Coke’s “America the Beautiful” or America the Balkanized?

Written by Allen West on February 3, 2014

I guess we touched a nerve last night regarding Coke’s “America the Beautiful” Super Bowl ad. Some people felt even questioning why an iconic American song was sung in other languages was racist. There are others, who I figured, just rolled over and said everything is fine.

But the last thing any of us should want to see is a balkanized America. Furthermore, it has to be of concern that we have Americans who lack the resolve to take a stand for our borders, language, and culture. That’s why I included the quotes from President Teddy Roosevelt, because once upon a time that was how Americans felt, and immigrants came here to be a part of the American experience, not bystanders.

Now, here is my recommendation for what the Coca Cola marketing executives should have done. Coke’s “America the Beautiful” should have been sung in English and showed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of diverse races, sex, and creed deployed all over the world drinking Coca Cola. If you truly want to show a diverse commitment to service, sacrifice, and honor that enables us to live in “America the Beautiful” that would have been rated the best commercial advertisement of the Super Bowl. And we would be here talking about how we were all touched emotionally.

I’m not advocating any boycott of Coca Cola, after all I was born and raised in Atlanta. What I do want you all to think about is this quote from George Washington:

We are either a united people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it.

Commonality of language unites and enables the passing of a national character to subsequent generations and to all those who – legally — come to our shores.

But then again, maybe even Coke is buying into the “fundamental transformation” of America.

Read a free excerpt of Allen's new book, Guardian of the Republic. Click here.

← Previous Story Coca Cola ad on Super Bowl — America’s brand? Hm.

Next Story → Amazing hotel rendition of National Anthem.

goldie

well their goes another favorite of mine. I refuse to eat at subway and now coke.
- Rena
  
  I never liked coke and stopped eating at subway a long time ago after discovering firehouse subs…
- BDPSU
  
  I’ve always liked Pepsi much better.
Willie Pagan

great article… shame on Coke… we stand united or not… this radical transformation and watering down of America must be stopped… Please run for office again Mr. West… and stay strong…
Rena

Very well stated.

Although we are all immigrants to this country, we are an English speaking country and should promote it instead of being ashamed of it. Our jobs, our schools and our communities should all have one language that is common throughout this whole nation. No one is saying you can’t speak your native language when you come here, but if we go to these other countries we are expected to speak theirs so why is it different here?
- BDPSU
  
  I am not an immigrant to this country!
  - Rena
    
    Oh sorry hun, didnt mean to offend you…. perhaps you just didnt understand what I meant by that statement… It meant that in our history, even the Native American, were from this area, but by our ancestors we were brought here… Perhaps that is a bit more clear and I hope you can accept my apology ~smiles~
  - BDPSU
    
    No need to apologize…but I’m so sick of hearing people say that “we’re all immigrants” to somehow justify illegal immigration and amnesty. Sometimes I don’t think they understand what an immigrant is.
- Robin Leclerc
  
  i recently had a supervisor at work tell me that english is not the official language of the USA….she was born in haiti and very indignant when i expressed my views that learning other languages and cultures wouldnt hurt anyone, but, dont come here and try to change everything to your ways….88% of americans (according to siri) speak english in america…our constitution was written in english…and dont insist that i must learn your language to keep my job here…if u dont like america the way it has been , then leave and find someplace that will put up with your crap..its a sensitive issue to those of us that are proud of our country and love it the way it has been for generations in our families …not counting the mess that obama has made of our country
  - Rena
    
    I can relate to that, when I was younger and in college I wanted to work too and applied at some places such as warehouses that processed the food after it was picked, I was told that I wouldn’t “fit in” because I didn’t speak Spanish, so I applied to work as a Motel 6 in housekeeping, was told the same thing. This was in California. When we moved to Georgia, I was sure it would be different there, well no, it was worse as I was again told by the Hilton the same thing, and even some of the fast food places, and grocery stores.
  - cnourse57
    
    It is sadly true that Congress has never passed a law stating that English is the official language of the United States of America. I suspect they were all too afraid of angering voters in their district or state who had recently come here as immigrants. It IS a requirement to know English to be allowed to get citizenship. I don’t know how strictly the immigration officials enforce this rule these days.
- julianenglish
  
  You really haven’t ever been to any other counies, have you?; lve travelled all over the world and found locals who graciously drew uopn their often very limited English in order to help me navagate their counties in france, germany, norway, denmark, holland, china, thailand, and a half dozen others countries. Americans are among the few that get indignant when foreigners have difficulty with their language. Ate we really THAT insecure?
  - reardenmetal
    
    poor analogy. if someone walked up to you and asked for help in any language, im sure 99% of the people on this board would help. that’s really not the point.
  - Rena
    
    First off sweetheart, don’t assume you know anything about me. I have traveled in Mexico and I know what its like to have to deal with people down there when trying to get rooms off the main path, I know what its like trying to get jobs or buy things from them so please stop trying to act so high and mighty because you were traveled these other countries who, by the way, are taught English early on in most of those countries you mentioned. In South America they are not and expect us to know their language when we go there but expect us to give them jobs, provide them medical services and other government services, give them an education in their language when we don’t do the same for other immigrants who come here legally.
    
    I for one have helped many here who come here both legally and illegally if they cant “navigate” our communities. And I dont know many who don’t help someone in need, I think we are one of the most helpful nations int he whole world and probably the most open to helping others.
    
    And as far as being insecure? YES we are and should very well be considering we are the target of terrorist acts on our own soil and abroad!
EverythingISayIsCorrect

I didn’t see it this way at all. Some of my closest friends are legal immigrants who came here legally. This ad, to me, showed that we are still humanity’s last, best hope for Freedom and finding your dreams. In spite of the last few years.
- BDPSU
  
  Well, then humanity’s last, best hope is being destroyed. Soon it will be just another Third World Hellhole.
- reardenmetal
  
  nice thought, and they could have gotten to that point in a nother way. singing in different languages just wasn’t the way to go
  - BDPSU
    
    Bingo!
- Jerry Fleming
  
  If they want to be AMERICANS, they should sing in ENGLISH… If they want their own individual language — go back…
BDPSU

Notice that all these things are happening under Obamarx? Things that are being done and said would have been absolutely unthinkable before he took office.
msmith40

If your goal is to change this country into the country you emigrated from………you don’t belong here.
Period.
- BDPSU
  
  And why would you even come here?
Mike Donatello

I thought the Coke ad was 180° in the wrong direction, and West is spot on. Celebrating the diversity of our origins and their contribution to the whole is fine; celebrating continued silos in which people from other cultures choose to maintain
themselves once immigrating is not. Acculturation is what made this country great, and a common language is the underpinning of a strong society. Without that, we’re just a bunch of refugees inhabiting the same territory out of convenience.

And, BTW, the idea of having those in uniform do the singing is perfect. No surprise that it never occurred to the hipsters who came up with the ad.
James Jordan

Divide and conquer - and we’re about as divided as it gets.
BDPSU

Remember, in Obamarx’s America, it is YOUR duty as an American citizen to adjust to the immigrant’s ways - not the other way around.
ammo31804

Allen, Coke was born/invented in Columbus, Ga. Not Atlanta. FYI. See for yourself.
- vsdgrandma
  
  It was still Georgia……his home State.
Jim Ross

Things not to eat or drink > Coke, Starbucks and Subway.
Dan

Coca Cola missed a GREAT opportunity. The very same footage, with all the beautiful diversity, but with ALL of them singing in English. That IS what we want, right? All legal immigrants assimilated into the American fabric?

But this may be a problem, as least in part, because we have not done what is needed. That is, to make English our Official Language. Not doing so, leaves open people from all over, to miss really assimilating into OUR American fabric.
- ituri
  
  There is a reason the Founding Fathers didn’t choose an “official language.” Learn the lesson already.
  - Dan
    
    Please help me out on this. WHERE is it that they rejected doing that?
    Requests to have our Founding documents printed in German, were rejected, with the debates citing the cost of printing in multiple languages and the confusion that might result from problems in translation. That applies even more so today.
    
    There’s a reason the Constitution and The Bill of Rights are in English. Is it because all 55 delegates, spoke English? Is it because of that, it never occurred to them the need to write in English as an official language? After the Constitution of 1789 created our present form of government, there is not a single example of Congress approving multilingual publications during the time of the founders.
    
    Learn the lesson already!
ituri

Oh, shut the hell up. I’m so sick of you naysayers demanding everyone and everything bend over and take your extreme patriotism up the ass. Coke chose to create a beautiful commercial message about our being UNIFIED in our DIVERSITY, and screw anyone that thinks they shouldn’t have. Not everything has to be steeped in white blond males in uniform to demonstrate patriotism, other languages are not unAmerican, and… oh yeah… SCREW YOU.
- Kristina Dickey
  
  It’s OBVIOUS that you didn’t READ what Allen West wrote .. or do you suffer reading comprehension disorder?
  - ituri
    
    “Now, here is my recommendation of what the Coca Cola marketing executives should have done. Coke’s “America the Beautiful” should have been sung in English and showed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen” etc and so forth.
    
    I did read it, thanks. And I stand by my comment, as a member of a PROUD MILITARY FAMILY, that not everything patriotic has to be steeped in digital cammies and flag wrapped patriotism to BE patriotic. Coke created a beautiful message, and it’s only YOUR failing if you can’t see that for what it is in favor of whining how they didn’t do it “the right way.”
- Elegy56
  
  I’m guessing from your emotion driven post that you are a liberal “male”. For once in your life dude, act like a man instead of a teenage girl. Without language, borders, and culture, you have no nation.
  - ituri
    
    Wrong assumption one, wrong assumption two, and useless insults that don’t address my comment.
    
    That’s funny, I thought the USA was about 230 years old. Must have been my imagination that dreamed up that nation.
  - ituri
    
    Also loving the downvotes before you physically have time to even read what I wrote. You expose yourselves.
  - Bonnie Miller Barber
    
    No…I read every word, I don’t require a dictionary to read what you write. You are a useful idiot and should be ashamed of yourself. Get an education.
  - Elegy56
    
    I addressed it perfectly. Despite what DC does, without the 3 items listed above, you have no nation. You come here, you have enough respect to speak the native language, really not that hard to figure out dude. Go to any other country and try to make them assimilate to your culture and see how that goes. I’ve seen it first hand in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  - ituri
    
    Go on making your assumptions. Do let me know when the USA decides it never really existed because of your petty and vague qualifiers.
- ron
  
  Same, tired leftist, un-American rants from an anti-American. useful idiot…
  - ituri
    
    Oye, the stupid, it INJURES me. Try reading my comment again and leave the useless insults on the curbside with your next comment.
- SGV
  
  You are the sad one!!!
  - ituri
    
    How, exactly, am I sad for taking pride in the diversity of my nation? It’s you that’s pitiable.
- justathought22
  
  No you ass we are trying to save the greatest country on earth and if you don’t like it get the hell out!!!!!! My ancestors came here to be Americans not Slovaks or Irish or French BUT AMERICANS!!!!! They learned the language and assimilated into the culture. They still cooked their food and still spoke their language at home but were beyond proud to be AMERICANS!!! They did not expect others to speak to them in Slovak or French or Galic, they did not expect the government to supply an interpreter, not give them a hand out for free food, housing, welfare, or any of it. They did not sue anyone to impose their values and customs. I am so sick and tired of being told I am a racist or bigot because I actually believe in AMERICA exceptionalism and not some fifth world trash country where a few people with money keep the money and those with out always have nothing. They are not trying for diversity but derision….
  - ituri
    
    Hey Bucky, my ancestors were here before yours were. Telling people to “get out” because you disagree with their opinion is right in line with being angry about someone taking pride in their nations diversity. I wouldn’t tell YOU to “get out,” so WTH do you think it’s okay to say that to ANY American? Talk about fake patriotism.
Susan Schultz Ferguson Sims

I am going to buy a soda stream and support Israel
- g. carroll
  
  I think that is an excellent idea. Think I will too. After all, who in this entire world would have our backs without hesitation…
borderbarb

Epic fail coke! A song such as America the Beautiful should be sung in English…not other languages. Should have had it sung in English with Americas heroes, our servicemen and women in the ad, not the way it was done. Shame on you Coke.
- ituri
  
  There is no shame in taking pride in the diversity of our nation, you obsessive numbnut.
  - PedroGonzalez
    
    Diversity coming together as one…is one thing. Diversity for diversity’s sake is another. It splinters us and we see that happening now.
  - ituri
    
    Why can’t you see that it’s YOUR attitude causing the division? You have the “us or them” attitude down, that’s for sure. You’re so full of your own self-created splinters you can’t even see it.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    no celebrating everyone’s uniqueness is killing the country…
  - ituri
    
    That’s the most asinine thing I’ve heard all day. Patriotism is great, but nationalism is a poison, and you sew it like a seed with your “us against them” attitude.
    
    We are ALL Americans.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    only to liberals is national pride poison…bye now you repeat the well worn lies of “immigration reform”
  - ituri
    
    Nationalism =/= Patriotism. Learn the difference. One is toxic, and one is valuable. The fact you think they are the same thing just speaks to your level of education, and the fact you attempt a petty political jab just shows you’re so polarized that you can’t see past your personal political preferences.
  - V.P
    
    Rhetoric, but no common sense. Look at any NYC neighborhood and tell me how wonderful YOUR concept of unity is working in one of the most liberal cities in the US. Sure….. we are the dividers. LOL
  - PedroGonzalez
    
    E Pluribus Unum.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    celebrating “diversity” and being a hyphenated country destroys the country. In the 1800 and 1900s when people were coming to America to escape the “old country” they were proud to be Americans not proud hyphenated Americans….celebrating differences divides the country and pits race, sex, religion against one anther. We used to celebrate the diversity of knowledge, talents, skills…which grew this country….
  - ituri
    
    We also used to work minorities to their deaths in mines and on railroads. We also used to own other people as property. We also used to not allow women the vote.
    
    Romanticizing the past does not justify your ignorance of today.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    yet another AIDS-acquired intellectual deficiency syndrome-repeating troll…yep the past had issues; but we have more today thanks to forced celebrations of diversity and the differences among people. Have a nice day now, you can go play with your liberal progressive buddies who buy this tripe
  - ituri
    
    That’s cute. Insult, troll whine, insult. Useless replies, not that I expected more.
    
    Nobody is forcing you to celebrate your nation for what it is. You’ve every right to hole up in your shack house and wave your American flag just for yourself, while pretending over half our nation isn’t really our nation because you don’t LIKE it. Tripe that nonsense, you snipe.
  - Dianer0839
    
    My Great grandfather was brought here to work the coal mines, he repaid the fees, worked hard and even bought the Company. He died young but left his Heirs a legacy that in America anything is possible if you work for it. He was an American and proud of this Country that allowed him to achieve his dreams. This is what our ancestors built, a land that anything is possible. It is diminished by people that seek to plunder our inheritance.
  - Thomas Dunlop
    
    You are either American or you aren’t. There is no such thing as a hyphenated American but Americans of different descents. I am not a Scotish- American but am an American of Scotish descent. American by birth and foremost.
- seekeroftruth777
  
  or at the very least have those of diversity who came from other countries singing it in English!!
WenPap

America is no longer united, that is why so many have given up the farce of pretending. We have allowed others to make us feel our culture, language, our very breathing is somehow dirty and shouldnt exist. We are slowly allowing other countries to change who we are.
NCGrits

yeah, but if you watched O’Reilly’s interview with the POTUS you would know that the pres didn’t say that he felt like it was necessary to “fundamentally transform” our nation. At least he denied saying it.
- Cathy Bazza
  
  he lied
Firstallie

If you live here, you should speak/sing ENGLISH……otherwise go back to your original country.
Mike Stephens

I heard Allen West speaks a second language that he picked up in his native Douchebagistan.
- Marty Torrez
  
  Typical liberal to use playground tactics and call someone names…..You just proved a point didn’t you!
- Scott Snoopy
  
  spoken like one of the AIDS- acquired intellectual deficiency syndrome-afflicted liberal progressives; you simply throw out insults.
- Marv Ack
  
  Mike, I heard that you speak a second language that you picked up in your native Douchebagistan.
  
  Does that sound incredibly stupid? Yes, you’re right. It does sound stupid. Just as it did when you said it about Allen West.
  - H Long
    
    lol!!
Sherry Harvey

At first, I was somewhat offended by our song being sung in foreign languages, but as the commercial progressed, I understood it was a message of how America is a mixture, a diverse society and what glues us together is our mutual love of her. Hopefully, our new citizens are able to learn English after they move here, but America started out a mixture of language and culture and as long as immigrants move here, we will remain so and I see nothing wrong in that. God bless America, in any language you wish to use.
- ituri
  
  EXACTLY. Why people can’t get off their morally outraged horses and look at the message, it boggles my mind. These people declare our very diversity “unAmerican,” and it’s just sad.
- Frank Killa
  
  “what glues us together is our mutual love of her. ” Thats not what THEY are here for…its what they can get out of her…and we’re being forced to give it to THEM!!
- Allyson Jacobs
  
  It showed people in other countries. As far as the language of this country goes…What language is the Declaration of Independence and Constitution written in…ENGLISH!!!
  - ituri
    
    The very Declaration and Constitution that the Founding Fathers REJECTED the application of establishing a national language.
    
    LEARN YOUR HISTORY. ASK WHY THEY DIDN’T DO THAT.
- Marv Ack
  
  Diversity is great, as long as all the individual components are great. However, we have tried to include people who, in the long run, have dragged us down. Other countries have made the same mistake and are starting to admit it openly. That’s the first step in fixing the problem.
  
  Watch. There are going to be some HUGE changes coming!
  - ituri
    
    BIgots have been threatening “HUGE changes” since we elected a black president. Won’t be holding our breath.
  - Marv Ack
    
    And idiots have been calling people “bigots” and “racist” who object to our so-called president because of many things he has done. You think that if you say “racist” we’ll just back down and shut up, right? Well, think again. Use your other brain cell.
    You fools have tried so many times to play the race card, that the word “racism” now is absolutely MEANINGLESS.
  - ituri
    
    Oh, please. You people were emailing your MONKEY jokes before he was even sworn in. Trying to ignore the obvious racism involved in this fight just makes it clear you aren’t HONEST or MATURE enough to be fighting it in the first place. For every single individual who cares what Obama has actually done and doesn’t like it, there are a DOZEN racists who simply hate him because he is A-black, B-liberal, or C-not a Christian Taliban member, or D-any other irrelevant excuse they can come up with.
  - Marv Ack
    
    You are blessed with a wonderful, vivid imagination. But that doesn’t mean you can use it as a source of statistics. (12 racists for every legit complaint… ? Really? Bullshit!)
    And I believe the idiots also had their monkey jokes about GW Bush, so who are you to criticize? Typical leftwing moonbat hypocrite.
  - Tony
    
    …You do realize the bigots here are agreeing with a black man who said this right? But yes so racist.
  - Aaron
    
    Posting Policy
    We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, vulgarity, profanity, all caps, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment where we can engage in reasonable discourse.
    
    Say, um, troll. Did you bother reading this?
  - ituri
    
    Yes, whine about “policy” when you can’t say anything about the content of my comment. Are you posting this policy for everyone who is doing nothing but throwing out empty-but-insulting politically charged comments? NO, of course not.
  - Aaron
    
    Give me a minute, and I will.
    In the meantime, why don’t you read it again, just to strengthen my point.
    
    Secondly, I’m not the one who’s been acting a fool, so I’m not at fault, “policy whining” or not.
  - Jeff
    
    Shut up idiot. Do you think the left would have supported Herman Cain if he had been elected? Would that have made them bigots? Were the 97% whites that didn’t re elect Allen West in South Florida bigots? Must have been by your logic. I don’t like the Clintons any more than I do this communist in office.
Frances

Well, it seems Coca Cola doesn’t identify with being American anymore.
David

Communist Filthy Libtards create advertising on Madison Ave. No surprise here.
David Johnson

There is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. Your nationalism is old, tired and useless. http://www.questionapathy.com/looking-through-a-keyhole/
carolhaka

Immigration to America is suppose to require assimilation! If I want to speak another language or expose myself to their culture, I will travel to their country.
Marty Torrez

They should of just sang the old song “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony” would have had a message of world united without disrespecting our culture and way of life…..
Carl Pyrdum Jr.

Colonel, welcome to a front row seat of just how pervasive egalitarianism has become in our society. Personally, watching this sickens me. Just one more example of corporate America selling American heritageshort to promote a socialist, egalitarian, secular humanist agenda.
vsdgrandma

I think it is fine for Coke, or any other product to sell internationally and print the products name in the language it is being marketed….Coke has many products that sell in other countries……Global trade……yet when they put a commercial in this country for the Super Bowl, they need to speak the language our Constitution is written in….ENGLISH ….all the hogwash about diversity does not change the language spoken by our founding fathers. If they were really trying to show diversity and inclusiveness all at once, the song would have been in English with all races and ethnic groups singing it…..otherwise it should have been a song like “We are the World” being sung in different languages around the world. …to become a citizen in this country you must learn English, take the exam in English and then say the pledge of allegiance in English…….somehow Coke must have overlooked that………
- Rene Shepard
  
  Um, The constitution and it’s preamble were written English because our enemy at the time, was England. If we want to be honest, while Washington was on the Potomic, he would more likely to have been speaking German or Polish. Later, Chinese and Irish Gaelic were very very common. The reason English became the language celebre is that our first schools were created by English speaking communities and their formula is what spread. Now, to say we don’t need to speak English is wrong, We need to be able to read, write and understand the constitution as it is written so that we each know our rights for ourselves. But the desperate need to remain ignorant of other languages merely put’s Americans at a disadvantage to other countries that often speak English and their own language. Some times three or more. There is a Norse country that has thre OFFICIAL languages..I don’t think it’s a bad idea to incorporate Mexican Spanish, American Chinese, Louisiana French, and Russian into our curriculum. I work with my grand kids in all of these, simply because I want them to understand what people are saying around them. And on one more note. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to reincorporate Latin as a language option for two reasons. Being a dead language we don’t have as much problem with bastardization of communication, most European speaking nations can at least suss out word meanings and it’s a necessary back bround for both law and medicine. Shrug. My tuppence.
Gwamma

when immigrating to Germany, a foreigner MUST fluently speak German. To get a job, the immigrant MUST fluently speak German….
STEEL 3 you nailed it!
- ituri
  
  We are not Germany.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    what a witty retort…it used to be people were proud to come to and become Americans not force America to accept their differences…”diversity” is destroying the country
  - ituri
    
    Absurd reply. Diversity made us strong enough to stop world-wide wars. But if you insist, lets just carve that message off the Statue of Freaking Liberty that bids the unwelcome to come into our open arms.
    
    You people DISGUST me.
  - Scott Snoopy
    
    no diversity is not what allowed us to defeat those who oppressed others-NATIONAL PRIDE did…bye now your AIDS-acquired intellectual deficiency syndrome-aka low information public educated…only allows you to repeat the wit of the huffpo, media matters, salon, etc…have a nice life in your version of reality…ta ta
  - 68W
    
    Typical whiny baby. America accepts any person from any part of the world as long as they pledge allegience to America. You pansies are okay with having open borders and providing welfare to any illegal immigrant so they have absolutely no allegience to this country. No honor or sense of duty with your type. My ancestors came here to be American, not to for handouts
  - Raymond Nelson
    
    If you come to America to live you should learn english…. and learn our customs….. too many people come here and Americans are forced to cater to them.. why change America to the place they are running from….i guess they will run to Canada when our country turns into what they were running from
  - rjjdd
    
    I don’t know why you should be disgusted. Personal attacks only serve to reduce the argument to name-calling and do nothing to advance an issue. In the end, the finger winds up pointing back to yourself.
    
    I understand the irritation with the ad, although I was not personally offended. I do accept the fact that there are many different cultures here, and I understand that Coke was trying to highlight that.
    
    Also, as an active duty servicemember, I feel we get a little too much attention at times. It has taken the point of service away from the selfless idea of it, that people should expect to serve a higher calling to their country, and not expect every commercial to thank them.
    
    However, I do feel that we do too much to make other cultures feel welcome in this country. We no longer protect our own country, and have leaned too heavily on the ‘melting pot’ categorization of our society that we have taken on over the years.
    
    That is where the Coke advertisement comes in. I am not angry every time I have to press 1 for English, but I don’t always like to see our own inherent culture under assault by those who wish to become a part of society, and then to see their culture and traditions highlighted above our own at times.
    
    I think that is where the issue stems from. There are a great many more nations in the world that are far more closed off to immigrants than we are. I think the issue is that we have become TOO open and TOO accepting of others, and that is where the irritation comes from.
    
    You don’t DISGUST me, we just have a different take on it.
  - Dwayne Jackson
    
    Hey idiot decades ago foreigners came to this country and assimilated because they wanted to be Americans. We won wars because Americans united and defeated our enemies. Today our enemies live amongst us and because of idiots like you we don’t even know who they are. Remember 9/11/2001? We did not know our enemies were here plotting their destruction. I along with most Americans welcome foreigners but we want them to migrate legally and we want them to become Americans. Now do you get it. BTW “You people DISGUST me.” Something tells me your an Obama loving liberal. Correct me if I’m wrong but I doubt I am.
  - Marv Ack
    
    It wasn’t diversity that made us strong. It was hard work. We welcome people who want to work along with the rest of us. We don’t welcome freeloaders.
    Do you really think a poem on a statue is meant to be a law? It’s a POEM.
    You DISGUST every sensible, intelligent person.
vtx1300

Used to be, at one time, people immigrated here not to be IN America, but to BECOME AMERICAN. Seems that has changed of late. Assimilation has been falling by the wayside.
mario nuzzolese

If they sang “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” and jumped around the world with all different people singing it in all different languages, it would have pointed out the diversity in the world all joining together on a common cause, showing brotherhood, and it would have been touching. Instead, Coke chose to sing “America the Beautiful” and have it sung in all foreign languages to point out that America has become a multi lingual country, where new (mostly illegal) immigrants do not care to learn English. Thank you Col. West for saying exactly what most Americans were thinking. Epic Fail by Coke.
Barb Elliott Hiser

Thank you for your leadership in suggesting more appropropriate but effective edits to this. My gut reaction was probably similar to most Americans, but I appreciate your common sense in times like these. That’s leadership at it’s finest.
marke1

It’s all about respect. Unfortunately, people from other countries want us to respect their cultures and languages because they are here in America. I respect them as people - I really do! - but I feel they need to respect the country that they have chosen to live in: Learn the language, embrace our culture, respect where you are and the freedoms you enjoy because of the great country you live in. The song was written in English, it rhymes and sounds beautiful the way it was written.
- Bryan Ewbank
  
  Gee. Respect is a two-way street? What a great idea! Thanks for articulating it.
Al Wilson

Some of these posts the very reason some of us are not happy with the Coke ad. We have differences of opinion and those of you that disagree resort to calling us racist and out of touch. May I remind everyone that one of the basic premises of our great nation is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.
We cannot stand as on if we all speak a different language and fail to adopt the things that being an American means. It’s fine to speak another language but English should be first and foremost. That ‘s not nationalistic it is simply practical and by being practical the nuances that come from understanding the language creates a desire to be a real part of this great nation.
- Isaac T.
  
  A nation without *any* nationalism will not be a nation for long. Certainly not a sovereign nation.
  - Al Wilson
    
    I’m extremely nationalistic. I merely implied that the use of multiple languages water down and dilute the assimilation into a society where understanding each other is of prime importance in maintaining a united America rather than a divided nation.
Isaac T.

It’s things like this ad that show the culture inversion of that classic American principle of “E pluribus unum.” Instead of “out of many, one” the culture is inundated with “out of one, many.”
Rick Godbey

they can take there product over seas and keep it there !!! ill never have another coke product in my home throw out what I had last night in the TRASH … this is AMERICA and we SPEAK ENGLISH … Enough SAID IM DONE WITH THEM and there products ….
pamdix

What infuriates me is the fact that illegal aliens are allowed to protest and they are given a voice. They should have no voice and be deported for protesting.
- Marv Ack
  
  They should be deported for breaking our laws, regardless of whether they protest.
JonInVa

Coke HQ doesn’t even have a number to press for English when you call to complain. All the numbers are taken with other languages. [Sarcasm]
yacope

The coke commercial showed what is wrong with this country at this moment. I’m Hispanic and my first language is Spanish. We celebrate a lot of things the way we do it back home because we are proud of where we came from. We have taught our children to have pride in that but we are AMERICAN, our children are AMERICAN and there is pride in being American first. People used to come to America and assimilate, integrate and become part of it, now it’s a bunch of people with different languages and traditions, in little boxes, separated and not united. Instead of uniting and working to make this world better we are separated, pulling every which way. Instead of a beautiful melting pot singing in harmony, America The Beautiful in English, I love Mr West’s soldier idea but everyone could also be wearing their traditional garb (remember the old coke commercials?) with people of all places united despite their origins they showed a dry salad where the carrot doesn’t mix with the tomato, the cheese or the lettuce. They showed a SEGREGATED nation, it won’t survive this way.
- Robert Channing Smith
  
  Very well said, thank you!
- Jeff
  
  Well said and written.
- H Long
  
  Very much appreciate your comments!
  I would have LOVED to hear newly sworn in legal citizens, having recently immigrated, attempting to sing the words in their broken English — I think that would have spoken to me.
- Stringer
  
  lol, you’re not Hispanic. You’re probably a white, middle-aged, balding man who hates brown people.
  
  I can’t believe you ‘baggers are getting so worked up over this. So because a ‘Murican song was sung half in Spanish that means Coke is anti-American. If anything it is showing respect that native Spanish-speakers would want to sing the song in their native language. It doesn’t mean they shouldn’t learn english, you dopes. Spanish speakers like speaking Spanish with fellow Spanish speakers you morons.
  - mediazorba
    
    and you like coming onto conservative sites calling all of us “baggers”. Get a life.
- mediazorba
  
  Diet Rite makes a very good cola.
- BabetheBeagle
  
  I have never seen this put so well. You have an exceptional talent. Hope you don’t mind if I link to your post. Everyone should read it. Thank you.
  - yacope
    
    Go ahead
- Richo
  
  So you are Hispanic and you are not aware of the fact that “America” consists of 35 independent countries, not just “‘Murica”?
  - yacope
    
    Are you aware that the only country in the AMERICAS (with S) that calls itself AMERICA is the US of A?
    
