what really upset me was the recent protests where illegals were waving Mexican flags demanding we support them. That stuck in my crawl I suppose.

I used to live in Little Italy in Baltimore. We had Italian flags everywhere, many people speak Italian, etc. There are many other ethnic neighbourhoods in Baltimore and other major cities. How is that wrong? Or is it only wrong when it is Mexicans?

You trying to put words in my mouth or otherwise instigate/insinuate something?! I'm pretty sure I didn't mention ANY groups by "name".

The way I feel is directed at ANY/ALL groups who believe that they are so much more important and valuable than any other groups and believe that we (USA) should be catering/adjusting to Them.

IMO, if you (in general) are going to preserve your heritage/culture, that's fine - but you Should be learning to assimilate as well (learn to speak/read/write the "native" language). If you're going to fly the flags of other countries, that's fine - but you Should be giving equal time to our flag (and observing standard protocols).

Is that clear enough for you?

I don't see what the problem is, let them fly what they wish. It's all free speech. On U.S. Navy ships we even fly foreign flags when in foreign ports.

You trying to put words in my mouth or otherwise instigate/insinuate something?! I'm pretty sure I didn't mention ANY groups by "name".

The way I feel is directed at ANY/ALL groups who believe that they are so much more important and valuable than any other groups and believe that we (USA) should be catering/adjusting to Them.

IMO, if you (in general) are going to preserve your heritage/culture, that's fine - but you Should be learning to assimilate as well (learn to speak/read/write the "native" language). If you're going to fly the flags of other countries, that's fine - but you Should be giving equal time to our flag (and observing standard protocols).

Is that clear enough for you?

I am not trying to put words in your mouth, or make any assumptions about your personal feelings regarding other cultures. I apologise if it seems that way (that goes for mxwelch as well).

I was trying to point out that it seems that people get "outraged" when Mexicans attempt to retain their cultural icons (i.e. flags), but are not as offended when it is from a European one. I am pretty sure that the Nevada town that started this ban did so to prohibit the Mexican flag from being displayed within their town limits, but I sincerely doubt they would have done the same if they had a bunch of Irish or Italians doing the same thing.

Require immigrants to learn English - sure. Require them to pretend that they are whatever you classify as the "American culture" - no way.

I generally don't fly the American flag at all. I fly the flag of my State, Maryland. I consider myself a Marylander first, an American always, and Italian at heart. Getting back on topic, which I have led us away from just a tad, making it illegal to fly a non-US flag is blatantly unconstitutional and should not be supported by anyone that calls themselves an American. The American flag is an inspiring banner and icon that reminds us of who we are, but the Constitution is who we are.

...Now go ahead and call me a racist because I believe people should either adopt our culture legally, or go back to wherever they came from.

I would never make such an assupmtion and I apologise if you felt that I was in anyway.

I would never make such an assupmtion and I apologise if you felt that I was in anyway.

No I don't.;) I forgot I was responding to someone with far more class than I usually deal with.

The American flag is an inspiring banner and icon that reminds us of who we are, but the Constitution is who we are.
But not inspiring enough to be proud to fly it for everyone to see?

I'm proud of my Irish heritage, but hanging out front of my home is the US flag, to symbolize my love for this country and what it stands for, the freedoms that are guaranteed because people throughout history fought and gave their life for our nation. It's the only way that I can pay back what so many other people in this country take for granted.

Being proud of your heritage is one thing. Refusing to aclimate to your new home, by intentionally choosing to ignore the laws of this nation, and carrying around a sense of entitlement because you are an immigrant is a totally different thing.

...by intentionally choosing to ignore the laws of this nation, and carrying around a sense of entitlement because you are an immigrant is a totally different thing.

Flying a flag other than Old Glory should not be against the law as that law would be (or in this case, is) blatantly unconsitutional.

I was trying to point out that it seems that people get "outraged" when Mexicans attempt to retain their cultural icons (i.e. flags), but are not as offended when it is from a European one. I am pretty sure that the Nevada town that started this ban did so to prohibit the Mexican flag from being displayed within their town limits, but I sincerely doubt they would have done the same if they had a bunch of Irish or Italians doing the same thing.

Require immigrants to learn English - sure. Require them to pretend that they are whatever you classify as the "American culture" - no way.