    None of the other countries in South, North or Central America calls itself America. They call themselves Colombians, Canadians and Guatemalan to name one of each.
    
    There is also the little fact that America The Beautiful was written about the US not about the other New World countries.
  - yacope
    
    A couple of facts to bring you up to speed on the subject:
    1. The only country in the Western Hemisphere that has ‘America’ in its official name is the USA.
    2. The only country that uses ‘American’ as its demonym or gentillic name is the USA.
    2. People from Colombia call themselves ‘Colombian’. Belonging to the continent they call themselves ‘South Americans’ (suramericanos).
    3. The demonym ‘NorthAmerican’ for us is inappropriate because there are 3 countries in North America, and by your own rule, (“…consists of 35 independent countries”), you would have to exclude that option.
    4. The demonym ‘UnitedStater’, apart from being ridiculous, also violates your rule since Mexico’s official name is ‘Estados Unidos Mejicanos’. You won’t want to call ourselves using other countries’ names, right?
    5. When you hear about “the American Army storming Omaha Beach” you don’t ponder about how many Chilean or Guatemalan divisions participated in the invasion. You naturally know they are talking about the U.S. Army.
    6.. Given the fact that there is no pleasing you Leftists since your goal of your criticism is to take this country down a notch or two, and given the fact that we are the oldest, strongest, and most culturally dominant Republic in the hemisphere, we choose to continue calling ourselves ‘AMERICANS’ whether you like it or not.
Terask

Personally, Coke has lost me as an American Consumer, their commercial last night was not about being American. They chose to cross that line…so be it! I am tired of excuse after excuse for the culture changes and trying to justify not being American.
- dginga
  
  Coke actually lost me when they started supporting the global warming scam in their commercials a few years ago.
  
  As for the ad last night, I was offended, and also reminded of the story of my great-grandparents who came to this country from Scandinavia. I was raised hearing stories of how, when my great-grandmother wanted to speak Swedish instead of English, or when she wanted to go to the Lutheran church where they had Swedish services, or when she wanted to join the Swedish social club in their city, my great-grandfather would tell her, “We did not come all the way to the United States so you could be SWEDISH!!! Either start acting like an AMERICAN or go home!!!” Consequently, my grandmother never learned Swedish, she never cooked “Swedish” food, and she was raised to be an American, as was my mother. I honestly don’t think the subsequent generations lost anything by not having a recipe for Swedish meatballs.
  - Porkchop
    
    My great-grandfather came to America (sponsored…whatever happened to that?) from Czechoslovakia. He could speak 7 languages. He chose to speak English ONLY, out of respect, the day he became an American citizen. He was proud to assimilate into the American way of life and honor the privilege he’d been given.
  - mediazorba
    
    Hear. Hear.
  - MissSterious
    
    My Grandfather came from Italy ALONE at 15. He taught himself English and that is what he spoke! He left the Italian in Italy.
Ruth H

Excellent idea for the coke commercial. I did not watch the game or the commercials but I saw the ad of the returnee and the excitement and thought of them, “these are all volunteers, they made the choice, they are not the rejects sent to the service to find a place for them, they are not illiterate, we have a literate military and they have to pass a stringent test to get in, they really are the best and the bravest.” Why is that not pointed out more often?
Glenn Pitzen

Coke is just one of many that I will NOT Ever buy their products again!! They can shove their attempts at Culture change for a Few!!!!
Bill Green

A shame that the country of our memory is not the America of today. To roughly half of the people in this country George Washington, the Founders, etc. are completely irrelevant, as are their principles of government. At the other end of the spectrum we have the author of this article, who would personify America to itself and the world by its military presence.
Cyber Slammer

Obama’s version of the commercial would have had the Muslim brotherhood singing the national anthem in Arabic and Bill Ayers in the background waving the former Soviet Union flag with Rev Wright burning a Bible screaming “GOD DAMN AMERICA”!!!
Jen

Coca-cola needs to know this. Simply saying you won’t buy their product again will not fix the problem. If you did not like the commercial, write them a letter at:
The Coca-Cola Company
PO Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
I’m writing my letter now.
- Gail Lowery Briggs
  
  ME TOO !
- LDM
  
  @Jen Thank you for posting their address - letter writing in process - lets flood their snail mail box as well as their e-mail box…….anyone have their e-mail address?
michmike

Call me an extremist but when i first saw the commercial the first thought that popped in my head was that coke was promoting the New World Order
- nanny
  
  That was my thoughts exactly so I sent Coke an email and told them of my disgust in that commercial. I also let them know that this is our Country, our song and our Super Bowl and that the song should only be sung in English. I’m still ticked over it.
jb80538

While it may not have been racist, it certainly was UNAMERICAN!
Jeni

The America that we
once knew and loved is dead. The Socialist Marxist Liberals murdered her
armed with tyranny, brainwashing, ignorance, pure stupidity and
laziness. I find it interesting that the
Budweiser commercials make everyone feel happy, warm, and fuzzy. That just goes to prove to me… that the good
ol fashioned values of the America we loved and treasured is what is really important
to people and what they want, but are too dumb to admit or even recognize it in
the first place. I will never buy
another coke product.
adapp

I’d like to point out that “According to the NFL, FOX’s broadcast will reach 198 countries and territories in more than 25 languages.” I think that is a perfect reason for ‘America the Beautiful’ to be heard inclusive of a multitude of voices and languages. We are a proud member of the global community and represent this world in our melting pot of citizenry.
- Rusty Jewell
  
  Not sure where to start. The commercials that we saw here in the States are NOT the same commercials that were broadcast in Germany, France, England, etc. The commercials that were seen in other countries were broadcast in that country’s native language.
  
  And yes, while we are a proud member of the global community, we are still a sovereign nation much the same Iran is a sovereign nation.
- FallingDownMan
  
  By showing immigrants singing in different languages, it is encouraging the same people to not learn English, to not meld into the melting pot, to remain separate from the rest of America. It just encourages people immigrating to remain divided from the rest of America. United we stand, divided we fall.
Marcus127

Read up on what Teddy Roosevelt had to say about Hyphenated Americanism!

I agree with Teddy….be American….no Hyphens!
Frank Oh

Look at it this way we were all immigrants ans yes in their households English may not ever have been spoken. I know this first hand as my parents spoke only Italian in the home and trusted no one that wasn’t Italian outside the home. And yes I learned this song in Italian first same with the national anthem that was many years ago. If we can’t embrace diversity in everyone we are going to lose.
- Marv Ack
  
  I will NEVER embrace diversity in people who want to kill me.
  - Squirrel
    
    I’d bet you money there’d be a Russian who’d want to kill you, I’d bet there’d be a Canadian who’d want to kill you, I’d bet there’d be a Chinese person who’d want to kill you.. Same can be said about an American… etc. etc. etc.. but that doesn’t mean, Russians , Canadians, Americans or the Chinese want to kill you.
  - Marv Ack
    
    I was actually referring to a specific cult which teaches that those who refuse to join the cult must be killed.
  - Squirrel
    
    and which cult is that? i don’t remember that from the Coke commercial.
- woodgrain
  
  The difference is between LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigrants. This commercial came at a bad time with the bad idea of amnesty looming.
- H Long
  
  Embracing diversity is wonderful - but this is a different point than assimilation. The perfect example is the fact that you speak/write in English! Immigrants can assimilate without losing their culture, just as most of us have!
  - Squirrel
    
    Language is the gateway to a culture.. besides the fact that’s probably the only reason they decided to have them sing in those languages, was to highlight the different cultures in America… You can’t pretend those people don’t also speak English, in addition to their native tongue.
    
    Also, there’s a reason that the constitution doesn’t give America an OFFICIAL language.. it does, however, give us freedom of SPEECH.
    
    America is a blend of cultures… America has LONG been called a melting pot.. which is ironic to me, having a melting pot commercial being called un-American…
  - H Long
    
    I think that the commercial stirs up more issues than just the most Patriotic American song being translated into numerous languages … in and of itself, it is actually quite sweet. However, progressives are constantly sending messages out into the media that conservatives are racist. With the impending discussion of immigration reform, it is a fresh topic.
    
    Every immigrant coming into an established society must assimilate, starting with the accepted language of the majority. There are a myriad of examples throughout history. Progressives have successfully painted that requirement as being racist. his is ridiculous, but brilliant.
    
    So, the immigrants coming in now are lead to believe that those of us whose ancestors immigrated 400 years ago have become xenophobic, when all it really is — we want to make sure that they are prepared for success, being able to work and read signs, and live properly.
    
    Here comes the commercial — by translating one of the most patriotic American songs into other languages, and one of the most iconic American brands, it might imply to some that we must accept other languages as our national language. Thus, progressives can call us racist, and perpetuate the myth.
    
    Moreover - as with most progressive strategies, it clouds the real issue. Conservatives want legal immigration. I can’t fathom anyone believing that we can just let anyone over the borders without some sort of vetting. Just remember that hole in the ground on 9/11, and those guys had purportedly been vetted.
    
    Personally I would have loved hearing newly sworn in citizens - that look exactly like the ones chosen here - attempt to sing the song in their broken English. This would have reasonated.
  - Squirrel
    
    The commercial never says these people can’t speak English.. it’s hardly implied.. I know a lot of people who speak perfect Greek, Spanish, French who also speak perfect English.
    And here comes you.. and others like you.. upset.. someone would choose to sing a song in a language that isn’t English.. and then complaining how it can be construed as racist/xenophobic.. You know what they say.. if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck…..
    Like I said before.. language is a gateway to a culture.. the commercial is about people being glad to be in America, and all a lot of people can say is “SPEAK ENGLISH OR GO HOME”.. You’re proof by how much language matters to people.. if someone sings a song that isn’t in your language you get mad.
    I just want one question answered… at what point in US History.. did it become a thing to assimilate to American culture when you immigrated here? Considering American culture is a diffusion of lots of different cultures.. I want to know when “assimilation” was a requirement.. because it certainly wasn’t at the beginning, or we’d all be eating fish and chips, with a British accent and a spot of tea, right now.
  - H Long
    
    In order to be successful in any new culture, the immigrant must assimilate - I don’t mean the word “requirement”, in a legal ‘government requirement’-sense, but rather, in practicality, and reality. Let’s use a different example here - I decide I want a different opportunity, so I move to China. Can I just pick up and move there, start a business, buy some land, build a factory, start shipping my products to the US, hire whomever I want, speak English since that is my language, and follow the rules I am accustomed to here in the US? No - I must follow the rules set by the Chinese, including having a majority shareholder that is an original Chinese National, and there are rules about the factories, etc. I would try my best at learning the language, and might need a translator for a while until I was certain I could understand Mandarin, etc, and could be understood. I would likely learn that it is better to partner with a Chinese National as they understand the cultural differences, and the norms of their society…..thus, I would make sure to learn how the Chinese greet each other in business - is the elder gentleman always the boss and rarely speaks? I would not jump into their world as a brash outsider, believing they should change for me. I might find a neighborhood where Americans congregate, so to be around folks from my home and my culture, and I would happily bring my Chinese National friend with me, so he could learn about my culture. But I would never consider the Chinese to be xenophobic or racist when they only spoke Chinese, or played their Patriotic songs in Chinese. Every nomadic society that has joined another has had to assimilate. Personally, my French protestant ancestors fled brutal murder of the Catholic church, running to London, and then to the USA to escape the wrath and to find freedom and opportunity. We did not even contemplate speaking French in the English-speaking settlements in Pennsylvania, because we wanted to work. This was a key part of our success.
  - H Long
    
    Actually, it doesn’t seem that you read my post - the one to which you are replying. I explained myself just fine in that one.
    
    When the founders created the United States of America, and wrote the Constitution, the Articles, and the Dec of Ind, they did so in English, as most of the founders had left England. Some of my ancestors were English, so they had an easier time jumping into the culture — but most of my ancestors were French, who quickly learned English so they could join into the new free society that was organized with the goal of freedom. So thankful to have a home where they could pray as they liked without fear of government tyranny and death, they dove right into the established culture, and worked hard to be successful entrepreneurs - one had a blacksmith shop who provided guns for the soldiers.
    
    The recent immigrants that I know — they kiss the American soil and are extraordinarily thankful to have the freedom provided here. They work harder than many American-born workers, and they love it here! They love trying their English with me, and they let me practice my Spanish with them. I would have loved the same people in the commercial, trying to sing in the broken English — this would have resonated with all of us.
  - Squirrel
    
    I realize it’s a different way of looking at things.. so there’s not really an argument.. however… it’s insulting that you imply that these people singing in the song would have broken English…
    
    Maybe they speak PERFECT English… there’s no implication these people can’t speak English.. I don’t really feel like repeating myself. but. seriously..
    
    This is America, land of the free right? if there are people who don’t want to learn English.. why do you even care? I know.. you really just want to help these poor people who can’t make their own decision to learn English. The Native Americans didn’t make us learn their languages when we immigrated to their land.
  - H Long
    
    I don’t think it is offensive at all to have created a commercial with an immigrant speaking ‘broken English ‘ — in fact, it would show his/her effort and willingness to try it. This reflects that the immigrant respects assimilation and the realistic need to communicate here, and the language of the founders who devised and wrote our founding documents.
    
    Certainly I know that many immigrants speak perfect English. It would have been nice to see those folks singing America the Beautiful in their perfect English, reflecting their respect for the country they have entered and the established society and it’s peoples.
    
    Please read up on the cultures who refused to assimilate — and their failure to thrive. I want all immigrants to find freedom and economic success in the US because it is good for the country as a whole (drives Economic growth since it is not a zero-sum game) — and regardless of what liberals claim, it is not good for the economy or the individual to have to survive on government assistance.
    
    The point is that Coca Cola and its global push does not have America’s best interest as a country - shouldn’t be expected to - it needs to sell its products. It merely recognizes that progressives and liberals have successfully changed the paradigm here in the US — the politically correct language is prominent — turning everyone into easily offended, over sensitive, over simplified wimps and weenies. The typical liberal and progressive is offended that I rather an immigrant sing a Patriotic song about America in English??? Weenies. Wimpy, lame, over sensitive weenies. The liberal of today wouldn’t have lasted a day trying to build a new society in the uncharted new world.
  - Squirrel
    
    “Weenies. Wimpy, lame, over sensitive weenies.” because I’d be offended that you are offended about someone not singing in English? you’re the one who’s offended.. I’m disappointed.
    
    There’s two types of people posting on this article.. those standing up for the immigrants… me.. .and those offended that someone is singing a song in a language besides English… you… who’s the over sensitive “weenie”?
    
    Everyone in this country survives on government assistance… don’t be ignorant. You can only be as successful as your government’s infrastructure.. If you think Donald Trump or some other famous rich person in America could have gotten that rich in Ethiopia.. you’re just wrong… I benefit from my government assistance every day.. My public education I take with me everywhere.. to the government roads I drive to work on.. The protection of the police, my clean water and sewage system.. I know you don’t worry about the government assistance you receive.. only the people who get stuff that you don’t.
- MissSterious
  
  My Grandfather emigrated here from Italy at 15 alone. He married my Grandmother who was born here and spoke Italian as well. Italian was NOT spoken in the home. My Grandfather’s rule was English only as he was an American. My mom is 72 so think how far back that was.
H Long

Great comments, Colonel!
I
very much enjoy the heated debate brought on by the Coca Cola Super Bowl
ad which featured a myriad of different cultures singing “America the
Beautiful” translated into different languages. To be honest, my first
thought, based solely on emotion, was - barf, they are forcing the legal
immigration issue to the front. Now I am contemplating it logically. 1
- “America the Beautiful” is one of the
most patriotic, pro-America songs. It is not the national anthem…
the words speak to the splendor of our country, including poignant
appreciation for God, and freedom, including but not limited to
“America! America!, God shed His grace on thee, Till selfish gain no
longer stain, The banner of the free!’. Translating the National Anthem
into other languages would have been wrong. 2 - I’d like to know what
languages were included - just curious to see if our founder’s countries
were included, such as my French ancestors, or Scottish brogue, or
Queen’s English, Italian, or Danish? Was our strongest ally honored, so
it was sung in Hebrew? Or was this just an inclusion of today’s
typical immigrants searching for opportunity and freedom? 3 - At the
end of the day, was this just Coca Cola recognizing that it will likely
continue to have growth prospects outside of the US, likely in the areas
that have those national languages spoken? I need to watch it again -
were those singing in their language actually here in the US, or were
they in their home countries? 4 - Was there really a gay couple in it?
(I didn’t see it, just heard a rumor) …If so, how will the Latin
American, or Muslim-based, or Russian-based communities react? 5 - Does
anyone ever discuss the sociological findings from years of research
that “a culture” will not achieve success for itself (themselves) when
it enters into an established culture, if they don’t assimilate, with
first being accepting and learning the language of the established
culture? If I were to move to Beijing, I would learn Chinese!

Sadly, I will be called a racist for bringing up all those points.
Eric Domejean

Truly one of the most pathetic right wing posts ever.
- Marv Ack
  
  And so you jump in, call names, and run. Major irony here!
- Lee Cullop
  
  Eric, why is it pathetic, and why is it right wing? Is it because it is posted on a website backed and supported by Allen West? Is it pathetic, because it criticizes the points out that there has been an continues to be a movement in the United States to de-value the sense of country that “We the people” once held strong? Did you not take or do you not remember anything that was taught in any of your high school history classes? Why are we one of the only countries in the world that have openly accepted and promotes segregation, and racism? Here is the point that is being made. A person in the UK that has brown skin is not called an African-Brit, a child born of Filipino parents born and raised in Australia is not called a Pinay-Aussie. Yet this country has labeled every single person in one way shape or for, at those peoples request. In reality we are one of the few countries that allow this mixed classification at all. The fact of the matter whether you can fathom this or not is that there are only two types of people in this country, US citizens (Americans) and non-citizens. That is the point “We the people” have lost a sense of country, of history, of self. I challenge you and anyone else that if you wants to keep the tag xxxxxxx-American, relinquish your citizenship and move back to that country. The only people who get screwed in that proposition would the people of all the Indian tribes that populated this land before they were conquered by your ancestors. Pull your head out of your butt, and read with an open mind look at what is being said then make and intelligent decision, this article has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with this country and those that live under the protection and freedoms the flags provides.
Gail Lowery Briggs

We were totally offended by the Coke ad ! We are a family of total Coca Cola consumers for 45 years ,I am a avid collector of Coke items of all kinds and have quite a collection. They nipped our support for all of their products in the bud .No more money from our household goes to Coke. First and foremost we are AMERICANS. Seems like Coke forgot that important detail while they were busy embracing the New World Order…… we are disgusted !!!
- bonerfart
  
  Diversity is sickening!
- Squirrel
  
  Apparently you forgot America was founded on immigration.. our culture is a mix of many cultures from around the world… Now I’d like the explanation on how embracing American roots is magically un-American.
  - Gail Lowery Briggs
    
    Looney liberals just don’t get it do they ? After all they are ALL about changing EVERYTHING America was until it perfectly fits their agenda.
  - Squirrel
    
    The problem with me “changing” EVERYTHING is that.. History supports my story.. America was founded by a bunch of British people, aka.. We started out with British culture..
    Now.. if everyone assimilated as they immigrated here.. WHY don’t we still have British accents, and drink tea? Why isn’t fish and chips sold at every PUB in town? Americas favorite appetizer is chips and salsa.. that certainly didn’t come from England.
    Here’s the facts.. American culture is a diffusion from lots of other cultures.. so at some point in time.. you decided that the diffusion stopped.. and that any new immigrant can no longer come to America and contribute to our culture, they must assimilate.
    So, PLEASE, point to me on a timeline where American culture became established.. and that all immigrants started to assimilate instead of diffuse..
Cajun girl

I saw the commercial and I see both sides of this coin. On one hand Coke is sold around the world and enjoyed by many countries, just like McDonalds, and KFC, however on the other hand the reason America is so upset is we have helped many countries in trouble and we have been attacked from the back door by many countries Pearl Harbor, 9/11……….. if you read news feeds from other countries you see how much they hate us and call us the devil. Yet we show a commercial that looks as if it was shot in another country and in another language? All of us that were in New York that day and all of us that watched the nightmare unfold before our eyes on television take offence that an American product would make such a commercial. I happen to believe it is just a marketing ploy, think about all of the American companies that sell their product in other countries, they did not want to loose any monies by shutting down their restaurants or pulling their product when we were attacked they continue to sell and go to the bank daily. I love Coke and will continue to drink it, but Coke what were you thinking? You haven’t messed up this big since you rolled out New Coke in the 80’s
- Yukon36
  
  Football is an American sport. If people in other countries want to watch and listen, they can learn English.
- Working Mom, Grandma
  
  I’ll drink Pepsi, thank you, especially now…but you are correct Cajun girl.
Klaus Fischer

I think some people are confusing “America the beautiful” with the Star Spangled Banner”. What made for a beautiful America is the diversity in people who came here from all parts of the world and worked in unison to have it grow into a common haven of a Republic by the people. Having stated that, it’s also true that somewhere since that mindset we have lost our way and purpose. Many of the modern era immigrants do not feel that purpose of assimilation that grew into such a world force of unity. Too many are interested in wanting to change the country into havens of individual cultures including keeping their language as a primary communication. Too many are here to earn money and instead of contributing to the common cause, they send it back to their country of origin, yet are given benefits that are paid for by those who earn and spend/save it here. Then you have those who steal their way into the country illegally who also get the same benefits having had absolutely no part in contribution. The biggest insult of all is that the elected officials by those who contribute have turned a deaf ear to those very people, and many support this behavior with the only goal being their own re-election by uninformed voters. Welcome to the Un-united States of America and for which it will fall.
Solider

I think white people forget they are from Europe.
- woodgrain
  
  Key word, FROM. You don’t have to be proud of it. We’re over here for a reason, not over there. Our ancestors left.
- MissSterious
  
  I’m not from Europe. I’m an American.
- Solider
  
  Coke was just stating we are a land of mixed cultures. They weren’t suggesting we should speak other languages instead of English. You missed the message . We were all immigrants at one time or another. I think white people forget they were from Europe and didn’t speak English. Yes we all needed to learn English when we got here and so should they. I just think the point was that we are many united cultures living in the same beautiful country. If the game was more exciting we wouldn’t be having this debate. Stop giving in to the media that consistently tries to stir the pot for ratings. It only divides our country. We should ban them.
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  - MissSterious
    
    I’ve never been an immigrant! I’m 50 and I’ve lived here my entire life.
  - Jan
    
    I was BORN AND RAISED in AMERICA. I AM AMERICAN, red, white and blue. Anyone that wants to come to America LEGALLY is welcome, however, they need to learn English, get a job, work everyday, pay taxes. There should be NO signs in any language except English. I am sick of seeing everything on our food products also written in spanish. Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Nabisco, Keebler, etc, ENGLISH ONLY. If these companies stop writing everything in a different language, the immigrants would learn English. They sure know our money system so they won’t get cheated working and getting paid under the table. People that cater, rent and hire these illegals are a BIG part of the problem. OUR political leaders should charter planes, load the illegals and their anchor babies on the planes, take them to the nearest airport in their homeland, drop them and come back, reload until they are all gone. I am sick of these politicians catering to illegal aliens for the vote. We need TRUE AMERICANS in the White House, congress/senate and get these a$$holes that are there for the money OUT…..DEPORT GEORGE SOROS AND OBAMA.
  - Loretta Brown
    
    Nanabrownpigg
    You go girl!!! I agree with all you said. Thank you.
- H Long
  
  Actually, our ancestors are from Europe. I wonder if the Coca Cola ad featured any of the cultures of my family tree — hmm — Scottish Brogue? Queen’s English? Irish diction? Dutch? maybe some French….. ? Interesting what cultures were included….Any Hebrew?
  - Working Mom, Grandma
    
    How about the Vikings…those were my ancestors
  - Squirrel
    
    There were no permanent Viking settlements in America… So, your ancestors may have been vikings.. They haven’t been living in America for hundreds of years.
- Scario
  
  I think Solider forgets Allen West is Black.
- enlightened
  
  I think white people also forget they also mowed over an entire race of people for that freedom when they got to north america
  - MissSterious
    
    And who lived here before the Indians? Throughout all of history people were nomadic, every square inch of land on this planet was fought for at one time or another. People moved to find more food, water, climate, etc. Do you think the Indians sprouted up out of the ground?
  - jaebsf
    
    While unfortunate that’s how the world was then. The natives paid a high price for weakness in the face of a far more advanced European cultures.
  - H Long
    
    The enlightened progressives don’t like to acknowledge that fact, as I don’t think they study history. They don’t acknowledge that the American transformation actually occurred very quickly in such a young country — we eliminated slavery within 100 years of our founding. There are a significant number of cultures that spent 500+ years enslaving others, and there are some cultures that still have slavery now - many in Asia, the Middle East, Mauritania.
  - CSHJ
    
    If you will recall the “Native” American Indians migrated here over the Bering Strait. They also went further south into Mexico and settled there. What happened to the people that were here then? There was alot of cooperation with the Indians in settling the US. They were the scouts, they led the Europeans west to settle. There were tribes that didn’t get along with anyone, Indians or not. I am 1/4 Ute Indian because my grandmother was kidnapped by them when she was 10. The USA is a melting pot. We come from everywhere on earth but if we don’t speak a common language we are lost. Los Angeles changed their schools to fit the illegal Mexicans. The schools became bi-lingual (mostly Mexican) and the schools went in the toilet. they went from #1 to #50.
- Working Mom, Grandma
  
  Soldier..Did you realize Patriot Allen West is considered non-white and I agree with him.
- dginga
  
  Actually, I am NOT from Europe, I was born in the United States, my parents were born in the United States, my grandparents were born in the United States… I am an AMERICAN! I celebrate the “melting pot” of people who came from other lands to become AMERICANS. Our motto “E pluribus unum” means “From many, ONE.” It does not mean “sneak into our country and continue to live as though you were still back home.”
- Snow Mann
  
  This white person was born here. I’m not from Europe.
- teflonron
  
  Allen West isn’t European.
- jane
  
  and people , racist people like you forget your ignorent. pathetic, hate to know your one defending the united states.
MissSterious

Once we accepted the hyphenated American we began to become Balkanized. I was explaining to my son recently that our country was founded on freedom, it was built by the fearless. Millions of immigrants who came here went back home because they couldn’t do it. Those that stayed persevered because their desire for freedom was stronger than their fear. Our Ancestors came here to BE AMERICAN!
Carol

The commercial reminded me of the Coca-Cola of years ago where the theme was “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony”.
- Awbcjules
  
  I thought that is where they were going too.
- teflonron
  
  THEY SANG IN ENGLISH.
Working Mom, Grandma

Sing it in ENGLISH, as written….Doesn’t mean you’re giving up where you came from, just that you have embraced where you ARE.
- Squirrel
  
  Coke is American.. not English.
mike

COKES management is not American, so I suppose we should not expect there ads to be directed solely to an American audience. It was the Crysler ad that bothered me the most. There not even an American Company any more, and there ad was so apple pie it made me sick. Large Companies That most Americans assume are American are Multi National and could care less what Americans think.
Take WALMART for example, almost everything they sell is made in China so where does that leave the American worker.
Uncle Ruckus

Someday, I might grow up to be as white as you wish you were.
- teflonron
  
  Do you want to cultivate a country of cultural illiterates?
- jane
  
  you know what, you are stalking and harassing mr.west and i am not going to stand for that. he is a true american. he is not looking at race you low life douch bag. his name is allen west. and your name starts with Uncle. ok. moron. dont fk with my vets bub
JustJay7

Such close minded ignorance and racism. If you want to speak the original language of this country, take up Navajo. Until then, this country is, and will remain, a melting pot of cultures. It IS beautiful, and it IS diverse, and you are old fashioned racists, harking at the different and telling them to conform.
Did the settlers conform to the native ways?
- MissSterious
  
  And did the Navajo’s fight the Cherokees, did the Cherokees fight the Sioux and what about the Mohicans? They all considered themselves different nations didn’t they? Did they not fight for territory? All of the land in the history of the world has been fought for. It’s still being done today.
  - dan
    
    Yah the indians stole the land from the squirrels and bears. And before you say anything im indian so suck it
  - john_koenig
    
    Do you think your people simply sprouted fro North American soil? They were immigrants, too.
  - MissSterious
    
    Siberians were the FIRST to settle America!
- H Long
  
  Actually there were people in the US far earlier than the Indian tribes were. Mongols are probably the most original. And - Insulting those with opposing
  viewpoints kills your point, by the way.
  - Tom
    
    H Long, “Native Americans” came here via a land bridge during the last ice age about 15,000-23,000 years ago. Long, long before the Mongols or Vikings ever existed. Yes sometimes the truth can hurt and feel like and insult but if you live here you should assimilate to the American culture and that doesn’t mean giving up your ethnic culture.
  - H Long
    
    We are talking about the same thing - those peoples have been tied genetically to the Mongols, as their ancestors… Yes, far earlier than Mongolia even existed! But much earlier than the Clovis, and other ‘Native American’ tribes. There’s even some evidence of maritime activity on the west coast - there could have been European ancestors here - (or Viking or whatever peoples with that ability). Nevertheless, the argument attacking Eropean settlers as murdering Native Anericans and wiping them out — suggesting they have no claim to America doesn’t respect the environment of that time, when it was common practice not deemed yet to be immoral. Sadly for the Indian tribes, they largely were less sophisticated to compete with the settlers, and lost. That was the time.
  - julianenglish
    
    Second time you’ve made that “kills your point” point. You are incorrect. Ad hominim attacks (attacking the person, not addressing the argument) have no effect on the argument whatsoever. It is a logical fallacy that anything about the person has any bearing on the soundness of the argument. Watch this: “the sun rises in the east.” True. Now this: “the sun rises in the east, you dipshit.” Equally true.
  - H Long
    
    You are correct in terms of logic. However once you have used ad hominem attacks such as ‘you are racist’ or ‘you are xenophobic’ or a ‘you are a dipshit’, rather than discussing your point, you utilize the fallacy that your assertion must be correct because your opponent is one of those things. It is similar to bringing up completely irrelevant points (like logical fallacies) to distract from the real debate. I was just pointing out that calling a writer here a name is counterproductive, and rude. Real debate - using facts - should be the goal.
- teflonron
  
  No, the country isn’t a melting pot. It’s not melting, that’s the problem. I cringe when I hear the Spanglish, the dumbing down of America is what you support. We either have a dominant culture and language that binds us or we have populations of people that are cultural illiterates.
  - ltcolcap
    
    teflonron - Yes we are a melting pot. Although we are not melting the way you put it, we are a melting pot of diferent people from different nations. We are all Americans -NOT- AMERIKANZ OR AMERIKAN. English is our official language and should be the only language taught, written in and spoken in any government aspect and this includes all schools. The Liberal Ideology is to dumb down AMERICANS so they will vote the LIBERAL IDIOTS and COMMUNISTS into office. While ALL PEOPLE are welcome to our shores, let them come by legal means and apply for citizenship and children SHOULD NOT BE ANCHOR BABIES who automatically recieve citizenship upon birth. If you come to our shores and are legal in doing so them I say welcome - however - if you come to our shores illegally then please leave - we are not going top support you. If you are here illegally and you are caught, you will be prosecuted and deported back to your country of origin at the expense of the country from which left. If you want to be an American Citizen, then abide by our laws and customs and don’t demand special priviledges - but if you want your culture then stay where you are at or if you are in this country - please pack your bags and leave.
- Tom
  
  No it is not closed minded nor is it Racist. We are America, Our national language is English and we have many traditional cultures but we must comply to our national culture as Americans. All the peoples who came after the First Nations, conquered, exterminated and marginalized us to expand the great experiment. Now people like you want to diminish us even further by tearing down our great nation, I DON’T THINK SO JustJay7, you and your ilk can go and move somewhere else if you don’t like the American experiment. We are America and By God people like you need to start acting like it.
  
  Who are you being touchy-feely for? The illegal immigrants? The Irish-Americans? The English-Americans? The African-Americans? The Mexican-Americans? The Russian-Americans? The Japanese-Americans? Pray tell who are you talking to, your own guilty conscious? Get over it, We Are America. I come from a multi-ethnic/cultural/racial family and you have stepped on some toes with your intolerance. We celebrate several cultures and still come together as a family and as America can and will.
- dan
  
  Good luck when you go to mcdonalds and the person speaks a language you cant understand, cuz you wont be getting your big mac then.
- jane
  
  really? what gives others the right to sing our national anthem in another language? and u want to bring up native americans? ok, they was forced to give up their kanguage and speak english, jsut like the blacks was when they was brought over for slavory. so what gives other the friocken right to speak their language in the UNITED STATES? they either become united states citizens and accept the way and the laws or they can get the hell out….. that simple
  - julianenglish
    
    It wasn’t the national anthem, and there is no law prohibiting singing any song in any language. So what is your point?
- Jody
  
  Actually, if you want to speak the “original” language of this land (NOT country!) you’ll have to speak an Asian language! The Indians took it from the Asians, but that was ok. When Europeans took it from the Indians, WE were ‘bad”! Try reading a history book!
Uncle Ruckus

You must think the sun shines out yo ass
MissSterious

Our country was not built on ethnicity it was built on an ideal. The ideal that all men and women are free. A human beings desire for freedom superceded their ethnic roots. Nobody is forced to be an American, you CHOOSE to be.
- julianenglish
  
  And so why shouldn’t we all have the freedom to speak whatever language we want? If a person finds that his or her language of choice isn’t sufficient to get around, he/she will learn another language.
marcyt

So America is only about servicemen and women? it’s a freaking commercial, for goodness’ sake, made by an international corporation, reflecting the international makeup of the United States. If you can’t understand that, you can’t understand anything. It’s really sad that you’re so xenophobic that you fear Coca-cola is going to change the nation with a COMMERCIAL!
- H Long
  
  It is an iconic American company though, and America the Beautiful is an iconic pro-American patriotic song - so many are reacting to the globalization of American symbols. Insulting those with opposing viewpoints kills your point, by the way.
- Rdhdkid
  
  No doubt you support Wendy Davis, lying bitch that she is.
Uncle Ruckus

“This commercial would be better if it were glorifying the military.” My the white god bless you Allen.
Snow Mann

It’s always about racism to some people. The fact is this is America and
English is the defacto language. Immigrants were at one point required
to speak a certain amount of English. They were required to recite the
Pledge of Allegiance. In ENGLISH. I welcome others to our country, but
if you want to live here, assimilate and learn the language. Coke blew
it a insulted millions of Americans. Having been born here, if the
nation’s language was Na-Dene I would speak Na-Dene. I would sing our patriotic songs in the language of our nation.
Uncle Ruckus

You should become a rapper, get into a beef and get shot.
Ken Nichols

Congress should vote on what the national language is. English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese. What is it? Why should I as an 8th generation American lose my national heritage to a foreign language? I’m American and was taught English. My father was born here and fought in WWII so we would be speaking German right now. He was taught English as was his father and his grand-father and so forth.
I don’t see why I have to press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. English is our National language. PERIOD!!!!!
If you don’t speak it, learn it. I did.
An American for America!
- Ken Nichols
  
  I’m have a typo in my comment. “My father fought in WWII so we wouldn’t be speaking German.”
- Kevin Heckle
  
  Do you seriously want the government mandating which language to speak?
  - john_koenig
    
    No, but I want it to mandate what IT speaks in official government business: English only.
  - Kevin Heckle
    
    But isn’t the government of the People, by the People and for the People? I’m not trying to be argumentative but Conservatives need to seriously think through this notion of a nationalistic language. It’s antithetical to freedom to say a People can only speak to other fellow peoples in a certain way.
  - john_koenig
    
    Again, my point is that it should be mandatory for official government business. National unity is part of the mission of any nation’s governing bodies.
    
    Private businesses and individuals are free to do as they wish. Just as I’m free to not do business with those with whom I disagree.
- Norman Hatfield
  
  Congress has tried to make English the official language. The last time was when my Senator, Jim Inhofe, introduced a bill a couple of years back to make it so. Of course the Democrats all voted it down.
TurdFerguson

This ad offends me as a shareholder. Way to lose track of the goal here, Coke. Someone in marketing should be fired. Don’t use the freaking stage that is the Super Bowl to offend a group consumers no matter how backwards they may be.
QWERTY

As a veteran, I’m disappointed that I risked my life to defend your ignorant viewpoint. We are all immigrants in some way, shape, or form. The only non-immigrants are native Americans. America has no official language. America is a melting pot, the most ethically diverse country on the face of the Earth. That is what makes America what it is. It is you that needs to adjust, and not the other way around. This is how the country, was, is, and will be for the foreseeable future.
- john_koenig
  
  That ad was a slap in the face to immigrants who came here to be Americans, not to sit in their own enclaves and refuse to assimilate.
  - Fred Lakin
    
    You are correct
  - john_koenig
    
    My Québecois mother, who came here in 1960 knowing barely a word of English would have been furious had she seen this ad.
  - julianenglish
    
    Thank god she didnt live to see that day that people sang a patriotic song in foreign languages.ill bet the poor thing is turning over in her grave right now.
  - Squirrel
    
    assimilate to what? our American culture? our American culture which is a mix of other cultures? American culture is based on the mixing of cultures, to assimilate to American culture is UN-AMERICAN
  - QWERTY
    
    Based on the reactions of my immigrant friends, I can assure you that your statement is 100% false.
  - john_koenig
    
    As the son of an immigrant, all I can say is your immigrant friends apparently aren’t real big on America.
- jane
  
  america does have an official language, read the 14th amendment, we are to speak the language it was written in, not only is it official it is law. you really sound like that idiot hilary clinton. my family has been in the united states since 1620 and fought every war this country has ever been in. i will be damned if people with yopur thinking is going to destroy it. and your a vet? shame you think the way you do.
  - Fred Lakin
    
    Bravo
  - http://peacock-panache.com/ Tim Peacock
    
    Could you point out where in the Fourteenth Amendment - exactly - it dictates that we have one official national language that must be used?
  - Jamie
    
    America doesn’t have an official language, YOU should probably read the 14th Amendment- it gave former slaves citizenship, it didn’t establish an official, national language… you really sound like that idiot Sarah Palin 😉
  - julianenglish
    
    The 14th ammendment in no way designates any official language. Would you mind quoting the specific text that you interpret such?
  - QWERTY
    
    You need to read the 14th Amendment, as there is no official language of the United States. You are either mentally handicapped, illiterate, close-minded, or all of the above.
- Fred Lakin
  
  You are not correct and I don’t even think you are using your name So Liberal
  - QWERTY
    
    Well with a well supported argument like that, what chance do I have debating you? Also, you are correct, QWERTY is not my name. Look at your keyboard. Look at the “Q” key, and read left to right. Also, I predominantly vote Libertarian or Republican.
- Rob
  
  Yet you fail to see the irony of your posting your reply ….in English. Unbelievable. I appreciate your service to this country but it seems as if YOU are the one who didn’t realize what he was fighting for to begin with.Take a look at the values that were embraced in this country just 50 or 60 years ago. The easiest way to do that is to look at a television show from that period or the entertainers of the era, now look at T.V shows and entertainers today.In a very real way they mirror our society. If that’s your idea of progress you are either delusional, brainwashed or beyond all help.What happened to the Coca-cola that used to advertise with Norman Rockwell paintings instead of showing extremely biased and highly politicized commercials to the country? Its not their place.They sell soft drinks not a liberal agenda and my 7 year old daughter should not be forced to ask her mother and I why two men are holding hands.
  - Rob
    
    Let me save you some trouble as well. When Ive mentioned this in the past liberals have always been quick to point out one or two entertainers from back then who gave the rest a bad name. Not only were they more than likely liberal to start with but as usual you and those like you cant see the forest for the squirrels. 50 to 60 years ago you may have had one or two bad eggs but that is dwarfed by the sheer enormity of celebrities and stars today who don’t know how to act.That includes our so-called ‘president” and ‘first lady” who have become an embarrassment to this country. It’s become the rule rather than the exception and will only get worse as liberals with the help of companies like Coca-Cola push their twisted ideals and values on the rest of us. This isnt my America. Its yours and its destined to fall. Too bad you’re intent on taking the rest of us down with you.
  - julianenglish
    
    In what way have our president and his wife become an embarrassment to our country?
  - Rob
    
    That you have to even ask that question cast some serious doubts on the effectiveness of this conversation.
    
    Try other countries news feeds which are often less biased than this countries liberal media. Then Google the Obama’s and then see what comes up. When you’re done with that look at the video of Michelle Obama making a mockery of her office while visiting the Miami Heat. The look at pics from Nelson Mandela’s funeral. I would expect selfies, duck lips and antics better suited to a clown from a 20 year old kid on Facebook NOT from the First Lady and President of this country.
    
    There’s a reason why England, a country that is supposed to be our closest friend and ally didn’t invite the Obama’s to their biggest event of the century. Any idiot with even a modicum of intelligence and versed in foreign affairs would know you don’t hug a notoriously stuffy and reserved Queen of England or shake the hands of and bow down to communist and terrorists such as Fidel Castro’s brother and a Saudi King.
    
    You’ll find similar dislike in countries as varied as Ireland and Egypt.
    
    The office of First Lady and President of the United States is larger than any one person and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That sadly hasnt been the case during the last 5 years and if you cant see that the flaw is in you, not the rest of us.
  - julianenglish
    
    Study your history and you’ll find all presidents have the occasional social faux pas — carter carried his own suit in a hotel, and hugged the wife of anwar sadat, Bush gave angela merkle a neck rub, etc. Clearly, as much as you appesr to hate Obama, if these petty things are all you can find to to condemn our president, Obama must be doing very, very well.
  - QWERTY
    
    Just for the record, I used to be conservative, but now vote Libertarian whenever possible.
  - Rob
    
    And that my friends is the true danger of Marijuana.
  - Rob
    
    Oh and by the way, as I was driving to class tonight I paid particular attention to all of the signs from various businesses on both sides of the street and wouldnt ya know it? Every damn one of em was in English. Imagine that.
  - julianenglish
    
    Until you teach your daughter to hate gay people (as im sure you will), an answer of, “because they love each other, just like your mommy and daddy do” would suffice.
  - QWERTY
    
    There is no irony. Just because I speak English, does not mean that should get offended when a patriotic song is sung in a different language, in a country that does not have an official language. Just because certain values that were viable 50 or 60 years ago, does not make them viable now. For example, the old testament says that it is okay to rape a woman as long as you pay her father and marry her afterwards. That is not acceptable now.
- Kathleen Lathrop
  
  I so hate to disagree with a fellow vet but anyone who is born here is NOT an immigrant. America DOES have an official language. I was born 58 years ago and this is NOT how the country has been, or will be. Your only truth is that this is the way the country is now.
  - Squirrel
    
    Remember back to American history.. America doesn’t have a culture of its own because we all come from other countries.. If you’re trying to explain how we aren’t a Melting Pot.. then explain why we all don’t have British accents, and eat fish and chips… and Football is AMERICAN football, and not futball.
    
    Some people try to pretend that the melting pot stopped mixing at
    some point in time.. and that’s the American culture.. but the truth
    is.. the melting pot has been going since this countries founding, don’t pretend it stopped.
    
    The founding fathers didn’t give American an “official” language for a reason.. other countries have an official language.. we are one of few countries in the world without an official language.. look it up.
  - QWERTY
    
    I will pay you $5,000 if you can show me that America has an official language. While you may not be an immigrant, your ancestry will undoubtedly trace back to another country, unless you are a Native American of course.
  - Rena
    
    Again you use the “unless you are a Native American” excuse… They too are immigrants to this country. BTW it is till debatable as to who was here first the Asians or Vikings…
  - QWERTY
    
    I do see your point there. I use Native Americans in that response because it is who the European settlers took the land from, and those settlers are the most predominant ancestors of Caucasian Americans.
  - Rena
    
    The Native Americans didn’t own all the land for one, and for another they were also fighting amongst themselves over land ownership. From my understanding, there were also others who came over here about the same time as the Asians did, so who it “belonged” to is disputable until our government took it as made it into governed nation which was recognized through out the world such as other nations have developed with their governments. Yes European settlers did by force take land from the Native Americans, but not all of it was theirs. But many countries did the same, which established their countries etc… I don’t believe any of it was just given but taken and fought for.
- Rebecca
  
  I find the article to be thought provoking. When Noah Webster started forming the American language he did so in such a way that it would be separate from British English. This he speaks of in the preface of the 1860 Noah Webster pictorial dictionary. I have witnessed in my 48 years the change in our country due to the labels we have given ourselves…this American, that American, another American. I believe the article is stating that making our everyday items to be labeled more and more in other languages simply because we find them here in our country to further this division. If one moves to France to live permanently one learn French and becomes part of France. I believe this is the heart of the matter. If one chooses To live in America, then become part of us!
- Tammy
  
  You are wrong. We are not ethically diverse, you are either ethical or you are not! We are an English speaking country, and if you are disappointed to defend someone else’s viewpoint, then you don’t know the meaning of American.!! I feel sorry for you, it’s an amazing feeling!!!
  - julianenglish
    
    I assume you mean ethnic. (Go ahead. I’ll wait while you google that.) The US is ethnically diverse. That’s just a fact. And while English is the dominant language, it is not the official language. Why should that matter? The way to ensure English remains the dominant language is NOT to pitch a fit when people speak other languages, or use them in advertisements, but rather, to continue providing a good public education so that we have a citizenry capable of making lasting cultural contributions in english.
  - QWERTY
    
    No need for me to Google it. It was a simple typo. I actually have my BA in English. Mistakes happen.
  - Rena
    
    Liberals are incapable of understanding people make mistakes when writing unless its them of course….
  - julianenglish
    
    Yes. Pardon my snark.
  - Rena
    
    As far as education goes, its taught in Spanish as well. For the first seven years a child is in school, they are taught in Spanish and very little English. I know because my girls went to school where there was a separate tract for Spanish speaking kids only and unfortunately they were put in that tract due to our last name being of Spanish decent. And perhaps we need to throw a fit now because remaining apathetic about it has only made it worse.
  - QWERTY
    
    You are correct. I apologize for the typo. I meant “ethnically.”
- Julee Wiggington
  
  I disagree Qwerty. Having been born and raised here I am native to this country as are hundreds of millions of Americans. Anyone who wants to enter this country legally and abide by the established laws, I say welcome. For those who enter illegally and want to change the rules and infringe on my rights as an American citizen I say get the hell out and take the supporters such as yourself(if you are one) with you.
  - QWERTY
    
    In those terms, you are native. However, your ancestry is undoubtedly traced back to another country unless you are a Native American. I definitely am not in favor of illegal immigrants being here though, I don’t know what would give you that idea.
  - Rena
    
    Interesting you say “your ancestry is undoubtedly traced back to another country unless you are Native American”, even the Native Americans migrated here over the land bridge between Alaska and Asia.
jane

i am boycotting coka cola for ever. i will never buy another coke product again.
- thinkaboutit
  
  You probably only say that because you truly have no idea how much products that company has on the market and how many sub-trademarks are actually made by coca cola.
Random Pixels blog

My faith in the intelligence of the American people will be reinforced if you are never elected to any office again. Ever.
- john_koenig
  
  God forbid someone advocates for national unity.
  - No way out
    
    You can’t force feed us unity, after all it’s the right that has been forcing the wedge between us. Divisive and advocates of more government. That’s right, More. Ask the women.
  - john_koenig
    
    LOL! The “war on women” lie pops up in a disjointed rant on this thread…it was only a matter of time.
  - No way out
    
    Funny how the cream of truth ,and the rights idiocy, rises to the top. It’s more relevant than you can ever imagine.
- AFRODUMMY
  
  My faith in the intelligence of the American people is reinforced ever election ……by electing them same party that has been ruining this country for generations. The “REPUBLOCRATS”…………The people that still believe in one of the 2 parties suffer from “STOCKHOLM SYNDROME”.
Malcom Brant

Coke could have gotten Pepsi to pay for that ad for them.
LexSkeptic

Excellent article! I am still stinging from this slap in the face from Coca-Cola. Allen, you may take the high road and not advocate boycotting Coke products, but as for me and my house, we will boycott all Coke products, not sure what my son is going to do, but I have to stand on principle.
bob

I love the fact everybody forgets we took this land from the Indians. Maybe we should ask them what song they sang of their land.
- john_koenig
  
  They fought each other in the pre-Columbian era after having arrived here from Asia. Funny how you lefties always leave those facts out.
  - Jamie
    
    if you want to keep going back to make arguments, we could go as far back as we all began as Africans and migrated from there.. you’re really going back to migration patterns to make your case?
  - john_koenig
    
    Why not? European migration patterns are the only ones with which you appear to take issue.
  - Wombat319
    
    Dead on John!
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    Funny how you think genocide can be OK sometimes!
  - Norman Hatfield
    
    Funny how liberals can think genocide can be OK all the time…as long as it’s done by communists…for the peoples own good of course!
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    Wow, so much is wrong with your comment, I’m not even sure where to start! Most obviously, you appear to be rationalizing our attempted genocide of the Native Americans, which is all kinds of messed up.
Kevin Heckle

First of all, America is beautiful in any language. While I certainly love my country, demanding that everyone speak the same language just smacks of a fascist nationalism. I am a die hard, Constitution loving, Madison is my favorite President type of conservative. I wholeheartedly believe that when we made the declaration to Britain that the people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that our Founders didn’t exclude those among them which spoke better Dutch, German, French, etc. than they did the Queen’s English. Do you really want a government to mandate which language you should speak? And as for Coca Cola, it IS the universal word/name, being sold in nearly every country on the planet. It’s a testament to American capitalism. Yes I find it annoying to “Press One for English” as the next English speaking person but as long as I can interact and trade with other moral/virtuous Americans I truly don’t care what their first language is and neither should you if you call yourself a Constitutional conservative. Like it or not, “We the People” are not just one ethnic group and never will be but we should commonly respect everyone’s right to pursue happiness as they please and if it please some to speak Klingon I could care less as long as they treat me with the same respect for only speaking English.
- john_koenig
  
  “The tie of language is perhaps the strongest and the most durable that can unite mankind.”
  
  Alexis de Tocqueville
  
  “The fact is that immigrants come here from every part of the world,
  and, in a generation or so, they become movie stars, politicians,
  businessmen, television personalities, and have all kinds of successful
  careers. But for these opportunities to open up, immigrants and their
  descendants must learn English as quickly as possible. That’s the
  admission ticket into the culture.”
  
  S.I. Hayakawa
  
  “The fact that we have a common language, one language, is one of the most important things we have tying us together.”
  
  S.I. Hayakawa
  
  “A melting pot, yes. A tower of Babel, no.”
  
  Saul Bellow
  
  “Our new immigrants must be part of our one America. After all, they’re
  revitalizing our cities, they’re energizing our culture, they’re
  building up our economy. We have a responsibility to make them welcome
  here, and they have a responsibility to enter the mainstream of American
  life. That means learning English and learning about our democratic
  system of government.
  
  President Bill Clinton, State of the Union Speech, 1999
- innessa111
  
  Language is the face of the nation. Until very recent, each country in the world (not the USA) spoke their native language which was the language of the country. Each country was different, proud of its heritage, history, and people. Without a language, there’s no country. No one here is against people with different first language, but how in the world someone speaking Klingon will treat you respectfully, as you pointed out, if they don’t know what in thee hell are you talking about speaking English in the English speaking country. V
Joe Imbriano

Diet Joke-They are killing us softly with their trash-United we stand and divided we fall. What the heck are they really putting in that crap? http://thefullertoninformer.com/purloining-their-fecundity-the-next-generation-betrayed-enslaved-and-ending-up-depraved/
jane

lets get something straight here with some peope that is bad mouthing mr.west. he is a true united states citizen. he is a vet and served in the marines. another thing. my family came to the united states in 1620, they came rich and gave all they had to the united states. my family has been in every war the united states has ever had. never owned any slaves. me, i am native american, black douch, german, english, irish, french, swedish, and a few more. i did not come from europe, i was born in the UNITED STATES, i am a native american. I have the rights to get ticked off about my national anthem. this is not about what race someone is. it is about the national anthem. and we do have an official language it is english and it is law. lets not be ignorent like hiary clinton and believe there is none. if people come to the united states then they are to assimulate to the laws. we do not assimulate to them. if they do not like it they can leave asap. this is my country and i will defend it the best i can and defend someones freedom of speach and their rights. if they come illegally they have no rights. dont like what i am tryping ? that is one of your rights. do not tell mr, west how he should feel and think. dont like it then move to another country.
Vernon Yost

Group thinks are like Black holes. Once one crosses the event horizon, they become the horizon soup, only their image is reflected back
Katie

I don’t see how this is such a huge deal. America is largely made up of immigrants from other countries. We can pride ourselves on being a diverse country that is accepting of other cultures, or we can throw a hissy fit because our nation’s song should only be sung in English, which, might I add, is not even the national language. It’s this type of racism and intolerance that is killing our country. I saw on Facebook someone said that the song was sung by people who “Love killing our troops.” Last time I checked not every single middle eastern person is dead set on killing us all. What happened to referring to America as “The Melting Pot?” I feel bad for those of you who are living with so much hatred in your hearts for those who aren’t like you.
Scott Pesznecker

I’m always amazed when prominent African Americans speak out against diversity. Same thing happened out in California, when African Americans largely voted against equal marriage rights for homosexuals.
- Scott Pesznecker
  
  People who don’t see this as speaking out against diversity are part of the problem.
  - Janet
    
    So one has to violate their spiritual beliefs in order to be considered diverse in your mind? Not believing or supporting homosexual behaviors is not even a diversity issue.
  - Diversity
    
    Spirituality should have nothing to do about politics. Denying other humans the same basic rights as others shouldn’t be a question of spirituality or even morality. It shouldn’t be a question at all because it is so obviously wrong.
  - David Mansfield
    
    I consider myself a conservative and that is why I am for gay marriage. Our Constitution protects everyone equally. As a conservative, I believe in our Constitution. Secondly, it also bans State established religion. The problem people have with gay marriage is based solely on religious beliefs. Religion has absolutely no place in government. Just look in every country that is or has tried it. It doesn’t work.
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    Your views on homosexual behaviors are irrelevant. What matters is whether you support people who are homosexual… and sounds like you don’t know how to discern the two.
OrelHazard

I read your bio and thought someone should remind you, Allen, that you are “retired” from the Army in precisely the same way Denver “retired” from the Super Bowl.

While I’m thrilled that your career has degenerated to the point where you are bravely facing down soda pop commercials, I do wish you would do the rest of us the basic decency of updating your bio to accurately read “drummed out of the Army for incompetence, before losing a House seat despite spending 25 million in wasted campaign dollars”.
- mediazorba
  
  How dare you! He has a right, as every American does, of saying what he believes ON HIS OWN BLOG!!! If you don’t want to read what he says, DON’T COME HERE!! Why would you be thrilled about his “career degenerating”? Don’t you think it is somewhat of a character flaw to wish the worst on people, especially those who have spent their lives in the service of their country? You are pathetic.
  - Norman Hatfield
    
    I hope people just disregard this POS ‘Oral’ hazard. He’s obviously a brain dead liberal who probably also thinks we ‘went to war for oil’.
  - OrelHazard
    
    Yes, how dare I insist I be told the basic truth about this man’s military and political record by a violent, peanut-brained walking embarrassment who couldn’t stay in Congress even with a huge checkbook? Yes, I’m the one with the problem, not the guy who can’t even write his own bio without straight-up lying. Sure.
  - mediazorba
    
    He “lost” his seat in the House because they re-drew his district. They did it intentionally because he was too conservative.
  - OrelHazard
    
    Keep telling yourself that. The lie repeated is the lie most easily believed. (Especially if you’re not very bright.)
    
    In the meantime, understand this: when, in the uniform of a US Army officer, you abuse a POW, you do not “retire” from the Army. You are drummed out of the Army in disgrace. Such as Mr. West was, after firing his sidearm next to the ear of a man tied to a chair. Allen is a deeply stupid, violent bully whose detestable conduct in our country’s uniform was ended against his will. He did not “retire”, no matter how many simpletons wish this was true.
    
    While it is a form of justice that he spends his time watching television and getting angry about hearing languages he does not know how to speak, it’s also attracting attention, and so it is time to remind the crowd exactly what caliber of man we’re dealing with here. A liar, a bully and a bigot.
  - mediazorba
    
    What POW? A muslim extremist? More power to him!!!!!
  - OrelHazard
    
    What POW? An Iraqi policeman, genius. And what a pathetic specimen you must be to cheer someone who has to tie a victim down before scarring him for life. How brave of you.
    
    This is the public record. Ask any of Mr. West’s commanding officers. You know, the ones who can actually claim to “retire” instead of “be kicked out” of the Army.
  - mediazorba
    
    Do you also so adamantly disapprove of obamoa’s handling or lack thereof of the American citizens trapped in Benghazi when he told their rescuers to “stand down”? And these were American citizens!!!
  - OrelHazard
    
    I don’t know anybody named Obamoa, but if that person was kicked out of the US Army and then lied about it (like Allen West does every day in his bio) then, yes, someone should announce the truth about it again and again.
    
    Like this:
    
    Allen West is a deeply incompetent, violent thug whose record as a US Army officer resulted in his being kicked out of the Army. He did not “retire” any more than the South “retired” from the Civil War. He was shut down, his precious gun and authority taken away by his betters.
  - mediazorba
    
    This coming from a leftist who never served a day in any branch of the service.
  - OrelHazard
    
    Facts come from all kinds of places. Facts such as these:
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1BcISId0Mg
    
    Wherein it is detailed that Mr. West was relived of his command for assault, a favorite past time of thugs.
    
    This fact helped him later lose his seat in Congress, making him a washout in two storied American institutions. Rather than just accept a career as a shopping mall security guard, he now watches television and shares his anger at hearing languages he never learned to speak.
  - mediazorba
    
    How many languages do you speak, Orel? Speaking of thugs, ever heard of the Chicago way which the usurper likes to employ?
  - OrelHazard
    
    Two. Learning languages is a common part of not being a moron or a bigot.
    
    I knew someone needed to tell you.
  - http://twitter.com/kennyvee Kenny Vee
    
    You say this on a thread where people are complaining about Coca-Cola having a right, as every American does, to be multi-lingual IN THEIR OWN COMMERCIAL. If you don’t want to listen to people love America in more than one language DON’T WATCH THE COMMERCIAL!!
  - mediazorba
    
    They don’t love America because they don’t even care to learn our language. That’s just the point!!!!!!
  - http://twitter.com/kennyvee Kenny Vee
    
    And how do you know they don’t speak English? It’s not like people forget their native language when they learn a new one. You’re basing all of your anger on an assumption. A stupid assumption at that.
- timw
  
  What would you do if you received intelligence information that your men were going to be ambushed? You would probably be going to their funerals saying “i asked nicely and they said they would not attack”. Unless you served and have had to be responsible for the life of your men keep your liberal whining Troll mouth shut. His men were kept safe during his watch and any Soldier or Marine ( I am a Marine) would have no problem following him and calling him Sir because they know that without a doubt he would be there for them no matter how bad it gets. Also get your facts straight was never drummed out of the army he was fined $5000 for improper procedure and then retired, at no time was the word incompetence mentioned, get your facts straight dumb ass.
  - OrelHazard
    
    Ha ha. Make me keep my mouth shut, bully. I dare you.
    
    In spite of the lies in his bio, Allen West was drummed out of the Army for his detestable conduct before he was drummed out of Congress for his incompetence as a lawmaker. He is a washout in two major American institutions. He now watches television and becomes angry at hearing languages he does not know how to speak. True, boneheads such as yourself grunt and pound your chests in dim agreement, but that’s to be expected in certain backward corners of this society. At least you’re not misrepresenting yourself, like Mr. West is every day.
  - timw
    
    Brave words coming from a little wuss sitting in his mommies basement drinking the liberal koolaid. You did not answer the question. What would you do to protect your men? (it is hypothetical, we all know you are incapable of leading men). So tell us, do you believe in the constitution? Do you believe those immigrating to America should assimilate to America or should America assimilate to them. What exactly is your vision of America? Try and do some thinking yourself. 50 years ago Immigrants came to America and became Americans they made great contributions to our society, now they come and want us to assimilate to them and their ways, they want welfare and “income distribution” they want a modern day Babylon. So which way is best in your opinion?
  - Orel Hazard
    
    Ha ha. Look at the bully, bullying. Impotently.
    