No one is outraged about hispanics wanting to "retain their cultural icons" it's the fact that they are forcing us in OUR country to cater to them and the other cultures don't. I personally find it interesting to learn about other cultures, as long as it's not forced on me. In order to graduate highschool in the town I lived in we had to take 2 yrs foreign language, that language-spanish. They offered many others, but you still HAD to take spanish. I live in eastern oregon. If they want to fly their flags, let them as long as there is an old glory above. they should show some grattitude and pride living in the greatest country in the world, just like every other ethnic group here. They are not all that way though, I served in the US Army with some great hispanic people, very proud of their culture, but even more so to be an American.

Flying a flag other than Old Glory should not be against the law as it is a baltantly unconsitutional.

I didn't say anything in my post about banning other flags, did I? I agree, it is unconstitutional. However, you look at every faction of illegal immigrants and you will find a majority of them that don't value the Constitution....hell, I'd even venture to say many don't even know what it is except something that Ex-Lax can take care of.

I have an issue with those that REFUSE to learn English, that REFUSE to get a license, that REFUSE to abide by the laws of the land while other law abiding citizens pay extra in premiums, that consciously circumvent the laws regarding employment, thereby depriving our nation of tax dollars......

These are the people that I am refering to. Step outside and it'll take less than 5 minutes to identify someone that fits into that category.

I didn't say anything in my post about banning other flags, did I? I agree, it is unconstitutional. However, you look at every faction of illegal immigrants and you will find a majority of them that don't value the Constitution....hell, I'd even venture to say many don't even know what it is except something that Ex-Lax can take care of.

I have an issue with those that REFUSE to learn English, that REFUSE to get a license, that REFUSE to abide by the laws of the land while other law abiding citizens pay extra in premiums, that consciously circumvent the laws regarding employment, thereby depriving our nation of tax dollars......

These are the people that I am refering to. Step outside and it'll take less than 5 minutes to identify someone that fits into that category.

I was just trying to get back on topic.

I agree that illegal immigration should not be rewarded or ignored. Each and every illegal immigrant should be sent back to where they came from. I also think that anyone wishing to immigrate should be required to learn English. Illegal immigrants should also recieve nothing from our government in the way of support, as they are not citizens. That is not to say that they should not be afforded the same rights as an American. Rights are not the same as benefits and should not be confused.

(I promise I will try to stay on topic from now on.)

I was just trying to get back on topic.

I agree that illegal immigration should not be rewarded or ignored. Each and every illegal immigrant should be sent back to where they came from. I also think that anyone wishing to immigrate should be required to learn English. Illegal immigrants should also recieve nothing from our government in the way of support, as they are not citizens. That is not to say that they should not be afforded the same rights as an American. Rights are not the same as benefits and should not be confused.

(I promise I will try to stay on topic from now on.)

OK, staying on topic, regarding foreign flags.....why is it that everyone stands up and screams UNCONSTITUTIONAL when the display of other flags is questioned......but no one wants to stand up and make OUR flag sacred by banning flag burning?

OK, staying on topic, regarding foreign flags.....why is it that everyone stands up and screams UNCONSTITUTIONAL when the display of other flags is questioned......but no one wants to stand up and make OUR flag sacred by banning flag burning?

Mostly because one could argue that desecrating the American flag is protected expression under the First Amendment. I am personally offended when I see Americans desecrate the American flag, but I am also hesitant to say that it should be outlawed because it starts us on a slippery slope of determining what can be considered free expression.

So, according to that logic, it's ok to force us into accepting their flag, but not ok to force them to accept ours?

Where's that logic?

So, according to that logic, it's ok to force us into accepting their flag, but not ok to force them to accept ours?

Where's that logic?

You can burn the flag of a foreign country if you want.

You can burn the flag of a foreign country if you want.

Yeah, and watch Americans being labeled as racists, starting riots on the streets, and accused of lacking human diversity?

Do you see the disparity and double standard? We, as Americans, have to respect everyone elses flag, but no one, here on our soil, partaking of our freedoms and blessings, has to repsect ours?

Whatever happened to all men (and women) being created equal?

You can burn the flag of a foreign country if you want.

Slightly off topic, I wonder what the penalty(ies) would be (if any), from place to place, if an "outsider" were to burn another country's flag inside the borders of that country and would it be any different if a "native" of that country were to burn that country's flag inside that country... :confused:

Yeah, and watch Americans being labeled as racists, starting riots on the streets, and accused of lacking human diversity?