    Let’s recall: you’re the one who told me to shut up. Then I told you to make me. And then (and this is the important part) you didn’t make me. At all.
    
    You didn’t, because you couldn’t. You can’t make me shut up because all you do is run your mouth online, barking orders at people who aren’t dumb enough to listen to you.
    
    Ha ha.
    
    It’s one thing to demand something and not get it. But it’s something more important to show what it is that you want.
    For example, we know you WANT me to shut up.
    
    Ha ha. You can’t have what you want.
    
    You know who else can’t have what they want? Allen West.
    
    Allen West is a violent, peanut-brained bully whose irresponsibility in the uniform got him fired from wearing that uniform. He, like you, wants something: he wants to still be in uniform. He would like to still carry an Army-issued sidearm on duty and he wishes he could still, without consequences, tie a victim to a chair before he fires his sidearm next to that victim’s ear, deafening him forever.
    
    Ha ha. Allen West can’t have what he wants. Because Allen West was kicked out of the Army for being a violent, peanut-brained bully who ties victims in chairs before he points a gun at them.
    
    This is the same Army that invaded a country and killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people in it for a crime perpetrated by people of a different country. It’s an Army whose standards aren’t exactly the highest. And even though that’s true, Allen West was STILL too dumb and too violent for the US Army.
    
    Man, that says a lot.
    
    You and Mr. West have a lot in common. You’re both violent, impotent morons who want what you can’t ever have.
    
    Ha ha.
  - timw
    
    Haha! Look at the little Moron. I asked you to answer some questions, this means I do not want you to shut up, I could really care less about your cowardly little ass sitting in your mommies basement, the more you speak the more of your stupidity is exposed. We did notice that you completely avoided answering my questions, that says all there needs to be said about you, you hate the military, all you have in your life is sitting there mindlessly Trolling on your computer attacking people with nothing original or relevant to say. All I have to say is You are Welcome, we the brave have fought and sacrificed to give you the freedom to sit safely there in your mommies basement and write your vitrol. We know that for every one of you there are hundreds who love this country the same as we do. As I write this I realize that I pity you and your sad little life, writing things then sitting there waiting for a response from people. Do yourself a favor, wake up at 5am, get out of the basement, run a few miles and let the fresh air clear your head, eat a good breakfast (not cereal) shower (get that basement smell out) pull your britches up, turn in your welfare card and get a Job! You will start feeling like a man again and your outlook in life will be better.
  - Orel Hazard
    
    As long as you still can’t make me shut up, here’s a tip:
    
    What you meant to write (but were too dumb to actually write) was that you COULDN’T care less.
    
    You see, dummy, if you can care less, it means you care.
    
    If you need any more help communicating clearly, let me know.
    
    And any military that kicks Allen West out of it is a military that can at least tell a qualified officer from a moron. Which is more than I can say for you.
  - timw
    
    You still have nothing relevant to say and I Still don’t care sissy boy. You can sit there in your mommies basement all night and type messages to me dumb ass and guess what? That’s right, I still do not care. Colonel West was not kicked out of the army, he retired honorably with full benefits (Bet that chaps your whining ass). Obviously you do not know the difference which makes you the moron.
- timw
  
  Keep trying to spread your lies you commie troll
Cliff E.

I informed coke i was done with their products, and that i would also not use places that served coke like restaurants and sporting venues, then i sent emails to a couple that i will not be going to now this year due to that fact
English1

I could care less what language you speak when you are in your home but when you are talking to me or in public speak the English language if you want a response from me.
- Jay Riley
  
  As an American of English ancestry (some of my ancestors go back to the original settlers) I am happy to recognize English as the common language of our great nation. If you speak only English then of course I will speak to you in English. But my Freedom of Speech extends to the language I choose to speak as well, and you will get no sympathy from me if you try to stop me from using Thai, French, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog, German, Vietnamese, Swahili, or Klingon. This is America!
Wombat319

For me it was the gay (male) couple, not the language. Shoving homosexuality as “acceptable” down our throats is NOT acceptable to me, and I WILL NEVER AGAIN drink a Coke. I don’t like it anyway-anything that takes paint off of a car has to be bad in your body.
- Boehse
  
  If you will never drink a coke, you should also consider not drinking any other of the about 30 other different baverages the company has licensed.
- http://twitter.com/kennyvee Kenny Vee
  
  You should also probably never sing America the Beautiful again if homosexuality throws you into such hysterics. It was written by a lesbian.
Diversity

You are an idiot and a bigot. I don’t need to justify that statement with anything else because you have already done that in your writing.
Obamarama

You’re an idiot.
Ty Webb

So if English isn’t the national language, why do people on military bases have to speak it? The base I work on has a lot of Filipinos. They like to speak their language, but if you ask them to speak English they do. Why is the State of the Union in English? Why is congressional sessions in English?
- mediazorba
  
  Why are the founding documents? Why were all our forefathers English speaking? Why, when we are in school, are we taught in English? Could it be because we broke away from England so, therefore, English was our mother tongue? You know a lot of people asked on the street who we gained our independence from do not know? It is true.
  - Ty Webb
    
    You know my kids school in the last couple years started a Spanish alternative class. They teach all the subjects in just Spanish because they can’t speak English. They are thinking about having one in Russian too. My kid has to have 2 semesters of a foreign language to graduate, but not tge ones in the alternative class. Where is the logic in that?
  - mediazorba
    
    I have heard some schools are now requiring Arabic classes so they can communicate with our muslim “friends”.
- Meatbyproducts
  
  The USA does not have a national language. But the US military does. All communication in the US military must be done in English. As for our national language we almost had German voted in in the late 1700s when we were still young. We have never voted on it again since as we are a country of immigrants. Think if we voted on it now. We would end up with like 5 of them and have the even worse issues than Canada and it’s two languages.
  - Ty Webb
    
    So no national language, but people obtaining citizenship legally say their oath in English?Hmmm. Weird.
  - Meatbyproducts
    
    That’s funny I carried the Colors at a few swearing in ceremonies in the DC are and not everyone said it in English… Maybe I just can’t hear that well. Also going through the process with my wife and there is nothing in the paperwork saying that she will have to say it in English either.
    
    And yes Mr. Webb we don’t have a national language. One of the few in the world that doesn’t. Seams a little odd but when you look and see where we all come from it is the rest of the world. Imigration made this country great and will continue as our education system churns out bone heads that want everything handed to them or A holes that think this country is the greatest for no reason at all, or think this is god’s land. Look we are importing the best and brightest to this nation to keep us great because so many people that are born and raised here think that evolution is a lie and that their imaginary friend in the sky makes us great. Well ignorance and bigotry take us down a peg everyday. This will be a great nation when we can overcome stupid stuff like this and get back on track to be the for front of science education. We are still the center of research but not education… I fear we will not fly to Mars but have crazies from this country fly into other places to kill people for conflicting ideals. Science got us to the Moon, religion flew people in to buildings…
- Jay Riley
  
  If you don’t speak Tagalog (hindi ko maintendihan ang tagalog) I’m sure they will be gracious enough to speak English. That doesn’t mean Tagalog is never spoken there. English is the dominant language in America, but our 1st Amendment right to free speech allows us to speak any language…even make one up. Actually this tempest in a teapot has me curious as to whether anyone has translated America the Beautiful into Klingon.
- clairefoto
  
  And more importantly why is the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and every other important founding document written in English? Because ENGLISH IS OUR LANGUAGE! Case closed.
dMnyc

Are you really incensed by the incredible diversity that makes America as strong and unique as it is? Do you actually believe that an advertisement for corporate sugar water featuring people who may be just at the beginning of their journey as new Americans signals the downfall of our society? If so, please have yourself admitted to the nearest psychiatric facility for dementia.
- curmudgeon
  
  Not for those who actually came to America to become Americans. It still chaps my butt when I get to push one for English! Two for Spanish and Three for tongues. First thing my ancestors did when landing and going through Ellis Island was learn English and DEMAND their children learn the language of their new country.
- ShilohKB
  
  I am all for diversity -However!…In America, when I am around a group of those who refuse to speak English…it is meant to make me an outsider in my own country. A melting pot should add their flavor…but not remain a lump. Ever heard about a house divided…., that is what is happening in the USA! Incidentally , plenty of last generation immigrants agree !
  - dMnyc
    
    Which immigrants in that commercial were refusing to learn English? I think they were just sharing their own culture. That’s America in two words. Shared culture.
- lardnk
  
  OMG!! Is this a LIBTARD site!! Yeah, that’s what I thought!!!
  - dMnyc
    
    Coming from someone with you apparent lack of intelligence I will accept that as a compliment.
- koowah
  
  America was a lot stronger and more united before all this “diversity” Immigrants would learn the language and become “Americans”. Now they live in little countries within in a country, hating those who were already here.
  - dMnyc
    
    Yeah, I know, like before all those Europeans came over and lived in little English, Dutch, French, Spanish and German enclaves inside of Indian country. I bet it was a lot stronger then.
WorldsMostInterestingOG

I myself recommend a cold fresh Dos Equis…

Stay thirsty my friends,

-OG
- mediazorba
  
  I used to love “the most interesting man in the world” before I found out he was a flaming obamoa lover.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Who is this Obamoa you speak of?
  - mediazorba
    
    The usurper. I don’t spell his name right because it automatically capitalizes.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Ahhh I see, he sounds like a lovely man.
    
    Stay thirsty,
    
    -OG
  - mediazorba
    
    He’s not. Stay Thirsty.
  - lardnk
    
    I don’t capitalize it either!!!
drparadox

To add icing to the Cultural Marxist cake, Coke also included gay ‘parents’ in the ad.
WorldsMostInterestingOG

“Coca-Cola currently offers more than 500 brands in over 200 countries…”

I’m confused my friends, is this not the free-market capitalism you speak of?

Stay thirsty my friends,

-OG

P.S. I don’t always drink soda, when I do…It’s a Coca-Cola.
- mediazorba
  
  You just don’t get it, do you? You must not be American.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    What’s to get?
    
    Coca-cola and it’s subsidiaries are distributing product in 99% of the world, and only 5% of it speaks English.
    
    One would call that smart, don’t you agree?
  - mediazorba
    
    The ad aired during an American football game when they knew half the country would be watching. It, supposedly, promoted Americanism by using a religious, American song, but yet changed the words to a foreign language because English wasn’t good enough for them, and to add insult to injury wrapped it up by showing a gay “couple” with a child enjoying a coke to further promote their agenda. Yeah. I would call it smart if they want to alienate half of America and get more business from America haters.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Coke’s “agenda” is above all else to make MONEY. It’s not to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
    
    Besides, do you honestly believe half the nation will start drinking Pepsi because of this? lol Don’t be silly.
    
    Once you find something else that doesn’t matter to be “outraged” about, you’ll move on from this just like everybody else with their fake outrage, lol. That’s what good Americans like you do.
  - mediazorba
    
    I see you agree with “the most interesting man in the world”. Shove it.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    That Dos Equis is delicious and refreshing? Absolutely!
  - Wendy Wagner
    
    We are talking an American Super Bowl commercial, right?
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Yep…That’s televised in 198 countries in 25 languages. Make sense now?
Dawn Bennett

I found the commercial offensive. This is America and we are a melting pot, but as with anything there has to be a base. If you are making a cake you have the main ingredient then you have what you add to it. If you add butter it does not stay separate from the batter it becomes part of the mix it adds to the cake but does not stay separate so it should be with language Coke could have had America sung in English and still showed the diversity of our nation. My family was partly here from the beginning and some immigrated through Ellis Island guess what? They had to learn to speak English to get ahead the people here did not have to learn French or Dutch for them.That is now our problem in this country. Instead for immigrants learning to assimilate they remain separated through language. This country was founded by the English , they spoke English and it has remained the prominent language for America for over 200 years.Do not disrespect the country by singing America in any other language then who we are a predominantly English speaking country.
- William
  
  “My family was partly here from the beginning and some immigrated through Ellis Island guess what? “Huh ?
  
  This is so amusing , can barley write English .. FYI the Native languages of America was Indigenous languages . Aside-note country discovered By an Italian , on a mission from Spain … Original colonies were Dutch , Spanish and English .. But hey why would you know that …Like the right nutter who said American the beautiful was the nation anthem.. You people are so amusing !
Tiarra Cervantes

Stupid. It was a cute commercial and good for coca cola. Suck It up you racist assholes.
- mediazorba
  
  You’re calling Allen West a racist?
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    No im calling everyone who was mad about It because It was sung in a bunch of languages instead of english.
  - mediazorba
    
    Go back to school. You don’t make sense.
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Shut up. You’re mad because I’m not offended by the commercial. Why does the military have to be shown in order to make the commercial better? It doesn’t. Coca cola obviously supports gay marriage and also different countries.
  - skcusnorka
    
    West gives an example of what he feels would be a better commercial, he doesn’t say it would have to be done that way. Why do you feel people can’t have an opinion about this different than yours. You attack others for defending their opinion and call them “racist assholes”. Fine you aren’t offended by the commercial, others are, and I could care less (I don’t drink Cokes products anyhow) but you miss are a bigot.
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    No MISS. I am not responding to west. I’m responding to all the people who are complaining that this is America and that the commercial is wrong .
  - yacope
    
    Is amazing how the tolerant left is not tolerant at all. I’m Hispanic, what you people like to call “brown”, my first language is Spanish, and I think this commercial shows a segregated America instead of a united one. If your definition of racism is not wanting to be looked at as a “color” or ethnicity then I guess I’m a proud racist. Dr King would be very sad to see this and repudiate it.
- Hudmar
  
  I guess you don’t understand the fundamentals of what America stands for
  
  “We are either a united people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it.”
  Read more at http://allenbwest.com/2014/02/cokes-america-beautiful-america-balkanized/#MkX9QScm1ciCyzxZ.99
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Cry me a river. “America ” we’re my husband fights for your freedom but you aren’t allowed to have any.
- Glenn Galfano
  
  Why do liberals say the most ignorant things and use the most ungodly language to get their point across. This is a public forum. Try to act with some dignity and respect without the foul mouth and name calling.
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    You automatically assume I’m a liberal?
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Sweetheart, that’s what they do…
    
    When in doubt…Label.
  - skcusnorka
    
    Labeling, you mean like racists assholes?
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Yup.
  - Gail Lowery Briggs
    
    Democrats /liberals only focus on others when they pull out the old tired ,over used, worn out race cards because they NEVER see the REAL racist staring at them in the mirror.News Flash ! The race card is no longer valid because of intense over use by racist it is now a JOKER.
  - Glenn Galfano
    
    No, I am not in doubt. Who is the “they”? Your comment is just as much labelling as mine is. You have no clue as to who I am. But my people learned English when they came over. They did not speak in their mother tongue out of respect for the nation.
  - ma
    
    I live in Florida ugh! However, with the diversity in this state, I have rarely heard people who migrated NOT speak English.
    
    In face most citizens of the countries in the world are fluent in many languages and English being the main one taught.
    
    Seriously! some of you need to get out and get a little more experience with geography and world cultures.
  - Glenn Galfano
    
    I am not sure of your point. However, I will say that I have spent my vacations and my own money working with NGOs doing volunteer work in developing nations. I have worked with a number of cultures and have had a great time doing so. They are always honored when I try to say something in their language. At my age, it is difficult (another language) but I try my best to honor their language and culture.
    
    Obviuosly, you are well travelled — vacation or volunteer work?
  - Glenn Galfano
    
    Sorry about the typo. Should read Obviously.
  - Rob
    
    Better to label than to refuse to have an opinion at all. You and those like you actually think that being indiscriminate is a moral imperative. That doesnt make you smarter or morally superior, it makes you an idiot.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    And people like you believe calling someone and idiot makes it true…Who’s the idiot exactly?
    
    Also, I disagree…Even though I respect your right to an opinion, some opinions, I feel, are best left unshared.
    
    Then again…That’s just my opinion…
  - Gail Lowery Briggs
    
    But it’s totally OK with you for Tiarra to tell others “Suck it up you racist a$$holes “….typical liberal thinking. Then again…..that’s just my opinion.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    What ISN’T okay if it happens to apply? lol
    
    Seeing as you’re so upset, it probably does.
  - Glenn Galfano
    
    Yes, I do because of your response. I have to go by what I have seen and heard over my lifetime when I have spoken with or listened to Liberals. If you are not, then please use the proper language in your posts and stop the name calling.
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Well good for you, I had no idea you knew me so well.
  - Rena
    
    Well then dear what are you so that any assumptions may be put to rest…
Squirrel

America a country founded, and culture created by being a melting pot… and where it’s un-American to show us as a melting pot… ‘Murica.
Jay Riley

Bandying about the term “Balkanization” (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balkanization for actual historical context) and talking about “rolling over” betrays a combative and short sighted lack of understanding of our nation’s history and culture.

Ironically Teddy Roosevelt whom you quoted lead the “Progressive Movement” of his day, and was an abject failure in his attempt to split the Republican Party and form his own “Bull Moose” party (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt for more historical context).

The historical reality is that this nation which grew out of 13 breakaway English colonies, with founding documents written in 1700’s colonial English, has a US Constitution that is a living document subject to change according to the whims of the voters of this Democratic Republic.

In a democracy the majority wins. While I believe you could gain support for a “national language” of English, I do not believe you have the votes to do so at the exclusion of the diverse mix of secondary and tertiary languages.

My English ancestors *invented* the English language and I am proud that it is the predominant language in the United States. I am also blessed with a gift for learning new languages (am literate in two non-English languages, one of which doesn’t even use the Roman alphabet) and will vigorously oppose attempts to suppress my Freedom of Speech in *any* language.

This angry intolerance of those you do not understand (through no fault of theirs) is at best a distraction from the important issues where you *can* build a consensus: too much big government, excessive regulation, over-taxation, need for tort reform, need for fiscal prudence. Sadly you have marched into this battle ill equipped and have damaged the Allen West brand. You will still have many ardent supporters among those who share this narrow viewpoint, but you may not be able to win enough votes to prevail in national elections.
- William Jones
  
  The United States is NOT a democratic republic, but rather a constitutional republic. We have elected representation that is legitimized by our Constitution. Perhaps you can research the term “constitutional republic” and find out for yourself before you put on airs of superiority behind your internet shield of anonymity. While I disagree that the Constitution is a “living” document, there are vehicles for changing its contents, albeit difficult to put in motion, by design.
  
  You seem to recognize that English is the national language, but disregard the idea of codifying same, while concurrently recognizing the second and tertiary languages. Nothing will happen to these other languages should English for formally recognized as the national language. We would simply be putting to paper that which everyone knows - that in America, you learn English to graduate from school (even University and College), conduct business, engage in the community at large, etc… While not easy for immigrants, it is the least that they can do after arriving here. Why should we, native-born Americans, be forced to learn their language so that they can interact with us, in our own country? Why then, is it so hard to people such as yourself to recognize that English should be recognized as the national language of the United States of America.
  
  While serving in the U.S. Navy, I had the opportunity to travel all over the world and interact with all sorts of cultures and people who do not speak English natively. I was not able to do much without an interpreter. Were I to have learned the language, it would have been a bit easier for me. That is exactly the same with people that immigrate here from other countries. Were they to actually learn our language, everything would be easier for them as well as for those of us in the same area. While I enjoy the melting pot aspect of America, and of the US Navy as well, at least in the Navy everyone spoke English and we got along famously. Maybe we can actually do the same in our own country. After all, we expect Germans to speak German, French people to speak French - why is it so hard to expect Americans to speak English?
  - Jay Riley
    
    Early in our history some of our founding fathers refered to us as a Democratic Republic. I am using this definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic-Republican_Party other socialist definitions not withstanding.
    
    The angry tone of your post (accusing me of posting “anonymously” when I posted with my name and photo) and indignantly speaking of your own inability to speak the languages of the countries you visited while demanding that everyone here speak the language YOU choose, will do nothing to win you the votes you would need to bring about your English-only “paradise”.
    
    As a Republican I will continue to vote *against* those who make these side show issues a priority over reducing regulation, taxation,and spending. Sputtering angrily about those of your fellow Americans who exercise their constitutional right to speak freely in whatever language they choose will win you no converts, it will only distract from the far more pressing matters that are steering us towards economic collapse.
1fishnc

Coke has every right to spend its advertising dollars any way it sees fit. Whether anyone was offended is of zero consequence. What offends me, or you, does not make the earth spin on its axis. Buy Coke or don’t, according to your conscience because money does talk, but don’t insist everyone jump on your bandwagon.
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  Somebody with a brain…Of their own.
- mediazorba
  
  Yeah. This is a good way to win friends and influence people TO NOT BUY COKE. Good business decision, Coke. Bite the hand that fed you.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Everybody, I forgot…
    
    “mediazorba” knows more about brand expansion and marketing than a billion-dollar multinational corporation that’s been around for a century. Let’s just drop it, lol.
    
    *cracks open a cold Coke*
  - mediazorba
    
    Hahahahahahahahahahahahah. Yeah, let’s. So leave.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Why? Let me guess…Because it’s YOUR country? lol…
ShilohKB

I agree! I am all for diversity -However!…In America, when I am around a group of those who refuse to speak English…it is meant to make me an outsider in my own country. A melting pot should add their flavor…but not remain a lump. Ever heard about a house divided…., that is what is happening in the USA! Incidentally many previous generations of immigrants- I know some- were of the same mind as Teddy Roosevelt and Allen West!
BigotBob

I AM PISSED OFF RIGHT NOW! All them yellah fellas better walk or swim on back home wurr they belong… BECAUSE THIS IS MURRICA!! WHERE WE SPEAK MURRICAN!!
- R. Keys
  
  Hey bigot bob. I’m a first generation American. My dad came from one of those countries populated by brown skinned people, but I would NEVER return to the land of his birth (he’s an American citizen now) and encourage the people to change the lyrics to any paen of theirs to English. Why can every nation on earth maintain a unique national character but the US? Your name seethes hatred for others who believe in the American promise, tolerance, huh?
  - BigotBob
    
    I KNOW, right? Urrrgh is pissess me right off. I didn’t fight in the 1st gulf War to see my beloved songs of yore sung in the forrin devil’s toung! WHITE POWER!
- R. Keys
  
  Nasty, vile troll.
koowah

In America, at something to totally American as the super bowl, an American song should have been sung in the language of the majority of citizens. Get real, I don’t think coke would have done this is another country using an iconic song and then not using the prevalant language.
WorldsMostInterestingOG

If this upsets you…You’re UN-American…
- Gail Lowery Briggs
  
  If you are NOT upset you are a big part of the problem with America now .
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Hmmm…
    
    Why Gail? And please keep it to one sentence without referencing a President I didn’t vote for as the reason. Thanks…
Wendy Wagner

Half of my grandparent came through Ellis Island. They HAD to speak English to become citizens, and they had to become citizens to stay.
If we deported lawbreakers as we find them, and if we upheld laws that do not aid illegals in staying in our country, we could manage the problem. The problem is that we have become so PC that non-citizens are entitled to almost everything a citizen can get. Lets make it illegal for them to drive, rent, go to the hospital without paying, or sign up for food stamps! Since they are not American citizens, they don’t have rights. Then we deport them with a record of criminal behavior to answer for if they are found here again.
Mary

Glad to know I was not the only one annoyed by this commercial…..
- Tiarra Cervantes
  
  Why was it so annoying?
Scott Pesznecker

I hope most of you posting in this comments section are confined to the state of Florida! Wow… someday, when we master time travel and go back in time, this is how the time travelers will feel!
- Rob
  
  The only person youre fooling here is yourself Scott, so you can desist with the act of superiority and the claims of progress. Liberals like you will have this country destroyed within a 100 years if left to your own devices. If you need proof of that look at your heroes and role models. Only an idiot like you would think people like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Woody Allen and Jay-Z have anything but a one way ticket to hell and destruction in front of them.
  - Rena
    
    less than 100 … its already at its breaking point
  - QWERT
    
    Well, assuming that your religion is the correct one out of 40,000 unique denominations around the world, they probably will be going to hell. Unless that is, they ask for forgiveness and are saved. Then they are no worse than you. I have a pretty good feeling that we’ll all find out the whole “heaven/hell” thing is a big scam when it’s our time though, when the universe doesn’t so much as blink no matter what happens on this little rock we call Earth.
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    A conservative expressing fear over the activities of man resulting in an inhabitable world… Oh, the irony!!!
Diversity

YOU ARE ALL HYPOCRYTES AND RACIST ASSHOLES! You complain of your song being sung in another language, but you stole “God Save the Queen” and made your own lyrics to it. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU. AND GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!
- BigotBob
  
  4 people do not like what Diversity is saying. Let’s hear it for us bigot American hillbillies! Fellow hillbillies and bad spellers, untie!!
Me

THANKS OBAMA!
aznative

We didnt steal Gid save the queen. That is crazy.
- http://twitter.com/kennyvee Kenny Vee
  
  Wanna bet? It’s the same song, but we use different lyrics.
  
  Our version, written in 1831:
  
  “Our country ’tis of thee,
  sweet land of liberty,
  of thee I sing;
  Land where my fathers died,
  land of the pilgrims’ pride,
  from ev’ry mountainside
  let freedom ring!”
  
  Their version, to the same tune, lyrics written in 1790:
  
  “God save our gracious Queen,
  Live long our noble Queen,
  God save the Queen!
  Send her victorious,
  Happy and glorious,
  Long to reign over us,
  God save the Queen.”
  
  It was actually around in England in 1745, but back then it went:
  
  “God save great George, our King,
  long live our noble King
  God save the King.
  Send him victorious,
  Happy and glorious,
  Long to reign over us,
  God save the King!”
  
  Crazy, right? Guess your Arizona education didn’t teach you that.
  - Diversity
    
    My Arizona education taught me this. He must be a statistic.
  - Patrick Oxford
    
    Yes, I knew all of that, but what is your point. Our national anthem tune is an old English bawdy song. And the the is the Colonel Bogey March sung with different words about Hitlers’s, Goering’s, Himmlers and Goebels genitalia.
  - aznative
    
    We were part of Britain at one time.
  - http://twitter.com/kennyvee Kenny Vee
    
    Not in 1831.
- Diversity
  
  Do some research before you begin to type.
joe

This commercial shows how we are giving away this country. We have become a place where we are no longer proud to say I’m an American. Yes diverse cultures make us up but we should all buy into the American way not just bring a culture here and remain separate. Therefore a melting pot
Elena

And since when have americans been a united people? In the XXI century they still divide themselves in races insted of uniting as american people.
- Mike
  
  Yeah, African American, Mexican American, Cuban American, I fear if we don’t get back to being American Americans, we will be in a lot of trouble in the future.
aznative

Amen. The problem is we are giving more to illegal invaders and terrorist then to our own Americans/veterans. Sad day. Just think if all those people whose salaries we’ve been paying the last 20 years to upheld our deportation laws we wouldn’t be in this position. I’d like to know who gave permission to give one dime of our money to illegals and non Americans? That person needs to arrested and charged with criminal embezzlement and fraud and be made to pay it all back. And all illegals should be made to pay back every dime they’ve taking illegally. Or deport and give their countries a big bill. We’ve had enough.
aznative

Every congressional leaders supporting illegal immigrants is a traitor to our nation. The first immigrants were never freeloaders or thieves. And there is a difference between legal immigrant and illegal criminal invaders.
gdlp

Can someone get me a nice cold coke?
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  Have them grab me one too, brother…
  - gdlp
    
    Sister…
    
    Nothing hanging down there, last time I checked.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    My apologies, lol…Hope I still get a cold one.
  - GDLP
    
    Nope! Not anymore! You’re getting a warm pepsi!
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Fair enough mama…I’ll go find me some ice…
  - GDLP
    
    Mama? I didn’t know I had a son!
    
    You just lost a brownie point. Pepsi is nasty :/
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Booger bear, pudding pop…You’re getting called some pet name, you better pick one, lol…
  - GDLP
    
    Sugatits! Hahahaha
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I like it…now where’s my suga? lol
  - GDLP
    
    Check in the pantry.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I’m going to assume you meant to type panties…
  - GDLP
    
    Nicely done! I think I found my soul mate!
WorldsMostInterestingOG

Isn’t freedom of speech a wonderful thing?

smh
Suzi

I like the idea of a serviceman being homesick, then having a local from some distant duty station offer him a coke. You could have the bottle or can in the language of the area, but the look & taste would “take him home” for just a moment. It would harken back to the ‘I’d like to buy the world a Coke’ ads. Oh, and unless your write up pulled more weight than you realize, there must have been other voices, because when I tried to look up the ad, I found it was referred to as ‘highly controversial’.
Pam

Money and greed knows no country nor pride, just a deep and abiding lust for more.
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  You look like Kirstie Alley.
  - Pam
    
    Thank you and you are a very pretty girl!
YC#1

This is America… Built on the red, white & blue… Key word… White… Let’s leave it that way 😉
- GDLP
  
  YC party up in hurrr!
- MLP0911
  
  YC#1, not to burst your bubble but add Black in there that wore chains in the South. Our country is a labor of all those who were here building and starting it’s foundations we now enjoy. Yes..English is the chosen language and it must be accepted and those coming into our country…”OUR COUNTRY” should and must learn our language.
  - YC#1
    
    Black isn’t even a real color… They just made them up for movies…
  - Breezeyguy
    
    The troll density is extremely high here at Mr West’s site. They hate him intensely because he is a conservative black man, and a true patriot.
    
    Hard to tell the difference between the mere trolls, and the actual white supremacists. Libtards enjoy posing as white supremacists, it satisfies something sick inside them.
  - YC#1
    
    What are you even talking about??? The only thing sickening here… Is the fact that you don’t believe that white is right. You pig!!!
AG Masterson

People and Companies have a right to voice their opinitons. Freedom of Speech and all. As a Consumer, I have Freedom of Choice, and it is a wonderful thing…… I’ve been a Coke person my whole life. I’m 50 this year…. It’s time for “hope and change” I guess….. I’m tired of this crap and if Coke can’t “be” American in America, then what’s the point? Have they done multilingual commercials in China singing their Anthems and such? I bet not….. It’s BS stunts like this that drive all the friction in this country…..
H Long

I think that the commercial stirs up more issues than just the most
Patriotic American song being translated into numerous languages … in
and of itself, it is actually quite sweet.

However, progressives are constantly sending messages out into the media that conservatives are racist. With the impending discussion of immigration reform, it is a
fresh topic.

Every immigrant coming into an established society must assimilate, starting with the accepted language of the majority. There are a myriad of examples throughout history. Progressives have successfully painted that requirement as being racist. T his is ridiculous, but brilliant.

So, the immigrants coming in now are lead to believe that those of us whose ancestors immigrated 400 years ago have become xenophobic, when all it really is — we want to make sure that they are prepared for success, being able to work and read signs, and live properly.

Here comes the commercial — by translating one of the most patriotic American songs into other languages, and one of the most iconic American brands, it might imply to some that we must accept other languages as our national language. Thus, progressives can call us racist, and perpetuate the myth.

Moreover - as with most progressive strategies, it clouds the real issue. Conservatives want legal immigration. I can’t fathom anyone believing that we can just let anyone over the borders without some sort of vetting. Just remember
that hole in the ground on 9/11, and those guys had purportedly been
vetted.

Personally I would have loved hearing newly sworn in citizens - that look exactly like the ones chosen here - attempt to sing the song in their broken English. This would have reasonated with all of us.
Ryan

When my great grandmother came here from Italy, she couldn’t speak English well at all, and people shamed her for being a dirty “wop.” Others even suggested my grandmother change her name so that it would be easier to get a job. Now, Italian food and pizza pies are about as American as apple pie.

Congratulations on fighting the American experience and tearing at the fabric that makes us a nation, Mr. West. Your ancestors (all fluent English speakers, I’m sure) would feel proud.
- [email protected]
  
  Ryan you missed Mr West’s point. You live in America. If you want to be Italian, Italy is for you. We are Americans! My ancestors were of German heritage and extremely proud to be called Americans.
  - Paul Sheridan
    
    No, you missed the point. Notice the language that Ryan posted in?
Elizabeth Southerland

If English was good enough for Jesus then it’s good enough for me!
- Kyle Silliman
  
  Jesus did not speak English….. Lol
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Uh yeah? What Bible did you read? LOL MORON.
  - Rena
    
    I really hope this is a joke… just saying
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    What are you even talking about?
  - Rena
    
    Your post stating “If English was good enough for Jesus then it’s good enough for me!”
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    And it’s the truth. What is it with people trying to get Jesus out of everything? I’m praying for you all.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Elizabeth is the next Sarah Palin, I love this bitch…
    
    You WON the internet today…
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Sarah Palin is a GODLESS woman.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    So are my nuts, ho…gobble gobble…
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    I bet they look like the skin on a chicken thigh from KFC.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Except for crisper and they taste better with a dash of hot sauce…I call it my two-piece and a biscuit…
  - Michael Ault
    
    … Are you off your meds or something?
    
    Jesus was: JEWISH!
    He lived in: ISRAEL!
    The New Testament was scribed in: GREEK!
    Isreal was a part of: THE ROMAN(Italian) EMPIRE!
    
    Take your bloody pick! just know that English did not exist at that time. if it did, it’d be Old English or Gaelic.
  - Rena
    
    Dont bother replying to these trolls, they are only doing it to get a rise out of everyone.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Don’t call me a troll! You don’t even have a picture! Haha!
  - Breezeyguy
    
    It’s probably just one person.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Hey Rena…Yeah you. Blow me.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Uhm no? The Bible is in ENGLISH.
  - Kyle Silliman
    
    The bible was converted to English……. I’m just going to go with troll.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Damn my dude…You LOOK like a mafucker with no sense of humor…Get laid or something.
  - julianenglish
    
    Jesus actually spoke aramaic.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    You must have missed all that cool red text in the ENGLISH BIBLE.
  - julianenglish
    
    OK. You ARE kidding, right? You don’t really think Jesus spoke English, do you? The English language didnt even exist at the time. You know that, right?
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    I am praying too, in the native language of our white Jesus!
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    So.. English?
  - Rena
    
    Oh, just the trolls on the loose again
  - Scott Pesznecker
    
    As English as my afternoon tea!
  - GDLP
    
    The Bible is in English…obviously Jesus spoke only English!
- GDLP
  
  I was waiting for your comment!
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    I was debating… I just can’t believe these dark-sided people, they need Jesus!
  - GDLP
    
    Never debate! As an American women, it is your right to freedom of speech and abortions!
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  Please tell me this is real… lol
  
  Elizabeth, even if you were serious, you made my day.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    😉
WayneLed

I commented on the coke page and was immediately attacked. Called names and such. Liberals were defending the commercial. These people disappoint me immensely.
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  I got an idea Wayne…How about you drink Pepsi, and keep it moving?
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  Our founding fathers are more disappointed in you than you are with us. And by founding fathers, I mean, the father, the son, and the holy spirit!!
Senkoguy

So Coke is appealing to ALL nationalities with a song written for this country in several different languages. Looks to me like a ploy to increase sales no matter what. Any chance you’ll be showing Muslim extremists in the near future enjoying a Coke right after planting an IED?? Shame on you Coke, where will it end?
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  Senkoguy? Sounds Asian. Get your communist ideals out of here.
Paul Sheridan

When Teddy Roosevelt was President there was widespread concern over whether Irish and Italian immigrants would ever Americanize since they tended to live in their own enclaves and eat their own weird foods and whatnot. Fast-forward a hundred years and now people are freaking out about a different wave of immigrants and how they’ll never integrate into our society. The fact that West can bring up a quote by Teddy Roosevelt, without recognizing that the problem Roosevelt was concerned with wasn’t a problem at all just proves what a deeply, deeply stupid man he is.
- Stanley Penkala
  
  The difference is that the Irish and Italians, Polish, Russians, Germans, etc. who emigrated were teaching their kids to be Americans, and they appreciated the opportunities of America. The current Mexican and muslim immigrants are teaching their kids to get everything they can get from the government, and screw the country. The Mexicans want to take back “their” land, they don’t want to become part of our country.
  - Paul Sheridan
    
    Nope, the problem isn’t that the new immigrants are different than the old ones. The problem is that today’s bigots are just the same as the ones we had a hundred years ago.
  - Vikki
    
    You hit it on the head, Stanley
- julianenglish
  
  Most of these debates would fall away to nothing if people had just paid attention to their history teacher in high school.
WorldsMostInterestingOG

Ummm, you mouth breathers throwing a fit realize the Super Bowl is televised in 198 countries in 25 languages, right?

That and the fact that English is the native tongue of less than 6% of the earth…

Do the math, dummies…

Coke did $48 Billion in revenue last year, I think they know better than you on how to sell some soda.
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  I can’t breathe out of my mouth when I am performing oral sex in the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I love you, you little dirt bag. lol
    
    You’re a black belt in trolling…I love it.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    I’m really glad you like me. How many goats will you offer my father in trade for my hand in marriage?
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    None, he should be happy I’m taking you off his hands…lol You’re nothing but trouble.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Ha, Daddy loves me! He sleeps with me every night and tells me over and over how much.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Awww Daddy’s little squirt…How cute.
  - Breezeyguy
    
    Don’t waste yourself on him, Elizabeth!! I have several goats!
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Get lost you thirsty ass nigga…I trolled her first, lol.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    And a horse?!
  - ceceliak
    
    You are a total ass
- ceceliak
  
  This is America…don’t care where the Super bowl is broadcast
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Shut up stupid…
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    I feel so bad for Canadians for having to share the same continent as us.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I feel bad for Canadians because they only get Canadian bacon, and not Murican bacon.
    
    and let’s face it…
    
    I’d rather have too many Mexicans here than too many French.
- H Long
  
  I believe that these specific commercials were only broadcast in the US - typical for the tv advertising market. So I don’t believe that particular ad ran in those other 197 countries.
  
  If you are right, then Coca Cola would have to translate America the Beautiful into those 24 other languages - I’m not sure that message would resonate with the rest of the world.
  
  I like to be reminded of KO’s topline — it really is staggering to think that a company that originally just produced a “sugar water” drink has grown to a multinational billion$ value. Amazing.
  - Breezeyguy
    
    Actually, they started with cocaine.
- Michael
  
  I’d agree with you BUT… the ad specifically used America the Beautiful, showing immigrants who choose NOT to learn English as the common language of the United States. This fragmenting of America needs to cease. Honoring ones culture is one thing. To honor it over your common home land is another. Coke should have show scenes from FOREIGN countries if they wanted to get it right… but then America the Beautiful wouldn’t fit the commercial.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Michael, the language simply isn’t there…The ONLY leg this “movement” has to stand on is that our founding documents are in English which is obvious given our history and origin.
    
    You could argue about whether or not this is justification for making it our “official language”, but at the end of the day…That existing language/law, although it is written in English does nothing more than underscore the fact that it shouldn’t be.
  - Michael
    
    A single language unifies the population. Politically correct America is putting cultures into silos and encouraging ethnic differences, creating friction. There was a huge backlash against the Hispanics in Los Angeles when they demanded rights for illegals while waving Mexican flags. They learned real quick since you rarely see a foreign flag at their demonstrations now… but the damage has been done. Ever pick up your phone to make an appointment at the doctor’s and have to dial a 1 for English?
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Yeah, and I don’t really care that I have to hit a 1…I mean…I can see people’s gripe if we had to hit a 2 for English….But come on.
  - Michael
    
    We just might have to learn Hindu to get technical help with computers.
Breezeyguy

Definitely boycott Coca Cola. They defended same-sex marriage. That’s repulsive in ALL languages.
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  Exactly! I stand my lord Jesus and he hates fags.
  - Catherine Mary Zibray
    
    Hate is only felt by humans. God,has not hate for anyone. You can hate the sin,yet love the sinner. However, in my eyes I do not believe homesexuality to be a sin in any way at all. When it is not even a choice in the first place. Also, who am I to say you have a stick in your eye if I have a log in mine? He without sin cast the first stone. Until you shall tie your shoe laces up in a perfect little angel bow, I suggest you keep your ignorant religious comments to yourself. Religion is man made.Religion is there to guide us in the right direction. Not seperate us and fill our hearts with hatred for others.Also,if you hate gays so much why don´t you tell the straight people to stop having gay babies? See that comment I made is just as ridiculous as your self righteous ones.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    You’re a little too cute to not denote sarcasm and trolling, sweetheart, lol…
  - Catherine Mary Zibray
    
    Oh and I am also French Canadian.So, you would not want to be talking to someone like me. Especially when my third language is Spanish and I am currently living in Mexico.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I’d have sex with you for sure if that’s what you’re getting at…You look like your dome game is on point. Just promise you’ll speak french to me in the process, lol.
  - Catherine Mary Zibray
    
    Just let me check with my husband on that one.I am sure he would be thrilled to know his pregnant wife is making internet sex dates with a stranger.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I hope so, because prego pussy is the bomb…
    
    Let me know, cutie pie.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    You have to get it while the gettin’s good because once she has that baby.. hotdog in a hallway.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    #fistincoffeecanstatus
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    He could join and it could be a foursome.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I dont know what I like better…Where your head is at, or where mine is going to be. lol
  - Ki Ritter
    
    So you have no problem learning a new language which is the national language of the country you have chosen to live in? A country which is also in North America and has many immigrants from all over the world. So why is it a problem for people to have to do it in the USA?
  - Matt
    
    I have a question for you… What is the “national language” of the United States of America?
  - Vikki
    
    Always thought it as English. English was adopted from England, it was kept for our language..I had read
  - Ki Ritter
    
    You’re a freakin idiot.
  - Guest
    
    Also,my comment was not made in regards to yours.I understand trolling and sarcasm just fine.
  - Catherine Mary Zibray
    
    If Elizabeth´s comment was trolling…I am more then relieved…
  - Guest
    
    Oh and if Elizabeth´s comment was trolling then I am more then relieved…
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Yeah she’s a little dirt bag trouble maker, lol…Like me.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    Is this an essay or what
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Shhhushh Liz, this bitch is sharing her feelings…
  - Adam Vagus
    
    Strange, I have yet to see ANY announcement of a ‘Gay Gene’. Guess that blows a hole in the entire ‘Gays are born gay’ argument. That and the thousands of ex-gays all across this nation who live completely heterosexual lives.
  - Breezeyguy
    
    Don’t waste time on her/him. He/She is a troll.
  - Breezeyguy
    
    Not true. He loves sinners but hates their sin.
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  Breezeyguy is a homo…
Tiarra Cervantes

Yc party up in hurr.
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  WORD WE’RE EXPANDING
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    MERICA!
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Wait what do black people say?
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    “Kill whitey”? lol
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Don’t let the man bring you down!
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I bet you got razor bumps on your pussy…
  - Tiarra Cervantes
    
    Nops. I do have to shave though
  - Diversity
    
    YC Party up in the hizzy! Back on topic… Gail, did you really say “We are in America, assimilate or go home???” You did! You’re a special kind of stupid, aren’t you?
  - Gail Miller
    
    You nasty troll.. Go somewhere else with your disgusting comments. And.. On topic.. I was offended by the coke commercial. But that’s my right as an American, as its also the right of coke to make the commercial that offended me. I don’t like the way they trashed a very American song. Now, on to other things, like someone above said, when done right if you want American citizenship learning to speak English is one of the things required. Me having to press 1 to get English is just stupid and should not be happening. Nor should everything I buy be printed in some other language. We are in America, assimilate or go home. That’s the way its always been and should not change…
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    You’re REALLY bitching about pressing 1? lol
    
    You’re a lame…And I’d rather act like a troll than look like one.
mickeythewiz

We are a diversified nation in which all nationalities are represented here. So for a commercial it is just that - a commercial. In some way probably Coke knew this would raise and eyebrow and now are getting “free publicity” because some are making a big deal out of a commercial that probably won’t air anywhere else except at the super bowl. It is after all, the freedom of speech we all so love to enjoy. So let’s move on to more important things like the economy, jobs, better education, etc. Leave Madison Avenue to their ad campaigns.
David King

Crazy how this topic has exploded. I notice all the miscreants are trolling in English.
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  English is the only language, DUH.
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  Hey David, here’s $5, get another one of those ties or a haircut. I don’t know which one is worse.
  - David King
    
    Why? You need a job?
  - sherry8260
    
    David, you are too cool. LMAO. Slapped that idiot down!
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Ughh, you’d be an easy lay if you think he’s cool…All I would have to do is take you to Golden Corral and you’d be puttin’ it on me like a poptart…
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Really you have one? I forgot everyone that votes Republican is a job creator…
  - David King
    
    $10 suit, $5 tie - typical liberal knowledge of the marketplace. Go out and earn some money to pay your mom rent for living in her basement. You’re the joke.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Ughhh “marketplace, portfolio, blabla….”
    
    Just kill yourself…
    
    “This guy disagrees with me, he must be a liberal, and everyone knows liberals live in basements and are losers!!!”
  - David King
    
    Kill myself? You first. Don’t presume to quote me. You may do better, but my imagination goes there only in fiction and fantasy.
  - John Stevens
    
    Crawl back under your rock WorldsMost. You are only showing how stupid you are.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Hey John, how about you send your wife over to me…1) She won’t have to be seen with you wearing that hat….and 2) She can blow me.
  - Indylady
    
    First it was the race card. Now OG is showing his true colors by using personal appearance put-downs. So typical for Liberal/Socialist/Marxist true believers.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Indy,
    
    You’re old enough to be my Grandmother, so let me explain to you in a respectful way, since David didn’t seem to get it, and my charms are falling short with you as well.
    
    I don’t have any true colors on display here…I’m “trolling” and being an intentional smart ass to get a rise out of people, lol.
- Krista Kay
  
  Hey there, King David. Appears you too are trolling in English 😉
  
  fyi…here is one reason people may be angry with an ENGLISH song was sung in Arabic
  
  ‘…Perhaps tensions were high because one of the languages the very American, patriotic song was sung in was Arabic and the game was being played right across the river from where the Twin Towers came down on September 11, 2001….’
frustratedguest

i was frustrated with the ad, not because of the different races, because obviously, the United States was founded on immigrants, but America the Beautiful is an AMERICAN song. And we speak English. That’s like asking Saudi Arabia to make a commercial where every one sings one of their nationally recognized anthems in Chinese, Russian, French, and Italian. oh and for the record, if we really want to be patriotic, why not feature those men and women who sacrifice for our country day in and day out?
- Elizabeth Southerland
  
  When you say “we” who are you speaking for? The millions of immigrants that didn’t speak English or yourself?
  - Michael
    
    The millions of immigrants the chose to learn English.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    But, you agree they had the right to choose, right?
  - Alonglongway
    
    When immigration is done legally, learning the language is a requirement, not a choice. When lawlessness is not only tolerated but celebrated, anything goes.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    You could be required till you’re blue in the face, that’s not what I’m getting at…
    
    People that are angry about this don’t just want them to learn english, they want it to be a requirement that you use and identify with it on a national level…Almost a requirement to be a
    “good” American.
  - Alonglongway
    
    True. One unified Country. A “United” States of America one might even say.
    
    That is the very nature of becoming a citizen of the USA.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I better idea of what to be “united” around…Leaving people alone to do and be what THEY want…What’s more American than that?
  - Alonglongway
    
    That’s naive at best. A nation is defined first and foremost by its borders.
  - Ki Ritter
    
    Please do go tell that to the IRS, EPA, NSA, FBI, CIA, DOD, etc.
  - Alonglongway
    
    If someone wants to break into your house and kill your family should they be left alone? If they want to smash the windows on your car is that a problem? Are you against ALL laws or only the ones you don’t like?
  - Betsy Young
    
    So speaking another language = murder? Careful… your racism is showing
  - Indylady
    
    Ah, the RACE card, I wondered when that would be thrown. Betsy, you really don’t seem to like America very much.
  - Betsy Young
    
    the truth hurts, doesn’t it? No I don’t like a racist America. I like the America that has greatness in its past (as well as horror unfortunately) and has the potential to be greater. I see you only like a false America
  - Indylady
    
    Oh, I see you mean the racist America that twice elected an inept and dangerous man to the presidency simply because he was black. An America where one is not allowed to criticize his policies (which are killing America) without being called a “racist”. An America that would elect Allen West, Ben Carson, etc. in a heartbeat, though they are both black.
  - Krista Kay
    
    OG - if you love anarchy, here’s a good place for you to go…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57JVVD6-ag
  - Krista Kay
    
    here is one reason people may be angry with an ENGLISH song was sung in Arabic
    
    ‘…Perhaps tensions were high because one of the languages the very American, patriotic song was sung in was Arabic and the game was being played right across the river from where the Twin Towers came down on September 11, 2001….’
  - Betsy Young
    
    Actually, I’m an ESL teacher. You can take the US citizenship exam in other languages, depending on your age and some factors. These is “legal.” Learn some facts. http://www.uscitizenship.org/indexexempt.html
  - Alonglongway
    
    If that is true, it is BEYOND sad.
  - Krista Kay
    
    OG - go live in one of the 56 ISLAMIC STATES and then give us the full report about ‘right to choose’.
  - reshas1
    
    My Dad came over from Germany after WWII, HE learned to speak English, HE only had an 8th grade education, HE started is own business, HE wouldn’t have had that opportunity elsewhere, HE wouldn’t have been able to do it if he hadn’t learned English, HE would be rolling over in his grave right now to see that state the US is in. I Thank GOD, he passed before Obama became president…
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Your dad was a Nazi, wasn’t he?
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    THAT’S WHY HE WAS SO HAPPY TO ASSIMILATE TO OUR CULTURE.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    ding ding ding
  - Krista Kay
    
    are you a church?
  - Lorna
    
    When you say “Our” are you speaking of everyone or your own?
  - Krista Kay
    
    YES, lizzy. All Holocaust Survivors were grateful to all countries that allowed them the honor to live in peace after they escaped the evil ideology to ‘murder them wherever you find them’
  - Thomas Darkvane
    
    Ah, the young, uneducated mind is speaking out. Care to name the groups of people that were hunted by the nazi’s? It was not just the Jews, I hope you know. But there were plenty of people who were hunted by the nazi’s. Although I am sure they never taught you this in school. Or your childish ways of arguing a matter would work on those of us who know the truth.
    
    So do the country a favor and pick up a book that talks about these things that your liberal teachers never wanted you to read. Do not be sheep but seek, the knowledge that is there for you to read, before your liberal teachers have them all burned. Yes those who served in the German military, may have come here. They were not all nazi’s. But there were plenty of them who were hunted by the nazi’s who came here seeking a better way of life and not to be persecuted for their way of life.
    
    Although someone who was educated by the liberal mindset, does not question authority when it comes to the truth. I mean, seriously, how dare we question authority, that would be like the German people, the Russian people or the Chinese questioning authority. With people like you who follow blindly the motives of those who would never to want the truth to come out.
  - Krista Kay
    
    or perhaps this ‘dad’ was a HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR.
  - John Stevens
    
    You’re an ass. You are what’s wrong with our country.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    You know what’s wrong with our country? That gay hat you’re wearing…Get some sun on your face, like a real man.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    So because your dad did it everyone should? lol
  - Krista Kay
    
    YES. Otherwise, don’t move to a country where going to school and working would be too difficult.
    
    We do not need to ‘honor’ immigrants. Immigrants should kiss the ground of America for giving them so much more than they could ever have imagined in their country of birth.
  - john_koenig
    
    Hell, yes. My Québecois mother did.
  - Mary Emerson
    
    Elizabeth , why don’t you go to a Liberal conversation ?
- Krista Kay
  
  Yes, our heroes are those who serve to protect our freedom and they must be honoured!
  
  This commercial is disturbing for many reasons but one of them being:
  
  ‘…Perhaps tensions were high because one of the languages the very American, patriotic song was sung in was Arabic and the game was being played right across the river from where the Twin Towers came down on September 11, 2001….’
- Philanthropussy
  
  why is showing the troops the only way to show patriotism? Baseball, apple pie and Chevy.
  - Vikki
    
    The servicemen and women some died for it some were wounded physically and mentally….like my dad
  - Philanthropussy
    
    Sorry about your dad abd I’m glad he has a caring daughter but I thought there were beautiful tributes to the troops which reminded the public of their sacrifice for this country but their sacrifice to their family and their cumin unity . Also, if I may , if we are going to pay attention to any group , we should pay tribute police and firefighters for sacrificing their lives in protecting us everyday and all we give them is a hard time Let’s not forget the mothers should juggle a job, children, family , their faith in God and personal time and never get any recognition.
  - Vikki
    
    I agree. I am grateful for our police and firemen. I understand how hard life is, we can only do our best. We are all just passing thru
  - Philanthropussy
    
    I know. I generally don’t get cops a hard time if I get pulled over . I did learn that the hard way thou .
jeff huntsman

we where never united and never will be-the only. true american is a native american.
- Ki Ritter
  
  If you truly believe that… 1) You know nothing of our history and 2) give all you have to a local tribe and go somewhere else. Put up or shut up.
  - Elizabeth Southerland
    
    So theTrail of Tears never happened?
  - john_koenig
    
    So did “No Irish or dogs need apply.”
    We got over it.
  - Betsy Young
    
    That’s because anyone who could eventually pass for white was systematically allowed (i.e. forced) to assimilate through changes in laws. Learn your history
  - john_koenig
    
    You must be out of your mind…Irish and Italians earned their way to wealth and power…or have you never heard the names Kennedy, Fitzgerald and LaGuardia?
    For the past 50 years, legislation has forced Americans to deal with a different kind of immigrant…largely composed of invaders, largely immune from immigration law and absolutely uninterested in large part to assimilating.
  - Greg
    
    The trail of tears was a terrible chapter in American history but has nothing to do with the argument over the coke commercial which should be offensive to every American who loves their country.
  - Ki Ritter
    
    You’re off topic.
    Your NEW Topic is, were the Original Inhabitants brutalized?
    
    To that I would have to answer, yes.
    The treatment of the tribes in the US fell far short in humanitarian means than how it was executed in Canada, but was far less brutal than Mexico.
    The natives had no united government or other organized cooperative means between non related tribes. They had no Army to speak of. They were going to be conquered by someone. How well do you think they would have faired under Japanese or Chinese control?
    
    It’s not like conquering people and territory is unique to the “New World”.
    Germany did it (Kaiser Wilhelm II and Hitler).
    Russia did it (Stalin/Soviet Expansion and Putin/Occupation of Georgia and annexation of Crimea).
    Rome all but wiped out many peoples, including British Isles Pony Tribes.
    
    So your point is what exactly?
Pat

I think it was a beautifully well done commercial
- WorldsMostInterestingOG
  
  DIRTY LIBERAL!!!!!!!
  
  just kidding…Get ready to hear a bunch of BS from people for being human.
- Krista Kay
  
  ‘…Perhaps tensions were high because one of the languages the very American, patriotic song was sung in was Arabic and the game was being played right across the river from where the Twin Towers came down on September 11, 2001….’
- Breezeyguy
  
  It was actually ugly and dull. I didn’t mind the multi-lingual thing but it should have been spanish and german etc. What really grossed me out was the weird double-dad fiasco. America is beautiful, but sodomy is not.
  
  No more Coke or Coke products for me. Too bad, I really liked Coke.
Harold Martin

Bill did not ask all the questions he should have!!
Krista Kay

CHOKE ON COKE

‘…Perhaps tensions were high because one of the languages the very American, patriotic song was sung in was Arabic and the game was being played right across the river from where the Twin Towers came down on September 11, 2001….’
- Betsy Young
  
  yes and all people who speak Arabic are terrorists, lol…. just like all Christians are terrorists because of Timothy McVeigh and white Christian bombers of mosques, etc….
rmw

Seems I remember years ago that coke did a similar ad where EVERYBODY sang the song in English. THAT was the correct message about America.
- Philanthropussy
  
  Put on a happy face
Peggy Lineberry

America is a melting pot of all nationalities. That is what I got out of the commercial. If you want a different commercial then offer to pay for it.
Earl pits

Yah it is America maybe you should have used the American language. My kids are forced to learn other languages in school, force the immigrants to learn English. That’s what would happen if you moved to their country.
- Bob the builder
  
  You mean English. Not American language. It’s called the English language.
- Zach W. Lorton
  
  *Yeah
- Philanthropussy
  
  Why are your kids forced to learn another language ? What state is that?
- Betsy Young
  
  There is no official language of the United States, thus no “American language.”
- John
  
  Actually most other countries teach their kids 1-2 foreign languages so they can communicate with many people on a global scale. If you were to pack up today and move to a country like Japan you could talk to many adults because they all learned English throughout school. And what’s so wrong with being able to speak many languages? (P.S. the schools are having your kids learn a second language because most employers WANT people who are bilingual)
Dak

It takes a truly uneducated person to imply that a nation needs all of its citizens to speak the same language in order to be united or even patriotic.
- Vikki
  
  What is wrong with them speaking english?
S J Ray

Couldn’t agree more Mr. West…Thank
you for your patriotism and service to our country.
Philanthropussy

Why is everyone freaking out over this commerical? It showed it doesn’t matter what language we speak individually, we are all American people.
Also, Mr. West. during the broadcast there were plenty of oppurtunies honoring our troops. A spectacular one with a soldier from Winter PK, FL and during the half time show, troops dedicated a beautiful song to people, later sang by Bruno Mars. Lastly, that quote you attributed to George Washington about “united people”. In his day, blacks were considered people and women were not considered equal.
- Mary Emerson
  
  We COL. West and I , were not complaining about the people being depicted , we were complaining about all of the different language’s ! Coca Cola WAS WRONG !
  - Philanthropussy
    
    All the different languages spoken everyday in this big old country of our’s.
Paula Malepor

What about Coke’s old commercial song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” ? It was sung in English and depicted people from all races, colors and creeds. I think America the Beautiful should have been sung in English and still depicted the diversity of nationalities in our country without offending anyone!
- Betsy Young
  
  It only offends bigots
vdetillion

It takes courage to fight for rights and freedom and unfortunately a lot of people don’t have that any more if this generation lived in 1776 we would be British subjects.
- Brendan
  
  No… the conservatives afraid of change would have fought to stay part of England.
  - Irving Leonard Marsh
    
    Who the hell are you, to speak for conservatives? We are all from immigrant family’s. There is a difference in an immigrant and a foreign invader, who snuck across our border. We don’t owe them anything but a speedy return to their country. We don’t owe them welfare, social security, food stamps, voting or any other rights. They are violating our laws and rights. Try immigrating to, voting or buying property in their country. You will find yourself in their prison.
  - Brendan
    
    You are missing so many points and making so many presumptions it’s ridiculous.
    Why are you babbling to me about illegal immigration?
    Are you so thick that you assume all immigrants who retain part of their heritage are illegals who snuck in?
    Do you even know what the subject of this thread is?
  - Irving Leonard Marsh
    
    We are a multicultural nation and immigrants slowly assimilating are not the problem.
    It is xenophobic backwards unAmerican phony patriots pushing the hate of immigrants that are “balkanizing” us.So was this part of the topic? I guess only your liberal ass is allowed an opinion?
  - Brendan
    
    No moron… my comment pertained precisely to the topic… Allen West’s suggestion that multiculturalism could lead to “balkanizing” America.
    My comment was in direct response to that.
    You, however, rambled about illegal immigration, voting, and food stamps… none of which had anything to do with the article Mr West wrote.
  - Irving Leonard Marsh
    
    Well moron, what do you think “balkanizing” means?
  - Brendan
    
    That refers to independent cultures opposed to each other living in close proximity… the Balkans (serbs, croats, kosovars, bosnians, etceteras.)… a land divided into subsections opposed to each other.
    You went on a rant about illegal immigration, which is a totally different subject.
  - Irving Leonard Marsh
    
    http://www.usillegalaliens.com/the_balkanization_of_america.html
  - Vikki
    
    You are the first to mention that. We don’t owe them a thing, but we talk about it like we should pat them on the back. I feel that way only for the people who came here legally, not the ones who didn’t that is like stealing
Carol

I too was DISGUSTED with this commercial and I’ve always been a Coke girl.
I agree about showing our service men & women … Budweiser had it down!
- Vikki
  
  You said it Carol….
VeryFrustratedGuest

Did you know that English was NOT spoken when Europeans “settled” in America? English, if you know your history, is an immigrant language itself, created from a mixture of Greek, Latin, Spanish and Dutch prefixes, suffixes and root words. Since Indians were already here, Navajo was the most widespread language. So if we were to keep things authentic, we should all be singing “America the Beautiful” in Navajo.