Do you see the disparity and double standard? We, as Americans, have to respect everyone elses flag, but no one, here on our soil, partaking of our freedoms and blessings, has to repsect ours?

Whatever happened to all men (and women) being created equal?

You have the same freedom of expression as the guy who is burning the US flag. You could burn his flag, but you don't because you are better than that.

All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, including the freedom to express yourself in the manner that you choose. How a person reacts to your expression is not the responsibility of the Government unless it causes a breach of of the peace.

I like seeing other nations' flags flying from various buildings. A lot of the community clubs which are frequented by people of various ethnic backgrounds have their national flags as well as the Australian flag so that's not a problem. It's a bit like folks having their national flag on the back window or bumper sticker to denote their origin. They may have come here to live but no-one expects them to forget their heritage. There's someone here that has a big Lone Star sticker in his back window. I haven't got close enough to read the sticker but I bet it says "Republic of Texas" :D

I do find it annoying that people come here, to escape from their country, then proudly display their countries flag.

If their country is so great, what are they doing here? :confused:

If I did the reverse, go to their country and fly the American flag, I probably would last about 4-5 hours.

But it's a little silly to have a law to force people not to fly their country of origin flag. It's probably better to fight back.

How? Fly American flags, in a very "IN YOUR FACE" fashion, and make sure they know it.


Lets stick to the topic: Flags. Don't bring languages into it because that's not the same and you know it.

Yes, there are many subcultures, but with one common thread holding them together: They're Americans. I'll bet, as you mentioned, that the majority of them are Mexican. Many, probably, aren't even legal. Many probably want the American culture (yes there is one no matter where you're from) to go away. The refuse to assimilate, and hold our laws and way of life in contempt.

Knowing all of this I'll ask again why do we permit it? 1st amendment? Didn't know it applied to those who aren't citizens. Do I have a problem with someone celebrating a heritage? No. I don't have roots here either. My ancestors came here in the early 1600s. I'm Anglo-German but that is secondary.

I don't fly a foreign flag nor do I hyphenate another countries name into my own. I'm an American plain and simple. The only places that should fly foreign flags here are embassies of other nations.

I'll ask again since so many people dodge the hard questions.:rolleyes: Where else in the world would you be permitted to fly an American flag without being arrested, killed, or worse?

What does a flag symbolize? Ownership. does the flag of Mexico or any other for that matter have a claim of ownership here?

Many in my family have fought and some have gave their lives for their country and their flag and it's almost like a slap in the face to see a foreign flag on land that they shed blood for.

Now go ahead and call me a racist because I believe people should either adopt our culture legally, or go back to wherever they came from.

+1. I couldn't have said it any better.


No one is outraged about hispanics wanting to "retain their cultural icons" it's the fact that they are forcing us in OUR country to cater to them and the other cultures don't. I personally find it interesting to learn about other cultures, as long as it's not forced on me. In order to graduate highschool in the town I lived in we had to take 2 yrs foreign language, that language-spanish. They offered many others, but you still HAD to take spanish. I live in eastern oregon. If they want to fly their flags, let them as long as there is an old glory above. they should show some grattitude and pride living in the greatest country in the world, just like every other ethnic group here. They are not all that way though, I served in the US Army with some great hispanic people, very proud of their culture, but even more so to be an American.

+1

I dont really see the big deal. So you want to fly a flag? Go ahead. Most people are proud of their heritage AND the US. I think that in Little Italy, or China town or where ever, they should speak their native language. Thats the whole point of said neighborhood. How many people visit these places for the atmosphere or ethnic dining? Has anyone who supports this ordinance ever read the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island?

written by Emma Lazarus, reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breath free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore; send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

And its amazing, Im NOT a tree hugging liberal.

No one is outraged about hispanics wanting to "retain their cultural icons" it's the fact that they are forcing us in OUR country to cater to them and the other cultures don't. I personally find it interesting to learn about other cultures, as long as it's not forced on me. In order to graduate highschool in the town I lived in we had to take 2 yrs foreign language, that language-spanish. They offered many others, but you still HAD to take spanish. I live in eastern oregon. If they want to fly their flags, let them as long as there is an old glory above. they should show some grattitude and pride living in the greatest country in the world, just like every other ethnic group here. They are not all that way though, I served in the US Army with some great hispanic people, very proud of their culture, but even more so to be an American.

+1.