America, in and of itself, is beautiful, no matter what language one says so. What makes America ugly, selfish and disturbing are the racist/classist comments such as those surrounding this post, including this article. What I don’t understand is that in this day and age, in 2014, people *still* spew hatred about the celebration of different cultures living within America’s arms. I am deeply shocked that Mr. West, a Black man, is even putting pen to paper (so to speak) and allowing this ink of intolerance to flow. I have lived in Atlanta for a few years and can clearly tell you which towns in the rest of Georgia Mr. West is still not welcomed, even today. I’d also bet that some of you posters wouldn’t even be comfortable with Mr. West as your next-door neighbor.

If you, John Q. Public, prefer a more homogenous nation with one singular way of thinking and living, America is not for you.

From the days of European thievery of America from the Native Indians, to the brutal enslavement of Africans and Indians, to Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movements, to the war against LGBTs, to the war against God and religion, to this very moment, European-Americans have always expected the rest of the world to strip themselves of their cultures and languages, and adopt some warped definition of “being an American.” This weird sense of betrayal is felt when other cultures are celebrated in America. Do you understand that this narrow mindset is detrimental to the growth and health of this nation? This is one of the top reasons why this country is slow to move forward.

What is this America that people should wholeheartedly embrace? America allows their soldiers to live on the streets with no food, no mental health, and no long-term care. America takes religion out of schools and allows teachers to molest children. America wastes food when there is so many people who are hungry or can’t afford food because the prices are too high. America holds their automatic guns ever so tightly while allowing our children to be in shot in our schools, knowing full well that the Constitution did not mean that a citizen should have a military gun. America allows hospitals and schools to close, police and firefighters to be laid off, and needed programs to be cut, all while growing the salaries and perks of the top 1%. America allows slumlords to have tenants live in rat-infested apartments while they funnel that rent money out of this country to fight wars in other countries. America offshores their jobs and manufacturing plants to avoid paying us decent wages and salaries, and then sells us the very products that were made offshore at a whopping 400-800% markup of costs. America takes “under God” out of our “Pledge of Allegiance.” America miraculously produces millions of dollars to pay for the security detail of the SuperBowl, instead of allocating the same millions to needy neighborhoods a mere 10 miles away from MetLife stadium.

And you say Coca-Cola is promoting a “balkonized” America? My friend, America was born from a balkonized womb.

Coca-Cola, an American product which showed clips of normal people doing
normal things while drinking a soda, is promoting a peaceful, loving
America. Because America is also children playing baseball and jump rope, and racing to the ice cream truck. America is pulling together after disasters like Katrina, Sandy, Joplin, and Moore. America is supporting the work of struggling artists trying to make it big. America is couples buying their first homes. America is teaching youngsters how to be entrepreneurs. America is giving police and fire workers pensions after dealing with horrific situations for their entire lives. America is a police officer pulling over and playing catch with a lonely boy, or buying a homeless man winter boots and socks. America is road trips to Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument, the birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr. America is a Pledge of Allegiance to a flag, I am proud to take that allegiance, under God. America is a growing population of the many cultures that make up this one world that we all live in and share. But this America is hard to find for everyone. It exists in pockets. It may exist on a more widespread level for certain people, but definitely not for everyone.

If you would spread more love, peace and tolerance for the ideals that TRULY matter, America can, indeed, be beautiful.

Before you make assumptions of me, I am a
- Black female with a graduate degree in Adult Education
- PROUD daughter of an Army sergeant, and niece and granddaughter of two Army veterans
- Corporate America worker bee
- voter of Obama who (1) knows he is NOT Muslim; (2) does NOT agree with everything he says; and (3) did NOT vote for him simply because he was Black (race is not a reason to vote for a candidate)
- voter of Republicans in past elections (John McCain did appeal to me in some areas)
- working woman who does NOT have multiple “baby daddies” (in fact, don’t have children at all because I highly value raising children in a marriage)
- woman who is neither liberal nor conservative, but a child of God who only wants to do the right thing no matter where on the political spectrum it may fall. But to do the right thing, one has to be open to - not dismissive of - all sides of an argument.
- Mary Emerson
  
  You are kind of long winded aren’t you ? What the heck were you saying ? Or was it a history lesson ?
- Vikki
  
  Do what Coke did, in another country….It would not be aired in my opinion
BigotBob

I just notisst a patern. What if them injuns is just getting back at us the same way we got them. What if they’re slowly taking us over with foreigners, causing us to learn their languages and adopting to their culchers? Just think about it? It’s already happening. Soon, well be forced to live n the same spot and be paid yearly for letting them take our god-given lands?! Theyll take our jobs too!! We can’t let that hapin! WHITE POWER!!
- Brian Keys
  
  What do Indians have to do with foreigners? I am Cherokee. I did not bring, invite or smuggle anyone into America, and I doubt if any other American Indian did either. Yes, the American Indians were slaughtered by the white man but, I for one, know that was in the past and its time to move on. Unlike some of the other nationalities who feel they are owed something. Trust me, we American Indians don’t like the president or his ideals concerning illegal aliens and other issues.
  - BigotBob
    
    YOU do not ask the questions, Mr!! I do!
  - Vikki
    
    Always have respect for the American Indian
CVASN

I am absolutely stunned by the outpouring of venom concerning this commercial. Mr. West’s ironic choice of the GW quote shows both his paucity of intellect and disregard for what America stands for. We are a united people, made up of many races, colors creeds, and languages, and the commercial celebrated all that is good about that. Maybe Mr. West would have preferred some old Negro Spirituals to ease his aching soul.
- Nora Eldridge
  
  When someone decides to go live in Mexico, they have to learn the language. Check out Mexico’s immigration requirements. When you relocate to France, you have one year to become fluent. Multiculturalism will do us in faster than anything from the outside. Check out history.
  - docrt925
    
    are you also forced to forget or stop singing in or refrain from ever using your native language in France or Mexico too?
Brendan

We are a multicultural nation and immigrants slowly assimilating are not the problem.
It is xenophobic backwards unAmerican phony patriots pushing the hate of immigrants that are “balkanizing” us.
nancy

“America” is dreamed of by people all over the world who do not speak English. They work and save, fill out papers, stand in line, and risk their lives to come here and share in the American Dream. That is the idea of this ad which started and ended in English. We are from Sea to shining Sea a nation of immigrants whether you came here on the Mayflower or arrived only recently. God Bless America
Mountain

Just as with our leadership, this company apparently disrespects our heritage.
- Betsy Young
  
  Our “heritage” is multilingual and multicultural. In fact, if you want to be technical about it, our “heritage” is Native American heritage.
- John
  
  Our British, French, German, Irish, and Spanish heritage? Our founders were immigrants. Just thought I’d let you in on that little secret.
Nicole Petrino-Salter

Coca Cola is my beverage of choice. It’s my coffee in the morning. It makes me sad that the makers of my favorite drink feel its politics warrant a place in their advertising. Their stance on global warming - the shortage of polar bears which of course was and is a farce - and now this ecumenical, convoluted merging of cultures instead of being truly American continues to disappoint. Really, really disappoints.
- Zach W. Lorton
  
  What do you consider “truly American”? If someone comes to this country and decides to learn English, do they simply stop speaking their first language? The answer is no.
  - GabbyGibby
    
    You don’t decide to learn English. You have to learn it. If someone lives here and doesn’t read or speak English, how can they drive or take a test or communicate in an emergency. If you want to live in the United States and be a citizen then you adopt this countries traditions and language. You don’t try to conform this country to the one you left.
  - Zach W. Lorton
    
    So is there a customs exam where they make you speak English if you come into this country?
    
    There’s no “have to” to it. A person must decide for themselves if the language is important enough to learn. Because I’ll tell you what — there are whole communities in this country that don’t speak English amongst themselves. Yes, you’ll face consequences if you don’t learn English when you come here, but it is most definitely a choice you need to come to, and not something we force anyone to do.
    
    I agree that if I moved to Finland, I’d make pains to learn the language there, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop speaking English. Your grandfather is, I believe, a minority of people who stop speaking their native tongue altogether.
  - Nicole Petrino-Salter
    
    Zach, my grandparents emigrated directly from Italy. My dad was born in America. He treasured this country and by the time he was an adult he could barely remember the language of his parents because he wanted to be (and was) fully American.
    Apparently the backstory to this commercial was far more impressive and touching than the edited version which appeared. It hailed America for the beautiful destination place this country was to all kinds of people.
- Betsy Young
  
  Singing in other languages is not political! lol
- Betsy Young
  
  America has always been a mulicultural and multilingual society, so this ad is “truly American”
Zach W. Lorton

I disagree. I think the ad was spot-on. America doesn’t have an official language (check the constitution and all other pertinent documents), yet we are still seen as a melting pot of cultures. Our country, even with all our faults and failures, is still one that people from all over want to come to so that they can achieve their dreams. When they come, they bring part of their heritage with them, and that includes their language.

Ever had Chinese food? Enjoyed watching the exploits of a superb baseball player who hailed from the Dominican Republic? Danced to Rammstein (maybe that’s more me than most people)? My point is that our country is proudly made up of people from all different cultures, and we’ve even adopted words from foreign languages into our English vocabulary over the years. One of my best friends growing up was first generation American. His father emigrated here from Greece, and he and his wife would speak Greek to each other in the home, but used English everywhere else.

If we’re truly a great nation, we cannot ignore the fact that people feel welcomed and accepted when they are spoken to in their native tongue, even if their native tongue isn’t Americ- excuse me, English. Everyone that lost their minds over the use of foreign languages in this ad and subsequently tweeted about it really have no clue what it means for someone to come to this country from another land and strive their hardest to make this country their home. We already live here, so we already know how good we’ve got it. When you love America so much that you want to leave your home country to come here, I’d say you’ve earned the right to sing one of the most beloved songs praising America, even if it’s not in English.
- RegularGuy55
  
  Coke manages to print labels - and created advertising - in the ‘native’ language of all the countries it sells to. Coca-Cola understands the importance of a language to the citizens of a country. It understands that so well that it takes the time and makes the effort to speak to those people in their common language.
  
  Why, then, should Americans expect (or accept) anything less from Coke?
  - Vikki
    
    Except they can’t fix the flavor of the coke. Bring it back the old zing
- GabbyGibby
  
  Mr. West is right. Not only that if you are proud to be here you should speak English and sing our songs in English, at least try. Maybe during a more settled time it wouldn’t have made that much of a difference. But for Coca Cola to do this while our country has still unsettled about our borders and illegal immigration was like a smack in the face. Look my grandparents came to this country from another country and my Grandfather refused to speak his native tongue while in America. He learned just like my grandmother learned and respected the English language. While we don’t have a law that says English is our official language, it is. Also, try and round up Americans to go to say China, and have them sing (March of the Volunteers which is the Republic of China’s National Anthm) in other languages other than China’s, or Germany and sing their National Antum,” Das Lied der Deutschen” or The Song of the Germans, in other languages and you will not see it happening. Not at all. You would be asked to leave their country. Just be respectful. By the way I saw no European immigrants or American Indians in this add which would have been more appropriate. Or like Mr. West said
  - Vikki
    
    Mr West IS right, it would of been nice to hear these people from other lands sing our song in English
BigotBob

BOYCOTT! Boycot all them forrin devils! Heck! Let’s teach kids how to speek PROPER Murican! When I droppt out in 8th grade, I wish I was learning proper, but they just kept callin it English. That was just a waist of my time ‘cuz I speek it already.
- shadiz
  
  Haha awsome! And scary close to the truth
RegularGuy55

Anybody know whether the Founding Fathers produced a second copy of the Declaration of Independence in Spanish? Or German? Or French?

I didn’t think so.
- http://historicstruggle.wordpress.com/ Rob Baker
  
  No. But it was printed in numerous languages across the colonies.
- Betsy Young
  
  They did not name English as the official language
- John
  
  Seeing as how it was basically a message to the British i don’t see why they needed to…
Tim Turner

I expect that a part of the problem with the ad was its unintentional shock value. The imagery was iconically American, the song was iconically American, until they changed languages. At the point that strange syllables started to come out of the television, most viewers probably raised an eyebrow and asked themselves “What is this weird noise?”

The overall tone of the ad seems somehow liberal. And of course, once an ad takes on a political undertone, it is bound to offend someone and be championed by others. I suspect that it has something to do with taking an American icon and foreignizing it. That is, they took “America the Beautiful” and replaced parts of it with foreign iconography. Had the ad featured an all-English song with images of immigrants passing the Statue of Liberty, taking the oath of citizenship, etc, I expect it would have received less blow-back. That context would have been taking foreign icons and Americanizing them, which would have been more acceptable.
- Betsy Young
  
  America has always been a multilingual society. Those languages are not only “foreign”
- Betsy Young
  
  actually English is a “foreign” language too - brought over from England. The only native languages are spoken by native Americans
  - Indylady
    
    Did the “Native Americans’ not immigrate here also?
  - Vikki
    
    Still say the American people adopted “English” from England.
  - Tim Turner
    
    I’m speaking as a professional in the human interface profession (Specifically user interfaces for computers). Any language with which a person is not acquainted is effectively “foreign”. そですね? Of course we are speaking of audience perception, and not actual geographic borders. The majority of people watching the Super Bowl were English-speaking, and few of them were well acquainted with all of the seven or so languages included. Therefore, the Coca-Cola ad was in a “foreign language”. The ad also failed to include subtitles, so viewers could only assume what lyrics were being sung. This undoubtedly caused confusion as viewers had to stop and wonder what it was they were actually seeing. The goal of good communication is always to remove any doubt of what message is being communicated. Coca Cola made viewers stop and think about what the meaning of the message was while they were replacing the concept “America” with “Foreign”. I suspect that Coca Cola could have achieved the effect they were looking for with different imagery.
    
    Native American? Don’t you mean Native Navajo, Native Cherokee, Native Blackfoot, Native Sioux, etc. It seems a shame to name an entire pantheon of nations after an Italian mapmaker.
    
    This isn’t so much a case of political agenda or racism at it is bad advertisement design.
  - Betsy Young
    
    I think subtitles would have been a good idea
Mary Emerson

I usually buy Dasani water, today I bought another brand ! I will NEVER buy another Coca Cola product !
- http://historicstruggle.wordpress.com/ Rob Baker
  
  Because some girls praised America in a different language. You’re a sad person.
- Mic Czech
  
  I hope you enjoy your flavorless Pepsi products!
- Seth Bicknell
  
  Yeah you will.
- Vikki
  
  I don’t know what happened to the flavor of Coke! It had a zing…I heard Pepsi has it now. I always bought Coke but when the Zing was gone…it was Pepsi all the wayyyyyy
http://historicstruggle.wordpress.com/ Rob Baker

It’s interesting that your comments policy abhors “racism”, yet this article smacks of bigotry.
Mic Czech

Una Coca-Cola, Por favor.
toniya mishra

Dear Mr. West,

First of all, let me tell you that USA does not have an official language. English is a ‘preferred language’ but not the official language… (you can look it up if you don’t know already). What bothers me the most is that I am a dedicated American and issues like these make me feel alienated. Yes, I immigrated to this country 10 years ago but in these past 10 years, I have done more for this country than many ‘Americans’ have and possibly ever will. I have religiously followed the laws, respected the Constitution, worked hard so that I don’t live off the government, paid more taxes than a lot of ‘Americans’, proudly served in the US Army and made sure that I don’t hurt this country in any way possible. (Also, I speak better English than a lot of so-called Americans)

That certainly makes me more American than a lot of other ‘Americans’ YET if I choose to speak Hindi (my Indian language) then HOW does it make me less American? American is Beautiful is a patriotic American song.. Singing it in any other language does not disrespect the song, instead it adds pride to it. This country is built and prospers on immigrants of different races, cultures, languages and religions. If we take these so-called immigrants away, then this country is nothing but a conservative, racially biased, single religion dominant land similar to the ones we ridicule like the Middle East.

I would appreciate it if you did not insult my contribution to this country by ‘forcing’ me to speak English because the Government, the Constitution and the Judiciary System do not force me to do so.

Thank you.

- Toniya
- Philanthropussy
  
  How do you say ” you are brilliant ” in Hindi?
  - toniya mishra
    
    Aap Shaandaar Ho..
  - Philanthropussy
    
    Stand up to these clowns . They crumble if confronted
Philanthropussy

Did Mr. West tell the Rep party to nix the SOTU responce in Span?
Betsy Young

All your arguments and most assumptions about multilingualism are false:

1) There is no official language in the United States. Many other countries do that. Ours never did, so obviously our founding leaders did not see that as important. In fact, there was support for bilingualism and bilingual education (I am from PA and bilingual German-English schools were the norm) up until Teddy Roosevelt’s time, so many leaders after our country was created didn’t see a need for it. So for the first 100+ years of our country immigrants language assimilation was not expected in order for immigrants to be a part of the American experience.

2) During late 1910s and early 1920’s, the push for a monolingual society was a political decision - mostly related to racism again Germans during WW1 and paranoia about the vast numbers of immigrants coming into the country at that time. Why don’t you learn our history and realize the push for monolingualism (English) was obviously racist? (and also classist, as learning languages was only pushed for rich students who went to school past elementary school - not common for students from poorer families).

3) Educational research of the past 40+ years overwhelmingly shows that multilingualism and bilingualism is a positive influence on students who are multilingual and education in general. Against the myth, to learning continue in their native language helps them learn a foreign language (English) more easily than forcing students to only speak English when they get here, especially if they are elementary age.
- Vikki
  
  I read they made english the language of America, getting it from England. I never heard we never had no official language..
  - Betsy Young
    
    Please find a source that says it is our official national language. You won’t find one
  - Vikki
    
    Sorry, Betty it was along time ago. I will look around
  - Vikki
    
    I just read in another page, it wasn’t the official language but it should be, it said.. I don’t understand, myself. If it isn’t why was I taught it and why wasn’t I taught Italian instead? Why was my grandparents who came over in the 1900’s try to learn english as soon as possible? Maybe, to get a job to fit in so many reasons….Just can’t understand why it was taught to me…I remember, reading it was because this country was involved with England and because of that it was adopted as English as the official language. Then, it wasn’t easy to live in America without learning english. Today, the immigrants have it easier. They are being catered to with everyone wanting to speak their language….so learning their language…
- rmw
  
  Oh, Gee, do you mean that the radical progressives who seek to undermine our society by pushing this diversity BS are actually conducting research that overwhelmingly concludes that the garbage they are pushing has a positive influence? Amazing … who could have possibly anticipated that?
  Guess what? Back when liberals thought that promoting diversity was a BAD thing, liberals were telling immigrant parents that teaching their kids their ethnic language was a BAD thing! (this is what they told my parents). No doubt there was education research that overwhelmingly supported that being multi-lingual was detrimental to kids.
  
  Regardless, this has NOTHING to do with the topic under discussion … that pushing immigrants to hold to their ethnic cultures is bad for America (actually, it has been bad for any nation that has ever tried it throughout history).
  - Betsy Young
    
    How are you judging it is “bad”? lol… Do you have research on that? In fact, when liberal parents may have been telling immigrant parents that it was a bad thing (do you have some statistics about that? lol), it wasn’t based on legitimate research. It was built on bad public policy based on bad research methods from the early 1920’s in Europe when they had political motivations (i.e. racism and ethnocentrism) for wanting monolingual counties. Including Hitler later. Bilingualism wasn’t even being studied after that time period until just recently in the 1980’s and 1990’s again. In any case, you don’t think liberals aren’t racist too? That’s why I’m not one of them.
  - rmw
    
    “Legitimate research” … I take it you are like some university weenie or something? Highly educated … I imagine. Are you familiar with Malcolm Muggeridge’s statement on the modern western man? Look it up.
    statistics? yes … 100% of ‘diverse’ societies have collapsed … if you know of one, name it. I will not even bother to ask you to name one that has thrived as a result (that would be obvious … none). I do not remember where it was, but I had a debate with some yahoo that said something akin to “not allowed to count Europe” … which would be classic liberal / college think / argumentation : take an obvious example of a total failure and then say “oh, but THAT one doesn’t count” … ‘they have educated themselves into imbecility’
    Now, Mr Clinton … I consider something that collapses a culture as bad … and no I am not going to redefine the word bad (or “is” for that matter). Good luck with that in court.
    The context of this discussion is not whether or not any individual is capable of working in multiple languages … it was the shock factor (which was the ad agency’s desire, I would argue) of diving into the multiculturalism debate by doing what they did to the song. Choose a different song … no offense; have folks of obviously differing origins sing the song in English … not only no offense, but probably generate a particularly strong positive response across the board EXCEPTING the multiculturalists (who are a demonstrably small minority); instead they chose the most provocative choice.
Guest

Anyone who doesn’t like this Country should learn what it means to be a true American. You either learn to speak our language or get the hell out. Just like in communist China.
- flybarb
  
  Si! asi hice yo! tuve que aprender Ingles y ahora so bilingüe!!!
  - YC # 2
    
    Donde esta la biblioteca, LaFleur!?
Guest

Anyone who doesn’t agree to this Article should read a history book and learn what it’s like to be a true American. If you don’t want to learn our language, you can just leave! Just like in communist China.
- Betsy Young
  
  lol
- Eric Underwood
  
  You mean Cherokee? That’s one of the true American Languages. Not English.
- docrt925
  
  ummm…so you want us to be more like communist China?
  
  OH and a “true American” knows that each of us has the right to think differently than you, believe differently than you, express themselves differently than you…without the ignorant expectation that we should have to leave our country for doing so.
  - YC # 2
    
    I think you missed the humor in the post.
  - docrt925
    
    apparently…mea culpa.
    or am I required to say that in English?
YC # 2

E pluribus, unum
- flybarb
  
  Yeap!!
  - YC # 2
    
    I’ll give you a D!!
Rob Crawford

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσεται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν.
- flybarb
  
  Same to you dude!!!
Dolan Edinboro

Anyone who agrees with this article should perhaps read a history book and learn what our country grew out of. America was never intended to be a land for only race, religion, or social standing of people. Even more so, a person who thinks that varying languages can somehow pull apart the American dream, should focus on why immigrants come to our country in the first place. They come here to fulfill that dream, if they did not have ambition they would not be here. Even getting into our country illegally tests the perseverance of an individual, and while it is most definitely wrong, they do understand what we stand for. In my last point, I hope that Allen West could pick up a dictionary and realize the meaning of the word balkanized. To say America is anywhere remotely close to a state of balkanization is ignorant, no matter how you look at it.
- rmw
  
  Obviously you are reading the wrong book, least not one that has anything to do with an accurate portrayal of history. The history of diversity has been pretty absolute … a society that has NOT overcome diversity in its population has ultimately collapsed: tearing itself apart from within. In the US, up until the last few decades there was consensus among leaders of all persuasions that condemned the promotion of ethnic diversity as a desire to destroy our country and undermine its principals. This is one more of the firewalls that progressives have successfully destroyed in their attempt to undermine American principals and destroy our society.
  
  Your comments on immigrants that came here is remarkably naive as well. The FIRST thing immigrants in the past did was to learn the language and culture, particularly insuring that their kids learned the language … they embraced American culture and took every opportunity to integrate themselves. They fully embraced American exceptionalism … another winning concept that progressives are feverishly working to destroy (ala Obama’s idiotic response about how all cultures see themselves as ‘exceptional’) … and set aside their ethnic proclivities to embrace a better alternative.
  - Vikki
    
    YOu are right, nmw. My grandparents came her in 1900 and wanted to learn English and our culture….which they did. That was the way it was supposted to be.
- Vikki
  
  I lived in a community that spoke English, sometimes they would speak their other language but,mostly spoke English. Then I don’t know how it happened, it wasn’t English it was another language I didn’t understand…Then the people couldn’t talk to me because they didn’t understand English…I was told to speak their language. But, I am living in America…No you should speak our language..they said…still trying to figure out how that could be.
RaifeBlakeVtM

Wow, honestly shocked by all the hate I’m seeing here. I’m a very conservative person, but let’s remember our country is a nation of immigrants - and to act otherwise means almost everyone commenting should pack their bags and give the land back to the Indians.

I am a very proud US citizen and served 21 years in the military, to include 8 1/2 years with Air Force One. It was my honor and privilege to do so. My father’s side of the family fought in the revolutionary war, and on my mom’s I’m 1st generation born in the US. She immigrated here legally at the age of 7. Let’s try remembering the inscription on the Statue of Liberty hmmm? “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Yes, our national language is English, and I’m the first person to be annoyed to have to “press 1 for English” but really guys?

We are a nation of diverse cultures, ideas, traditions, and histories - it’s part of what makes us a great nation! Let’s act like it.

My 2 cents anyway….
- What a Shane
  
  well said
- Chase
  
  Bravo, good sir! Thank you for your service, but more so thank you for your true and apparent patriotism! Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is how a true American sounds! This is why we fight! Freedom for all, to speak whatever language they speak. When people emigrate to America they teach us things we would have never otherwise known, and THAT is what helped create America The Beautiful. That is the entire point of the ad. Coke is as diverse and cultured as it’s drinkers are, as OUR America is.
- Betsy Young
  
  Our official language is not English. There is no official national language in the US.
  - Vikki
    
    Well, it should be. I noticed many are speaking it. What would be the language of our great nation, then???
- rmw
  
  We are NOW a nation of diverse cultures and we are tearing ourselves apart at a breathtaking rate … however in the past (when we were kickin’ butt on all opposition) we were a unique culture, assimilated from diverse cultures. E Pluribus Unum … out of many, ONE. Now the counter-revolutionists have turned that on its head and are using it to undermine the foundation of our nation … many of the ‘immigrant groups’ coming here are polling as completely opposing The Constitution and its principals. A key factor in this is the disastrous Kennedy immigration bill in the 60s (I believe) … where they lied through their teeth in pushing that it would not fundamentally alter the mix in the country, when in fact that was EXACTLY its purpose. In the past, immigrant ‘groups’ either assimilated and integrated or were shunned and effectively isolated. Now, lack of assimilation is treated as a badge of honor, and our country perishes.
  
  Oh, and before shooting off more ridiculous assertions about hate … do me a favor and identify ONE country that has thrived through ‘diversity’ : not one in all of history. Diversity has been a harbinger of a nation’s ultimate collapse. People are going to die because of this BS (actually, they already are) … so who exactly is promoting “all the hate”?
  - Pam
    
    Congrats! Someone who actually gets it. That is what made America grow and the lack of unity is what is destroying her today.
    
    I support Teddy Roosevelt statement. Which summed up is unite and stand or go home. England is learning this lesson today. I want the America I and my ancestors grew up in, not the mess they have in Europe.
  - YC # 2
    
    You should probably move to a place only white people live. Have fun!
  - rmw
    
    yo, moron … it has NOTHING to do with the color of their skin OR where they came from. First off, there was no welfare trap … so you either made yourself useful (got a job) or you went back home. Part of doing something was that you made yourself marketable … i.e. you assimilated and integrated.
    
    And for your information, since your mindless butt brought race into this, blacks who divest themselves of the race baiting culture and integrate with the rest of America do quite well, in academics and business. In fact, per Thomas Sowell’s research, this was going on all the way back into the times immediately following the Civil War. It is when folks get sucked into the demoncrapt inspired “race” isolation that they end up crippling themselves … these scoundrels even tried to retard their speech with this concocted “Ebonics” crap. From the KKK to the Great Society / diversity BS … progressive tactics to empower themselves by isolating groups have devastated our society.
  - YC # 2
    
    I love that you resort to name-calling in all your hostility. You must be a real “Alpha,” you tough-guy you. In all actuality, it wasn’t I who brought race into this. In fact.. it was YOU! No, actually it was your theory that there hasn’t been one country that thrived through diversity. You are, in-deed, a genius. (Please catch the sarcasm in that).
    
    Kristie Alley soon chimed in with her bringing up the America her “ancestors” grew up in. Now, it may not have been a primarily white America. I mean, sure there were the Indians who migrated here. Then, her ancestors. Then THEY brought the slaves over, and now we’re here in this position where we’re “not thriving.”
    
    I would like to point out that, if it weren’t for the slaves, America as we know it would not have “thrived” in the 19th century. Then again, I don’t believe you could fathom that.
  - rmw
    
    I say what I want to race baiting twits who have nothing more to offer than to assert something derogatory about somebody where there is no indication of it being true, particularly racism. You demonstrated yourself to be a bald-faced liar … nobody said anything about race until you made your snide remark.
    
    I noticed (as is typical of trolls), you assert that I am somehow incorrect without providing one shred of evidence. Feel free to name the one society that has thrived by having diverse cultures that persist in emphasizing their own versus integrating and assimilating. None survive today, so I guess right out of the box you will have to prove they were all blissful and happy until the meteor hit.
    
    Your assertion that “if it weren’t for the slaves, America … would not have thrived” is complete BS as well. Many noted authors of the time have noted that the states that banned slavery earlier were far more advanced in wealth creation, particularly technological advancement. Think about it buffoon (I realize from this short discussion that thinking is not your strong suit) … if slaves made the south so much more wealth, then how did the north kick their asses. To quote some idiot I read recently … “I don’t believe you could fathom that”.
    
    Crawl back under your rock troll … you are a weak match. As Ronaldus Maximus quoted (not exactly) … “It ain’t that your ignorant … just that what you know that simply ain’t so”.
  - YC # 2
    
    Oh, come on. We can get along just fine on the surface. Trolls, humans, orcs, halflings… why can’t we all just… exist?
    
    And exactly where is your proof that diverse nations do not thrive? Just because Europe isn’t doing too hot, don’t use them as an example. Are you looking at China and India? They just have the numbers, but per capita, we’re still kicking their asses. Same way with any other 1st world country that isn’t doing too hot. You may be bitter that we’re no longer “thriving” as the once-great nation we were, but it’s not because of diversity that the recession hit.
    
    How about on a smaller scale? Diversity in business - How different perspectives lead to innovative solutions, or how corporate diversity is also the responsible thing to do as a corporation.
    
    You think I came up with the “race card” because I was the only one who threw a color around? Come on! A guy told someone to go back to Mexico. Nobody jumped on his ass. Why? He didn’t call someone brown? I do the same to a white lady and I’m a racist? Don’t be ridiculous. You want someone to be mad at to confirm your prejudice, but you fail to see it in your own writing. You fail to see prejudice in anyone else’s comments because their prejudice agrees with your own.
    
    This isn’t me trolling now. This is me being logical and sincere with you. But you can’t use logic with a nit wit. (I would love to see your face right now).
    
    Good night! I will leave you with a quote from “Head of the State:” “God bless America… and no place else.”
    
    Oh and BTW: The North profited just as much from Slavery as the South did. They were just smarter about it. 😉
  - rmw
    
    Didn’t I tell you to crawl back under your rock? Now scat troll.
    
    You picked a fight with your vulgar and hateful assertion. I whooped ass, now crawl back under your rock and lick your wounds and maybe you can get in a fight that you can win some other time. Probably not …
    
    I have long since given up referencing my facts to fools … pissin in the wind.
    
    Point in case … I ask you to name the country that thrives through diversity … you quote me the continent that is the postercard for FAIL, and say that I cannot count that. Yo, arrogant ass, you don’t get to assign the limits. History is replete with diversity -> fails. You cannot name one success. Then you pull that “smaller scale” crap out … and try to assert that “diversity” in business is somehow applicable … ignoring the fact that business diversity does not contribute to anything but employing a bunch of useless idiots who sell that manure but provide no other production (instead eating the output of those of us who do in fact do something useful) … regardless : the assumption it somehow applies to a country is asinine at its core.
    
    Yeah, the North profited, especially after the war started because the south just kept sending them the money … you are such a mindless drone it really is scary. That is EXACTLY the BS line a liberal idiot would come up with when confronted with the facts about how economies grew … in the face of cold, hard facts, the liberal zombies have to explain it away with assertions like that.
    
    I am through responding … I am just thankful my kids have clowns with your intellectual prowess to compete against, they will have an easy go of it despite the destruction (perhaps, because of) wreaked by a society that thinks like you.
  - YC # 2
    
    Hahahahaha!! Like I said, you can’t use logic on the baboons. Keep on thinking you are a genius. Please. One of these days, you will be schooled. It might not be by me, but it will happen. You wanted examples, and I gave you two emerging (therefore thriving) economies. Those two are joined my Russia and Brazil. All of which are contracting foreigners which means “diversity.” Now on the other hand, I asked you for a specific example and you avoided the question entirely. I hope I never meet your kids, they’d be the hardest children to teach because they are the sons of a stone headed idiot. Have a good day, sir! Keep to your blog posts, talking tough to free thinkers and intellectuals. I’m going to contribute to this DIVERSE society. Oh…one more examole of a thriving economy: OURS. We’re in the middle of a recovery. Once you get over your own prejudice ideal, maybe you can recognize the fact. Troll out!
  - Martha
    
    what are you? I hate when someone pulls the race card, but why do you tell Pam she should move to where only white people live, it sounded racist to me.
  - YC # 2
    
    And the other two didn’t sound racy to you? You are ridiculous! Is this your first time on the internet?
  - Pam
    
    I never stated at ANY time that there people of all races were not welcome here. The Point is, this country was settled by people looking for opportunity and change. That is what made America. People left the old countries behind and became something NEW, American. A house divide cannot not stand.
    
    They forgot about the old ways and made new one here and became American. One country with one allegiance. You have to be willing to go to War with the country that you came from. You cannot have a foot in both camps.
    
    You don’t come here and establish you own little country. It defeats the point. You might as well stay where you were. It is not about color or religion unless that religion is a dangerous and not peaceful and does not respect others. You don’t come here to change America into what you just came from. Is America perfect, of course not. But we like it and if you want it we are happy to have you.
    
    Of course keep your heritage,but keep it in you home. Personally, my ancestors were Scottish and Irish. That is really interesting . If I had the means I would love to visit these countries. But my ancestors have been here long enough that it is just interesting history and nothing to do with tradition in my family. By now I am know nothing else but America.
    
    I personally think that we should start teaching languages in the first grade, not just English. English should be the uniting universal language in America. Not because of arrogance or disdain, but to unify us into one people. That was Americas greatest strength. You have to have a common goal or you have factions that fight among themselves. That is what is happening all over the world now. We do not want that here. Every body has and opinion, but that does not have to mean civil war if all have America as the greater good.
    
    Without common ground to stand on, you have no country. We are just expressing the fact that we do not want to see America destroyed, after all isn’t that why people come here.
    
    Now I know what ever I write will make no difference, because people have a preconceived idea like you stated. That makes you read into peoples post what fits that idea instead of seeing the idea being presented and thinking and maybe understand. It should be common sense or at least give you a glimmer of the idea.
    
    Now another thing to remember is, most people are good communicators in the written word. Most of us are just ever day people that are not trained in this area. Second. I hate to write a dissertation that takes forever to read. It accomplishes nothing for people to post hateful and vicious remarks it is a symptom of separation and we need to unite. An exchange of ideas and opinions should be read and either it is food for thought or rubbish and discarded.
- Priestess
  
  If you want to be precise, the native language to this country is American Indian. English came over with one of the first wave of settlers. So using “Our languge is English” is an insult to the people who WERE here when we invaded. Remember, George Washington was at best a second or third generation American. We could just as likely have ended up speaking French or Spanish if the tides of time and war had shifted in other directions.
  - vicky
    
    Technically, while the Native Americans were here first, even they migrated to the Americas from somewhere.
- Pam
  
  Yes! And that is wonderful! All that is being protested is division. If you had been a first generation immigrant would have joined and fought against the country and people you just left, because that is the point. We have to have common ground that is what unites us as Americans. Love of country and the commonality of her traditions. Anyway, the statue of liberty was a gift from France, and not commissioned. That is a piece of history. If we don’t treat it as such we had better get ready to take in and support another family in our home. It is close to putting out the no vacancy sign unless you have a skill that we need.
BEN Turpin

Oh,what a pity the U.S of A,did not permit several countries to take a stand for their borders, language and culture!
What a Shane

What box are you living in and why do you presume that this was seen only by those within the borders of our great Nation? This was well done and a great way to express the pride and strength of our country by sharing in someone else’s native tongue. I do not believe that is was Coca Cola’s intention to portray an America that is not proud and protective of our heritage. Its quite the opposite - in my opinion. By signing America the Beautiful in many different languages, it exposes our great nation to those who may not have known otherwise. Its EXACTLY what has made our beautiful country the amazing melting pot that it is today. We are lucky to be Americans and should share our passion proudly….in any language that we can.
- YC # 2
  
  I had a brilliant slogan for America in my initial response to this. Alas, it was “moderated.” “Conservatism: We are against censorship… unless we disagree with your opinion.”
- YC # 2
  
  “America: Where we believe in the right of freedom of speech… unless we disagree with it.”
  - What a Shane
    
    Lol. I hear ya. I cherish that freedom much as any….probably why I chimed in. I honestly think our creative minds are overthinking this one.
- Metalmoto
  
  Well, you are wrong. I think all the nations they portrayed would have better shown their pride of being an American citizen by singing a proud, American song in the tongue of the country that the song is about. All this hyphenated garbage African-American, Italian-American, Japanese- American and so on, should be done away with. They are here because this is supposed to be the greatest nation on Earth. That’s why they came. So show it. Sure, they can be proud of their heritage. Nobody is trying to take that away from them. But it’s a very simple idea of respect. Of course, many of our citizens who were born here have no respect for their country. Somehow, it has become ridiculous to be patriotic.
  - YC # 2
    
    “Well, you are wrong.”
    
    Whatever happened to, “I disagree?” Since when does having a mind of one’s own, or an opinion that differs from the status quo become “wrong?”
    
    Your parents must have been controlling.
  - Laura Gonzalez
    
    Such is the level of discourse in the USA.
  - Metalmoto
    
    Well YC#2…I’ve tried the “I disagree” route before and it doesn’t work. I’ve learned from dealing with people like you that you can’t have a friendly “disagreement”. I say I’m pro-life, and liberals call me backwards thinking and get accused of trying to take choice away. (which is hilarious coming from liberals) I say I’m Christian, and again, liberals tell me I’m wrong and believe in a fantasy story and they call me ignorant for believing in God. I say I don’t agree with Gay marriage and the names I get called are way worse than using the word faggot. I say I think an American song about America the beautiful should be sung with pride in the language it was written in and I think it’s wrong to do otherwise and to be proud of being patriotic. And I even concede the matter that immigrants SHOULD be proud of their background, and people like you, which you are obviously a liberal thinking person, want to start talking about my parents. You aren’t interested in having an adult, mature conversation. You resort to name calling and racism. So I treat liberals like you just like a child. They need to be told when they are wrong. Have a nice life.
  - YC # 2
    
    Well I disagree. I took that tone with you because of your tone to a free-thinking, intellectual person. And I don’t think anything wrong or wish any ill will among your parents. I just said they must have been controlling. Hey.. 6 people agreed.
    
    I WILL have a nice life. Thank you for that! I wish you the same.
  - Vikki
    
    Well, I love our country and don’t care who knows
Larry Foster

I am a pepsi person anyway.
- YC # 2
  
  I’m going to laugh when Pepsi sponsors the Superbowl next year and does the same thing. I have a feeling you’d still drink Pepsi. “Brand loyalty,” am I right?
American Kid

What happened to just being an American? Where did that go? No matter what race you are originally, if you are Born here, or a Naturalized Citizen, YOU ARE AMERICAN!
- Laura Gonzalez
  
  And what does it mean to be “American?” You’re a fat beige blob who speaks no other languages, never travels, and thinks he’s superior? Did you know salsa is more “American” than ketchup? It’s the #1 condiment in the USA!
  - flybarb
    
    Laura, you have issues!!! Relajate mi querida, American is all of us!!!!
  - Martha
    
    Laura!!! what is your problem, you think your better because you speak one other language. Who give a Bleep about your ketchup/Salsa comment. You are the one who is calling this other person “beige blob”, what are you a carmel blob! American is all of us who love this country, beige, brown and even your dumb a___.
  - dollabiIIz2
    
    The reason you don’t know “what does it mean to be “American?” is because you aren’t one.
- David Paulino
  
  One advice to everybody, first you must learn what the term AMERICAN means. Every soul that lives at the edge of Alaska to the end of the world Tierra de Fuego, Argentina is an AMERICAN. Yes even Canada for those lacking in imagination. The term AMERICAN was used to give an identity to those who lived in the New World. The AMERICAN identity was coined in the 1550s. Which is over 100 years before everybody from the old world emigrated to the New World. So the real Americans were those that lived in New World. Not just those that live in this country. So in reality we are all AMERICAN whether your ethnocentrism allows you to believe it or not. Ignorance my friends is truly a bliss.
Laura Gonzalez

Should this commercial of yours show sevicemen setting bodies on fire, raping children, killing their families, and then setting them on fire? Should it show pictures of servicemen doing crude things to prisoners who are tied and blindfolded? Oh, wait, US servicemen never do anything bad.

Only foreigners do bad things. Like not speak English.
- Chris
  
  Go back to Mexico, if the U.S. is so bad, hippie wetback.
  - BigotBob
    
    Im afraid this is a loosing batle my white brother. We should just move back to Euorop where they aint nothing but us whites.
  - flybarb
    
    Europe is full of foreigners too!! It is the U.N. Population Control experiment.
  - JustJay7
    
    Seeing as though I emigrated from England to America a few years ago, be my guest, move to Europe! I’ll laugh and laugh and laugh when you and your ‘white brother’ are a minority.
  - YC # 2
    
    Yes, because name-calling is such a mature way to handle things. “Either conform or leave!!”
- BigotBob
  
  They are doin worst! They are signing our AMERICAN songs of yore in their forrin devil toung! BIG Misteak, Coke. BIG, BIG Misteak.
  - dollabiIIz2
    
    Then go back to mexico and sing in spanish all you want, Jesus Guadalupe Jimenez Garcia.
- flybarb
  
  You got issues girl!!! need therapy and some education with it!
  - YC # 2
    
    No Barb, what you need is some grammar. What is an “issues girl?”
- Martha
  
  I get tire of you people saying stupid things about our soldiers. You are so brainwash. Our soldiers die to free countries, such as Germany, Japan, S. Korea to name a few. We never take any land, the only land we get is to bury our soldiers, and to keep an Army there so these countries stay free. Laura you are the people who are destroying our country mainly because of your ignorance our Our History! American History! how the government is suppose to function. Idiota!!!!
  - Vikki
    
    Me too, Matha
- dauchshundsrule
  
  Get a freakin life! Do people do stupid things? Of course. Do a few service member do these things? That may be. Do soldiers of other countries do them? Could be. There’s a camera or cell phone everywhere these day-we’ve seen enough Al-Quaeda propaganda films to know they do. Get off!
- dauchshundsrule
  
  Oh, forgot. 8 years in the US Army and Reserves. Never burned a single house. Never raped a child. Never did crude things to a tied prisoner, don’t know a fellow soldier who did.
  - dollabiIIz2
    
    She’s talking about the Mexican army.
  - dauchshundsrule
    
    Must be, LOL! I think she’s been listening to Hanoi Jane again.
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  Don’t be stupid, or rather KEEP being stupid it is very becoming of you. Where you came from the native language was not Spanish but was forced upon them when the Spaniards took over.
BWUAHAHAHAHAHA

http://youtu.be/EsbZ2C9bH1k
L P

I thought it was great that these young people sang praise to America in their native languages. It you took the time to look at the making of this commercial, you’d see how proud these young people were to sing “America the Beautiful” in their native tongue. I I find it hard to imagine why people found it so offensive.
.
- flybarb
  
  because everything is offensive. Existing is offensive these days!!!
- Vikki
  
  You have a point, but it could of been in English. To show their support for the beautiful song.
  - dauchshundsrule
    
    Vikki, remember, “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony”? We used to hear that song every Christmas, but it seems to have gone the way of the passenger pigeon. I feel the leadership in this country has divided us to the point where we find offense in everything these days. It bothered me too, I want to hear these songs in English, I don’t want to press 1 for English, or have to search through 4 versions of every public sign to find my language. I guess I’m a dinosaur.
  - Vikki
    
    I agree, English was our language for centuries it should always be. I just want our great nation to receive the respect it deserves. I just love our country, can’t understand why we have to press 1 for english. How about keeping the English language and press 1 for another language
  - dauchshundsrule
    
    I’ll press 1 for that! LOL!
  - L P
    
    All these young people spoke English.
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  You are putting thoughts and assumptions into this. Maybe they were thinking of how to spend the money they were paid to sing.
Mic Czech

DOS Coca-Colas please!
Diesel- MSIR

I take two issues with this article. First is the term ‘balkanize’ to describe America. This would imply that America is similar to Yugoslavia, a country that combined against the will of the people 6 different countries with different languages, religions, and cultural backgrounds. The United States didn’t start this way and it is grossly misleading to imply that it did. Second, the US has always had immigrants of different backgrounds and languages. And yet we as a people, a country, have survived. Mr. West, I agree with a lot of what you write, but this posting is blatantly misleading and borders on fear mongering.
- Vikki
  
  We should keep the song in english, like it always was
- dollabiIIz2
  
  No, in the US it used to be customary for the second generation and subsequent generations to speak English and not their individual ancestral languages.
Connel Jenell Howard-Daly

Maybe they have bought into obamas mantra where he never calls terriorists by that name because he might offend his friends the muslims according to obama we are all brothers even if they try to kill us???? I do agree, coke did a disservice to America and played right into obamas way of thinking about AMERICA. I did not see the comm. but heard about it. Our Country cannot sustain itself if we continue down the road of each culture stays to itself and does not integrate into American culture and this does not mean they cannot practice their usual holidays, etc. but at least learn the English language so they can communicate with others. GOD BLESS AMERICA and may He allow us to continue to grow!!!
85Skyhawk

This is the best Country on Earth. Love it or leave it.
- YC # 2
  
  I choose to love it, but still continue to speak whatever language I damn will speak. Por qué soy Americano!!
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    I agree, I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive…
  - YC # 2
    
    The two who don’t like our comments are bigot assholes.
  - WorldsMostInterestingOG
    
    Obviously…But I let them put the noose around the their own neck…Ultimately they’ll slip and do the job themselves. lol
  - Martha
    
    We come to America to be Americans, not to make a little colony of our birth country. English is and should be the national language, and I can still speak Spanish any time I want. I am not a bigot or an ass—
  - YC # 2
    
    “We come to America to be Americans!” LMAO! You sound like BigotBob right now. And English IS NOT the National Language. Also, “I can still speak Spanish any time I want.” That’s exactly my point! I can sing in Spanish if I want to too Por que estamos en America, babosa!
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    Maricon, he said should be not is. The point is the singing of patriotic songs not just the singing of songs. I can sing and communicate in many different languages and sing Christmas songs as well. I would never sing the Colombian or Chinese national anthems in English because I consider it to be disrespectful to do so.
  - John B
    
    But it was not the American National Anthem ether. It was a patriotic song that represents what this country is and stands for.
    
    “Give me your tired, your poor,
    Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
    The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
    Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
    I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
    (But only if they learn english other wise Get the heck out, right?) *sarcasm*
  - YC # 2
    
    1.) It’s not our national anthem. 2.) Since you went that route, WE (The United States of America) took Great Britain’s national anthem, “God Save the Queen,” and wrote our own lyrics to it. We called it, “My Country ’tis of Thee.” Do some homework since you’re a DJ.. Listen to both songs. Tenga una Buen dia!
  - Russell Ash
    
    Little Italy… Chinatown… Southie in Boston… Yeah. You are so correct.
- Sam
  
  it is reasonable to expect people to learn english when they come to America. However, it is unreasonable and down right ignorant to expect them to do away with their native language and culture just because they live in America. What are you all so scared of? If your nation is as powerful as you imply, will it not endure multiculturalism as other nations have?
Arrgh2112

If you go to Spain, Italy or Mexico, would you expect the governments in those countries to print everything in English?

The melting pot is supposed to make us a united people, not a bunch of little cultural enclaves. I suppose the next step is for those people to start consolidating in areas and establish borders.
- dollabiIIz2
  
  They already are. Google “Aztlan” and “Republica del Norte”.
sweetie

I think the same way you do, Allen West. It would have been the best ever commercial, one of which would have made everyone beam inside. Yep, Coke got it wrong.
MudRollin03

Sorry Colonel but a boycotting we will go! Its already in the works. We give them an inch and they will take it until the next time and the next. Time to take a stand….as Franklin said, “We must all stand together or we will surely hang alone.” Where do you take your stand Col.?
- Sam
  
  American’s are finally standing up for something they believe in.. Too bad it’s always for things that really don’t even matter, and in this case are rather stupid.. So they didn’t sing it all in english, are you really ignorant enough to believe that they never speak (or sing) in their native language? The ad was showing multiculturalism. Reacting this way only shows how short sighted and ignorant the right wing has become.
  - Shod Pell
    
    Sam, you really are some what short sighted. No one is saying that people should never speak their native language. They are reacting to the PC side of this commercial. Coke is a world recognized icon of America. No matter where you may go in the world if you reach into your bag and pull out a coke they know instantly what is it. For that reason coke has become somewhat of an international ambassador for the United States. I agree with those that say if you are going to immigrate to the US then learn the language. Problem is with that statement is that learning English is a requirement to becoming a citizen of the United States. I think with all the upheaval over immigration reform Coke with this PC commercial is guilty of very bad timing.
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    Nothing wrong singing songs in their own language. No one is ignorant. But it is slap in the face having patriotic songs sung in another language than English.
    
    Christmas songs are sung in many languages. I can sing some of them in English, Chinese, German, and Spanish. That’s because it is an international holiday that didn’t originate in America.
    
    If I was to sing the Chinese or Colombian national anthem during some big Chinese or Colombian event, you don’t think they’d be offended. Of course they’d be and I wouldn’t blame them.
    
    Why must we all bow down to the alter of Political Correctness. Are you one of these people that don’t believe in American exceptionalism?
Vikki

I agree with you Allen. Showing all our Soldiers with the song would of been the American way. To me, it was an insult to our song
Angela

Im confused as to why people in other countries shouldn’t sing our anthem, pledge their allegiance, or salute our soldiers. They would naturally do those things in their native language. Maybe they love America but were never taught English. It’s a commercial people! Surely there are more important things to discuss.
- Joanne Styslinger
  
  Why would someone in another country pledge allegiance to the USA, that just doesn’t make sense. If it was just another commercial then why slant it towards political correctness?
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  So sad to hear you’re confused. Think about these singers that sing Christmas hymns just to make a buck. Let’s say there is a Muslim singer out there and she decides to record an album and she’s singing “Away in the Manager” or “Hark the Herald Angels”. Would you be okay with that?
  
  United States of America should mean:
  United in language, united in work ethics and effort, united in helping each other privately, not through government. United in standing up for the Constitution and the laws that protect her and our country. United in efforts to elect officials that consider this document to sacred as is.
  
  United States -> the true governing of the people takes place within the states and not within the Federal. States united in the efforts to make America a prosperous country and creating an environment where ambition and hard work is usually reward. Not where people can live 5, 10, 20, a lifetime of years on the expense of taxpayers.
  
  America - where the dream was and still is to come here for a better life through hard work and effort. Chinese word for America means beautiful country (Meiguo) because the can find the possible fulfillment of dreams. Not “LanGuo” lazy country or “Meiguo”(2 meaning: no country).
- Russell Ash
  
  America the Beautiful is not even our national anthem.
John

Watch this video of the girl recording in Spanish. She is so proud to be an American. How can you all hate this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjDvvd0GHCk
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  John John, please listen carefully. Every country in the world has a national language. Why is it in America, we can’t have a national language? Why is it that some cultures come to America and try to quickly shed their language and culture to adopt the English language and culture. Not saying they forget their mother tongue but they work hard on getting their children to adopt American ways.
  
  Do you know the child personally? Did you personally ask her? May Coke gave her a lifetime supply for singing in the commercial. Maybe she’s dreaming about how she’s going to spend the money. Assumptions are never a good thing.
  
  I’m making the assumption that you’re a real live Forrest Gump.
  - H Long
    
    It is evident that the brainwashing by Progressives and Liberals has been successful, as evidenced by these posts. Just to turn it around, isn’t it racist for an immigrant to arrive to America and to shun English? I’m so tired of the political correctness - as defined by the left - where white people can be constantly disparaged ad nauseum, but it us considered evil to even mention that an immigrant should learn English? There is no example in history ty in which a new set of peoples immigrating into an established society proved to thrive without assimilation! Assimilation does not require completely ignoring your home culture-it means that you have to obey the laws, and that you should try your best to learn the language, customs, and general practices of the established country — for the immigrant’s best interest!!! How can you work in the US without knowing English??? How can you truly achieve your best here? Why is this racist or xenophobic. Please use logic to think this through - I love all the diverse cultures here - heck, I’m have 5 cultures in my ancestry, as do most earlier immigrants!! But my non- English-speaking ancestors learned English as quickly as they could — setting off 500+ years of prosperity and success. Failure to embrace English and assimilation will produce generations of government assistance dependence.
Gary Pifer

To me it’s just Caca Cola and nothing more then Brown Sugar Water. Their goal is a diabetic caffeine addicted world.
YC # 2

http://entertainment.time.com/2014/02/02/coca-colas-its-beautiful-super-bowl-ad-brings-out-some-ugly-americans/
YC # 2

Let’s all just resort to name calling and intimidation tactics when we can’t speak logically and maturely to one another. I’m sure people have earned respect that way.
Christian Contreras

I am going to say it like this I personally boycotted PepsiCo and all their products, after that commercial endorsing Obama. If Coke is looking for the same bring it on. 1 person is not a lot. I am standing on principle alone. Since Obama has been President, I have not purchased, or consumed any PepsiCo product. PepsiCo can kiss my you know what! Does Coke now want in on the same treatment? This needs to become a nationwide revolt.
- Derp
  
  Have you had any Lays Fritos or anything as such chips? If so then you have failed in your duty.
David Alfredo

One advice to everybody, first you must learn what the term AMERICAN means. Every soul that lives at the edge of Alaska to the end of the world Tierra de Fuego, Argentina is an AMERICAN. Yes even Canada for those lacking in imagination. The term AMERICAN was used to give an identity to those who lived in the New World. The AMERICAN identity was coined in the 1550s. Which is over 100 years before everybody from the old world emigrated to the New World. So the real Americans were those that lived in New World. Not just those that live in this country. So in reality we are all AMERICAN whether your ethnocentrism allows you to believe it or not. Ignorance my friends is truly a bliss.
- Justin
  
  It isn’t ethnocentrism, it is colloquialism. Words evolve. What other word would you like to use that means “Citizen of the U.S. of A?”
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  Ask a citizen in Canada to identify themselves and they will say, Canadian. Ask them if they are American, and they’d say no, ask someone from Quebec and you might get laughed at, or more. Ask someone south of the border, and you’ll get a response of Mexican, not American. Ask people in Asia about where Americans are from and most likely every response will be USA. The term American is not something we ourselves use to define who we are. It is the same term others use as well.
  
  Your argument is old and dumb and arbitrarily applied. If you and others like you decide to bring up that old issue about Native Americans being the true Americans, make sure your remember your cousins south of the border are land grabbers and thieves as well. The native languages of Aztecs, Incas, Mayan, and the thousands of other indigenous peoples in Central and South America were not Spanish nor Portuguese!
  - Russell Ash
    
    Actually I know several Mexicans who complain about arrogant the people of Estados Unidos are to think they are the only people who deserve to be called Americans.
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    Last I checked several a majority does not make. I also know several South Americans that are upset about the arrogance of Mexicans and also upset about the butchery of the Spanish language.
    
    Lived in South America for 10 years.
  - Michael
    
    Mexicans in the US or south of the border? I do know they sure like the green backs in both places.
Russell Ash

So I watched this Coke add everyone is upset about. Really? I am a first generation Irish American, and I for one cannot believe what I am reading here. I have never once in my life voted for a democrat, but reading the bigotry and xenophobic comments of my fellow conservatives has left an empty feeling in my stomach, and a little loss of the pride I had to always vote conservative. We are the party that freed slaves, and gave women the right to vote. We are the party that ended Jim Crow, and made sure the 1964 civil rights movement was passed. Have we sunk so low?

How was that not beautiful? All those different languages singing the praises of our country? All those people from different places loving on America? We all came here from elsewhere, and spoke more languages then are taught in our high schools, believe me, I work in one. While I have always felt our national language should be English, in truth we do not have one, instead, all those people, from all those other places, come here and learn English, and their kids learn English. We learn theirs songs, and customs, and they learn ours. Silent Night was written in German, and I am sure we all know the first lines in English. Many of our words are a mix of words from other languages.

My distant cousins got off boats, fleeing from famine, and an English government that prayed for their death and departure, and were handed rifles and told to go fight for the Union, Lincoln and for Freedom. They had been in the country less then a half hour. In their mother country, one of the freedoms they lost was the right to speak their own language. It was illegal to speak Irish, in Ireland. Yes, the fought. They fought for freedom, and a paycheck, and a chance at a better life.

And our Military is made up of those people, all from different ancestry, and each with a unique history, and heritage. Liberals preach about diversity, and test for it on college campuses around the nation, and write regulations to make it happen. They have offices of diversity and try to sell their campuses as being diverse. Yet in my experience the two places with the most diversity are sports, and the military. And they do not need to have anyone push diversity on them. Their love for their sports or country do that with out and help from a democrat. I look at our military and the men and women who play these sports we so love, and you know what I see. People of all nationalities, races, and opinions, working with a common goal. That is America the Beautiful. I think the song did them justice.
- john
  
  I am in the military and serve with many soldiers from different races backgrounds and some serving to become a citizen. I don’t look at them as black white brown etc… I see them as my brother/sister and fellow american. I can however see why people are upset. They feel it is being crammed down their throats?
  
  I think you hit the nail on the head, it was about many people from many different backgrounds coming together to accomplish something great.
  - Russell Ash
    
    John thank you for your service, God Bless you and all our troops. Thank you also for understanding. I also get the frustration. I hate that there is an “Diversity Department” on most college campuses.If it is forced then it is not real. True diversity comes form working beside someone and like you put it, “:see them as my brother/sister and fellow american”.But the reaction to the commercial is insane.I thought we as a nation had come further then this, had left our bigotry behind us.I have two children, and BOTH sets of their grandparents immigrated. Three from Ireland, one from the Czech republic. They raised thier children to love America. We raise their Grankids to love America. Most legal immigrants do the same thing.
  - john
    
    I believe you are 100% correct sir. These ideas should not be forced, they should be “natural”. Some people fail to remember that the computer they are running to post comments is attached to an ac electrical outlet. Ac was discovered by Nikola Tesla. They should remember people like these and they will understand naturally that anyone, dispute their origins, can achieve great and wondrous things.
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    you just don’t get it John Boy
  - Michael
    
    Plus you ARE required to learn English to serve in the military.
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  Russell, Christmas is celebrated internationally. Silent Night is not at the same level of singing a patriotic song. What is one of Ireland’s most patriotic songs? During the national hurling or rugby championships how would the folk there react to that beloved song being song in French or Russian or German?
  
  I would imagine they’d be peeved and rightly so.
Shod Pell

After reading many of these comments I got to call Thats enough! All of those commenters calling for others to educate themselves ought to take their own advice. America the Beautiful was written by and when ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_the_Beautiful

But American Patriotic songs should be sung in English and don’t give me that slippery slope BS about how proud this kid or that kid is to sing the song in their native language. If they have immigrated legally to this country their native language is now English, if not they need to be deported.
- belgianchic
  
  immigrating somewhere does not automatically change your native language. That’s kind of the definition of a native language.
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    Immigrating somewhere should also mean a change of allegiance if your goal is to become a US citizen. So along with a change of allegiance should be a work on learning English. Are you one of those people that say the pledge of allegiance? There are many out there that shun the flag and the language and are keeping allegiance to their country.
    
    Forgetting about being PC for now, do we really want people like that in our country becoming citizens of our country. What is their purpose for doing so?
  - John B
    
    “What is their purpose for doing so?” To come to a country where they are not persecuted or killed for differing beliefs possibly…?
    
    United States Official languages: None
    Fine for not having a comprehension of English: None
    
    If not knowing correct English means you are up to no good (“What is their purpose for doing so?”) we better gas up the deportation buses and get them to the high schools of america.
  - DJ Zhuge Meng
    
    My issue is those that come to America and have no intention of changing allegiance nor support nor truly like America. Not all people. And yes, we should have a national language.
    
    I’d be on the first on the grammar deportation camp. I do find it offensive in California for someone to come up to me speaking Spanish and be upset if I didn’t know what they were saying. The assumption that everyone should speak Spanish, crazy
  - John B
    
    I do partly understand what you are saying but allegiance is not language. My grandparents came to the United States in 1940 to escape persecution from Mussolini in the fascist era of Italy. They loved their home land but feared for their lives for being opposed to Mussolini and voicing their opinions.
    
    Long story short they came here to escape persecution in a country where you are allowed to voice your view. They became citizens shortly after and my grandfather started to learn English but my grandmother do this day still can not speak more than very basic English; yes, no, thank you.
    
    Question: Should a US citizen who has been a citizen for just over 70 years be deported for not speaking English?
  - Michael
    
    What were the reasons for NOT learning the common spoken language?
  - Betsy Young
    
    Those over a certain age do not have to take the citizenship test in English and their other exceptions too
  - Michael
    
    California gives driver tests in seven different languages… should be only one since all the highway signs are in English.
  - belgianchic
    
    Change of allegiance, sure. Completing erasing where you came from? Not so much. That’s unAmerican. And yes, I love the pledge of allegiance, wish the ‘under God’ there was out since it was not in the original and only put in there in the 1950s but hey, can’t have everything. I love the flag, love this country, love my language(s). Do we really want bigoted people in this country? I don’t. Is their purpose just to be obnoxious? Probably. But they have a right to be here too.
belgianchic

I was so incredibly proud to be an American during the Coca Cola commercial, it was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. We are a nation of immigrants and that is what makes this country strong.
- DJ Zhuge Meng
  
  Legally immigrated immigrants that have had to learn English for the citizenship exams and oaths. But now everything is translated into Mexican [forgive me my South American friends, I know the proper word is Spanish]. There is nothing that binds us and makes us loyal to each other nor the country. There is no national language. From your name, I would assume that if you lived in California and you had to compete with Mexicans to work, you’d find yourself on the short end of the stick more often than not.
  
  The true minority is not what it originally was, it has changed.
  - belgianchic
    
    What do you mean, from my name? I was born and raised in the US, lived there almost my whole life except for when my family was stationed overseas serving this beautiful and multifaceted country. I don’t mind competing with people with Mexican origins for work, or competing with anybody of any ethnic background for a job.
  - dollabiIIz2
    
    The problem is that most of those people with “Mexican origins” are actually Mexican citizens who work for cash and don’t file taxes.
  - belgianchic
    
    Some do that, of course. I am very pro-legal immigration.
  - Vlad99
    
    They also work 12 hour days for 40$.
  - Michael
    
    Mexico brings in over 7 billion USD a year from the US from green card holders and illegals sending money south. They do NOT want that cash cow going away.
  - Vlad99
    
    If you know that the proper word is Spanish why do you still use Mexican? Do you expect your readers to be that dumb?
  - Betsy Young
    
    Actually no, not all immigrants have to take the test in English, depending on age and other criteria.
- Antonio T. Mora
  
  Immigrants, yes. but we adapted and grew and made this country instead of tearing it down. It is a FACT that people that come here and refuse to grow, including learning the language, the culture, history and laws, are a drain and corrupt our system. The add is a slap on the face of any one that came, learn and work hard to be a part of this great country.
  - belgianchic
    
    LOL I can’t even….the ignorance is too hard on this one. You do realize that an immigrant can learn English and yet still retain their native language and culture? The two are not mutually exclusive. What drains our system are bigots.
digitalPimple

I found it annoying. I can understand why some may WANT to like it but I was annoyed. It’s celebrating diversity for diversities own sake. There was no common thread and no take away.
Paperdog

I lived in Germany as a child… I was taught the Star spangled banner over there, by a German Teacher… What Can I say? Americans need to be a little broader about these things. Don’t get me wrong… I advocate staunchly that foreigners assimilate and learn my home language if they are going become part of my home family. But we , as Americans need to adopt more grace and learn how to recognize real flattery when it arises. The coke commercial did not change the essence of the song. The original lyrics and message prevailed and were intact (save for lexical adjustments of the verses for the languages, respectively) . I would have had a real problem , if they had hijacked the song and changed the meanings… But here, they expressed it with genuine pride for America. How can that be wrong?
- Pam
  
  The protest is about the division in America. It would have had a deeper meaning if all diverse people were singing a song in English as a symbol of unity as Americans. All they accomplished was high lighting the growing of fractures in the foundations of what America is. Also pander themselves for profit.
  - Nash Davis
    
    As Nation States go, the USA is but an infant. Let’s see how we’ve faired in another 800 years, then we can talk about how great we are. Having spent time abroad I can assure the Italians, Germans, Swedes & Swiss all think we are upstarts who are full of themselves.
  - Pam
    
    Of course we are a new nation compared to Europe. And they think of us like the old money in America used to call the common man that struck gold or oil as uncouth with money,but no breeding or manners. But how does that relate to this subject. Our fear is that the USA will not exist in the future if things don’t turn around.
  - Nash Davis
    
    I’m sure many countries in Europe hade the same fears 500 years ago but yet many still stand despite 2 world wars that tore apart Europe as a whole.
Paperdog

Allen West… Please research the real defination of “Balkans”… Please reveal the truth about the Clinton Admins strategy to wrongfully persecute the Serbians, and how he hoodwinked the democratic party into funding Kosovo take over by selling them the “Genocide” and “Ethinic Cleansing” argument (See David Binder of the NY Times) . Please inform Ameria about the the Muslum Terrorist cells we FUNDED and TRAINED to overthrow the FRY, with the promise of Kosovo as payment. When you get the facts together, try to understand that the use of term “Balkinization”, is laughable and outright misleading.
- Pam
  
  Well, just looked the term” Balkanization”, It basically notes a history of division, faction speaking separation language and customs. This has caused exploitation and conflict. To over simplify, Col West is basically saying that and America divided cannot stand. What is happening today will result in the same condition as the history of the Balkans.
  - Vlad99
    
    Col. does have a tendency to over-simplify. But words do have meaning. Wouldn’t it be wise not distort the meaning of words. Especially in a debate about language?
Gonzo

Hey Allen, nobody cares about your “recommendation for what the Coca-Cola marketing executives should have done”. You’re a failure as a politician, bringing ridicule to the entire profession. We have no reason to believe you would do any better as a marketing executive.

Nice try at stirring the rabble, though.

recommendation for what the Coca Cola marketing executives should have done.
Read more at http://allenbwest.com/2014/02/cokes-america-beautiful-america-balkanized/#w5gTp4TkdstUcjkW.99recommendation for what the Coca-Cola

recommendation for what the Coca Cola marketing executives should have done.
Read more at http://allenbwest.com/2014/02/cokes-america-beautiful-america-balkanized/#w5gTp4TkdstUcjkW.99
recommendation for what the Coca Cola marketing executives should have done.
Read more at http://allenbwest.com/2014/02/cokes-america-beautiful-america-balkanized/#w5gTp4TkdstUcjkW.99
- ZedBear
  
  Coke is just another example of a company who grew its success on the backs of Americans and then sold all vestiges of patriotic conscience to go “global”. Every American should be concerned about globalization and homogenization of our nation (if we can even use that term any longer without laughing since we’ve become a cash-register, nothing more), and Coke is a perfect example of a hard truth: capitalism is neither patriotic nor altruistic, it’s about money. Coke’s marketing executives couldn’t care less about Allen’s advice because they probably can’t spell the phrase “diverse commitment to service and sacrifice.” You can’t fit that into the pop machine.
- MagnaEstVeritas
  
  Gonzo … You had a CT scan lately, I mean just to check on whether there is a brain under that lump of bone? Mind you, I see a lot of such comments on here, and all down to jealousy, I doubt you ever succeeded at much at any time in your life, so to alleviate the feelings of inadequacy, you attack a damned great Patriot ….
YC # 2

Thanks, Coke!
http://i.lvme.me/mwx8869_1.jpg
Vlad99

So Colonel West marketing and publicity is another thing you’re an expert on? Too bad you did not use that expertise when it was time to run for your second term in congress. You would have found out not that many people are buying your brand of crazy. And the commenters who say immigrants need to open up to American culture and learn English on one hand. But will not open themselves up to those same immigrants. How do you explain this contradiction? I believe in integration not assimilation, assimilation is what you do to the people of a conquered land. Last I heard America was the Land of the Free.
- Pam
  
  Vlad the Impaler! My old friend! You know if you look up the both assimilation and integration are not that different . Both come together for the common good.
  - Vlad99
    
    Hi Pam how are you doing today? Big difference is assimilation means you abandon your culture of origin. This what Romans did to conquered Lands. Speak Latin adopt our Gods and our customs.
  - Pam
    
    Assimilation- People of different backgrounds come to see themselves as a part of a larger national family.
    
    Integration— Combining separate elements to function as a whole.
    
    Now, my man I like the sound of being like a family.
    
    Semantics, my friend.
- Donald H Sullivan
  
  For centuries people of foreign nations have been flocking to our shores. Each brought their own culture and language with them while holding on to their own culture and language. They also accepted the culture and language of their new country. Their new country accepted them and even adopted parts of the cultures that the newcomers brought with them. Multiculturalism is being bandied about as if it is something new. It’s not. We’ve had it almost since the inception of this country. For decades we’ve had our little Italys, Chinatowns, German settlements, Little Tokyos, and so on. We all got along well, and when we were attacked, we fought side by side, some even fighting against their former home countries. But the Marxist politically correct movement started with the goal of dividing us, and thus far it is succeeding. Vlad, we ARE open to immigrants, we still welcome them with open arms. My wife is an immigrant and many of our friends and neighbors are immigrants. The thing is, some of today’s immigrants reject our culture and even demand that we abandon some of our laws and traditions to accommodate them. It’s hard to be amiable toward people who openly despise us and even trample our flag, Vlad, I sincerely hope that you will take a second, long, hard look and reconsider at least some of your views.
Ken Main

For those of you that hate America you can leave now.. or I’ll drag your sorry butts out myself.. Yes we are made up of several nations but we use to be one nation, united.. You libtards want to destroy my country.. well that’s not going to happen without a fight!
- docrt925
  
  What says anyone here hates America or is trying to destroy it (by liking a soda commercial)? …aside from your assumptions about people you don’t even know? merely having a different opinion than you or Mr. West does not require anyone to leave the country…THAT is the most un-American idea being expressed here. and putting aside the 12-year-old’s level of name calling (using a tired, lame, immature term), it is the arrogance of calling it is YOUR country, not “ours,” because someone sees things differently which is more damaging to the united country “we use to be” than anything expressed in an inclusive soda commercial.
http://www.liberallyconservative.com/ Don Anastas

I started a Conversation protesting the Coke ad and the Racist, Bigoted trolls came out of the woodwork attacking me as a Racist and Bigot - Imagine that. They’re all in for destroying the US Constitution and American Exceptionalism. They don’t believe in a free America - they believe in a one language Spanish speaking entitlement State called AmeriKa! Coke’s CEO is a BIG Obama fan, contributor and adviser. Go PEPSI!
- Vikki
  
  You are right, Don. Gone are the days where there was a pride in our country. If you didn’t honor or love our country back you were thrown out. I have hope, we will go back to the “good Ole dazzz” If the right thing can be done.
  - MagnaEstVeritas
    
    I have pride in America, so much so that I have the Stars and Bars on my Study wall, and I recite the Pledge, I firmly believe in the exceptionalism of America, the self reliance, self motivation and work ethic … so much about America is exceptional, especially the TRUE BLUE PATRIOT, who stands on the Constitution and Bill of Rights as the be all and end all of the Founding Fathers Exceptional gift to the future generations of Americans !”!!
    
    GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS !!!
    
    p.s. I am an Englishman!
Sara McCabe

at the very least, we could try to be grateful for the fact that people of different dialects were singing about how beautiful this nation is. To be angry about this is like shooting ourselves in the foot. Everyone in this country is entitled to an education, where English is taught, for 12 grueling years… you cant graduate high school if you do not pass ENGLISH. Yes, more people should learn the American English language- and try to be PART of this nation and respect culture, but this Nation is known for its “melting pot” reputation- and that is what should be respected. Our God, loves everyone, speaks multiple languages (other wise the Bible wouldn’t be printed in so many- to reach more people with the Good News.). Our Soldiers are taught to speak multiple languages, so they can enter a country and fight for THEIR country’s freedom too, otherwise we’d spend less time on spreading democracy for others to appreciate and more time doing what we need and getting our asses home. If our soldiers actually felt like they were done an injustice- then I don’t want to see anymore acts of spreading our culture and way of life to other nations. Why bring freedom to other places if its going to be spat upon by the very people enjoying it? How can we as a nation be so selfish about this? Gees Louise. Time to grow up. Eat some humble pie and realize that by being ugly about it, we are not supporting EQUALITY at all, in any respect. So many offended by a freaking commercial. Gees. Its a commercial. I’m a Christian, I live in the south, I’m white, I’m a woman, I’m American born and raised, my father is a retired Special Forces Green Beret, and my voters card says I’m a republican… I certainly am not bound or limited by the stereotype- I’m educated, open minded, and considerate of others…and I was not offended by that commercial… and now I feel like we’ve lost the ball. Its now in someone else’s court. Everything we are trying to make statements about and stand for just got thrown out the window. You catch more flies with sugar.
At least there are some people int his country that are grateful to be here.
Seeing as how the superbowl is something that gets watched WORLDWIDE- I’m glad coke took the time to consider that maybe the people of other countries who haven’t been given the opportunity to learn English, could be reached- and see that many people of all languages love this land.
So sad that we can’t just look at it like that.
It wasn’t just about us… there are people in the world who would love to be free of their oppressors, free to learn English, free to worship, free to vote… and they don’t get that chance- at least the people who made it over here and were blessed with that chance- sent a sweet message home to their native lands, about how happy they are to be in such a beautiful nation. Try to see the positive in the message. JUST TRY.
- Arrgh2112
  
  If they want to be free to come to the country and actually become part of the country, then they need to learn the language. Diversity is fine, demanding that the host country evolve to suit their specific desires is not.
  
  Did those countries that you cited go through and reprint everything in English? Did they go out of their way to allow a separate ethnic group to never have to learn the predominate language?
  - Betsy Young
    
    There is no offfical national language
  - Arrgh2112
    
    I’ll try this again, and I’ll even type it slower for you…if a person was to go to Norway and only spoke English, that means that they have the right to demand that the host country conform to them? I never said there was a national language, I said that they needed to learn the language, although to simplify it for the leftists, I should have said the predominant language…you know the one that all of the road signage and laws are communicated in?
    
    Why are you people so dead set against any cohesiveness in the country?
  - MagnaEstVeritas
    
    Over here, we refer to such as Betsy Young as being Dead from the neck up or just plain brain Dead …. I would respectfully suggest Arrgh2112 that you use words of one syllable when communicating with said lady, as it is obvious that any more than that per word would cause a brain malfunction …. I think though that perhaps a program could be formulated where Liberals and progressives, regardless of Party Affiliation, could be dis-assembled and reprogrammed so that further mismanagement will not re-occur … 😀
  - Sara McCabe
    
    Exactly who is demanding that our country evolve to suit another country’s specific desires?
    If you are referring the Americans promoting the Spanish language in our country, then you are simply on the same bandwagon that all of our elders from England were on, when they got pissed off because we began BUTCHERING the English Language.
    On another note…
    You ARE correct.. Demanding that the host country evolve to suit their specific desires is not “fine”…. that whole idea worked out really well for the actual NATIVES of this land, didn’t it?
    We still conquered this land. It may have been divided between our own European Elders, but it never BELONGED to us, from the get go.
    I’m certainly sure that our country didn’t come here and reprint everything, including our Bill of Rights and Constitution in the Native American language.
    I can only imagine how that Ethnic group felt, when we came here and took everything from them.
    Not borrowed.. not melted…not becoming a part of THEIR country and learning THEIR predominate language… our ancestors conquered theirs.
    How are they doing today?
    Better now I guess, only because someone, down the line came around and showed a little humility towards them, making reparations and apologies where they were due.
    But don’t presume that we ARE the ONLY people who lived here first and that others aren’t just as likely to do the same thing to us.
- Pam
  
  It is so sad as a soldier that you do not understand that this country is slowly being divided by not becoming united. When you come to this country you have to be willing to fight against the country of your or your families birth. If you are still so rooted in another country that you have no desire to even learn the language of your new country not as nation of one people with one goal, the preservation of America.A country divided cannot stand. When all people have no way to relate in commonality, they are not one people for the good of one country.
  
  How powerful that could have shown unity as America of diverse people by sing in English. Our country indivisible………..
- Gene
  
  You are all over the place….. you are calling for a common language, common traditions, but NOT common core curriculum. None of the three will affect anything, and our being used to avoid real congressional issues. Is it true that this congress was the most non-productive in our history? All these things America does not have an official language but English is the De Facto official language. You and the Tea People, with Limbaugh, Beck, and Hannity as your spokespersons are only dividing the GOP just like Ross Perot did in 92, which resulted in 8 years of Clinton. Lastly, before you turn on your radio and hear the gospels of Rush, Sean, and Glenn, do some research. None of the three served in the Armed Forces, 2 have been to rehab for drugs, all 3 started as music DJs, none have ever been elected to office, and amongst the 3 of them, add up all their college hours and it still falls in the range as a first year college freshman.
bobi

Diverse cultures are one thing, culture is something that a certain group has as their “traditon” or habit, it is not entering into a Country and changing that Country to meet your ideas or even the “language” you are accustom to. When an immigrant leaves their native nation, they move to the new nation to become a member of that place, unless of course they are “visiting”. Americans have “traditionally” used English as it’s national language. Not chinese, Spanish, Dutch,French but English. To become an American it would be almost the first thing someone would want to do to become a part of the Country. We stay divided in America because the chosen elected “elites” want to keep us that way. If they did not, they would have voted to make English legally out national language. We cannot become One nation under God anymore, simply because we cannot talk to one another. Language knits or divides, it’s that simple. Also, you have the choice in this Country, unfortunately to choose to live differently than what is considered “traditional marriage” but you do not have the right to shove it in my face daily. I do not shove my sexual escapades in your face simply because it’s none of your business whom I sleep with, so keep yours out of mine!
Linda Weitz

We are allowing our great country to be “changed” in the wrong ways. It is past time to stop the take over. Our schools are teaching things that just are not true in our history and schools are becoming just like Hitlers teachings. We have a President that hates America and has already said he will stand with Muslims instead of Americans. He should never have been elected for a second term. Our borders are wide open to terrorists, we have to close the borders before it is too late. English is our language not spanish, I don’t speak it and will not learn it. Remember the Alamo.
- Wax
  
  Ma’am you need to get your facts right…and no Facebook posts don’t count. Define “wrong ways”. From where do you get that the school system is teaching falsehoods? More specifically, “like Hitler”? How and why are you so sure the president hates America? What are your sources? His agenda? His plans of transformation? Let me tell you that not everyone welcomes change, but to blatantly declare without proof just makes you ignorant. Our borders are NOT open for terrorists…believe me, I live in El Paso, TX, right across Ciudad Juarez; and while it was branded the city with most violence at one point, El Paso was named the safest during that time.
  And please, stop the arrogance. “English is not our language” is just saying you refuse change because you aren’t prepared for it. America doesn’t revolve around you…or Latinos, or Asian, or Mexican. We are all…E pluribus unim!!
  - nena
    
    Wax, you truly need to study history of this great nation and maybe stop watching MSNBC to get your news. Linda is right in many ways, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Open your eyes and ears. English is our language, so call it arrogance if you choose, but right is right and you are wrong.
  - Wax
    
    That’s a very childish approach nena. And “the proof is in the pudding, so to speak”?! I got my degree by doing research not by word of mouth. And I get my news from several points of view a.k.a. “news” to hopefully avoid biases.
    I know history is skewed, for example we don’t teach the young we invaded the Native American people, that we kicked them out from their homes and killed them if they complained. Do we truly teach them about the black history of segregation? About the injustices of sexual discrimination? About the socioeconomic discrimination throughout the centuries? Sometimes.
    Instead you rejoice in teaching them to be single-minded…”in America there is only one way, the American way, and if you don’t like it leave!”.
    That is really detrimental for the nation’s growth. This is slowly becoming a dualistic nation in which one side refuses change…you are slowly turning this into another civil war! (I hope I’m just being overly dramatic…I truly do).
    You gotta try to be modest and humble with other cultures. Stop the our-way-or-the-highway mentality please!
  - MagnaEstVeritas
    
    Who set the Slaves Free? Who voted 100% to emancipate the Slaves, Democrats or Republicans? Who Founded the KKK? So much to be taught yet none seems to be … The American WAY is fantastic, it is self sufficiency, not reliance on the Federal Government or State Hand outs, When America began to become a nation, she did so through aggression and false promises to the Indian Nations, who also called themselves the People I believe.
    Back then, the Entitlement Mentality that was promulgated by Progressives was unknown, People helped each other, unlike now, where people prefer to get help from the State because the benefits are more inviting …
    NOW more than ever, America needs LEADERSHIP, the man at the helm is sailing without a compass and without an accurate map, when the ship of state hits that Rock and begins to sink, the man at the helm will deny all responsibility, as such incompetents often do …
    GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS !!!
    P.S. It was Republicans who voted 100% for the emancipation of the Slaves, and the Democrats abstained, and it was the Democrats who started the KKK .
  - dana
    
    The right answer is: Americans. They’re the ones who started both slavery (to begin with) and the KKK. For all the people who died, it really didn’t matter what party they were part of.
  - gawxxx
    
    you sir are a moron and not worthy of even a thought process ,
  - Nash Davis
    
    Magna, is not a moron just another Anglo Racist.
  - MagnaEstVeritas
    
    Anglo Racist ?? Oh dear have I upset another Liberally inclined nonentity? I love the United States, I love the Constitution & Bill of Rights, legal entry into a country is the correct way to go, and I have no problem with that, what I have a problem with is the congenitally inferior demanding the same rights for the criminally illegal immigrants as for those who are in the USA legally, either as citizens, or as legal immigrants …. and one who uses the words ” Anglo Racist ” has conceded that they have lost the debate !
    GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS !!
  - Arrgh2112
    
    Its way too easy to offend a leftist…all you have to do is disagree with them and you become a racist/xenophobe/homophobe/earth murderer…all they have is righteous indignation on their side…rational logical thought is a stranger to them
  - MagnaEstVeritas
    
    Truth and Facts to a Liberal Lefty are the same as a Crucifix and a Wooden Stake to a Vampire …. TERRIFYING!!! So sad that so many are without the mental wherewithal to understand that America is like the Titanic, racing at full speed into the iceberg of extinction …. GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS!!!
  - Betsy Young
    
    actually the American way is corporate welfare/handouts/tax breaks
  - Arrgh2112
    
    Your president is the king of giving those things to corporations by the billions
  - dauchshundsrule
    
    Wax, I’ve spent some time in foreign countries. When I went, I tried to learn enough of their language to get along, and obeyed their laws and tried to be respectful of their customs. I did not expect them to speak English-it was just a nice bonus for me if they chose to. Let’s get real here. Most of us don’t mind legal immigrants, who want to come here, take the legal steps to become Americans, and try to learn enough of our language and customs to fit in and thrive. What we DO mind is being flooded with criminals (and that is what illegal immigrants are) who overwhelm resources in an already over-burdened infrastructure. Who, en masse, expect everyone around them to speak their language and honor the customs and legal systems of their home countries. Who openly march and DEMAND they be treated as citizens, and accorded the rights and privileges, of citizens, despite the fact that they are not.
    
    You spoke of the subjugation of the Native American peoples, the slavery of people of color in the American south, and the sexual discrimination toward women. The first two happened in the past, thank God. It was reprehensible and I’m glad it’s over, done with. I would hope that we learned something from it. Being female myself, I can speak to the last item on your list. I joined the military back when women were SUPPOSED to be secretaries or nurses. I chose to pursue a career that was typically male-dominated, and excelled at it. I’m glad things have improved over the years, as it tells me that America still has the capacity to get beyond old prejudices.
    
    This is not really about a Coke commercial. This is about having criminals flaunt their criminality in the faces of the host country, who opened their doors (and borders) to welcome them.
- Vikki
  
  I agree, Linda.
- MagnaEstVeritas
  
  Linda, the Alamo will never be forgotten, but there is another that must be remembered also, Goliad …. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Goliad fought in 1835, it was a massacre of Texans ….
- Vikki
  
  You are right, Linda. It isn’t changing for the good.
- Nash Davis
  
  You my dear, are sadly just another Anglo Racist.
- Betsy Young
  
  Hitler was for monolingualism too
Vikki

Allen you are doing a great job. Thank you for fighting for understanding.
http://luvsiesous.com/ el_guero2000

George was always a great patriot ….
MagnaEstVeritas

To be perfectly FRANK, I found the advert to be offensive, English is the Language of the Constitution and of the Bill of Rights, neither of which will remain if political stupidity continues to reign.
As for being a United People, only the blind would make such a statement, America has NEVER been so divided as she is today, Black against White, Hispanic against White, Moslem against Christian etc …. My opinion after much thought is that America is running out of time, waste much more, and all that your Founding Fathers gave you will be gone, the wonderful Constitution, the Bill of Rights …. So much to lose, so little time to save it !
GOD BLESS AMERICA ALWAYS !
dana

Unfortunately (for you), the balkanization is what keeps things going in this country. If you take it literally, the Eastern European + Balkan block is who makes the best students in your schools and who pushes innovation further in all the startups in Sillicon Valley. If you’re only talking about amalgamation, then it is foreigners who support most of the agriculture, hospitality industry and all those other areas Americans think themselves too good for. You should count your blessings- most Americans today would not pass the language, history and background tests/checks a foreigner needs to in order to get a visa and/or a permanent status.
http://www.mbushman.com/ Mike Bushman

Coca Cola could easily have sent a powerful message of unity by having all of the singers come together at the end of the commercial and sing the last few phrases together in English. Such a commercial would have sent a powerful message that America celebrates diversity, honors multilingual citizens and welcomes immigrants from all over the world to join in becoming part of a nation that shares important common bonds.

I suspect that most but not all of today’s trauma could have been avoided had the producers not worried about offending people who believe it’s good to create new communities segregated by race, religion and language. Suggesting that people who move to the United States should learn English over time is racist to some academic elites and particularly to self-interested politicians who see personal gain in dividing America along language lines. It’s possible that the ad’s producers worried that having everyone sing in English at the end would have been taken as a slap against those in the United States illegally, because legal immigrants are required to learn English as a condition of citizenship. Whatever the reason, Coca Cola missed an opportunity to create a point of unity. If their intent was to generate controversy, they have succeeded.
- gawxxx
  
  you sir are a moron ,
  - Jerry B Goode
    
    gawxxx: You sir, are in fact the moron.Mr. Bushmans comments were right on the point and if Coke had one what he suggests, Coke would have drawn millions of supporters. I actually mentioned that comment to a group of people and all of them agreed that would have been something really cool to do. How they came together to honor America. Your comment on the other hand offers nothing to the conversation. That is moronic.
  - http://www.mbushman.com/ Mike Bushman
    
    Your comment reminds me of a comedian who talked of becoming frustrated during a high school debate and shutting up his opponent by closing with a vile version of “flip you.” As the comedian said, “I thought I had won because the other guy had no response.”
  - Martha Benton
    
    Takes one to know one.
- shutterbunny
  
  Great idea !!
Sheila Leonard

Sing it in English. I’m not that opened minded neither are alot of others fool
diannnoeora

America, The Beautiful is a song that was written for this country in English by an American who was inspired by a train trip and seeing many of our landmarks on the journey. While America, The Beautiful is not our offical national anthem, (The Star-Spangled Banner is) it is unofficially, our national hymn. And, in fact, it came very close to replacing The Star-Spangled Banner several times since it was written a little over 100 years ago. I would feel the same way if they had chosen our national anthem or one other song, America (My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing). They used many languages and scenes from around the world in that commercial. It’s an American song, for Americans and should be sung in English. To do what they did with a song that is part of our national identity, shows a huge lack of respect for this country!

To give an opposite example: I learned the national anthem of France, La Marseillaise. I learned it in French, and while I know the English translation, I would not sing it in English, as that would be disrespectful to France and her people.

If the argument is that this country is a melting pot of people from many nations, that is true. However, if people come here to stay, they should embrace our culture and language, while keeping some of their own. If they don’t want to be citizens, why are they here? My children’s great-grandparents came here from Mexico to make a better life for themselves and their children. Some of their children were born in Mexico and some here in the States. My children’s’ grandmother (my mother-in-law) was born in Colorado. They became citizens and tried to learn English, though they didn’t speak it well, they could make themselves understood. They made sure all seven of their children learned English.

Now, if Coke had made a slightly different commercial, I would have LOVED it. If they had used a different song, such as We Are The World, for example, and shown all the same scenes and each line in a different language, that would have been amazing! I would have embraced it as a wonderful illustration of the things that make us different, also show us how we are all the same. We are all part of humanity! I would have even loved it if they had used It’s A Small World! (Which I haven’t much liked since I got stuck on that ride years ago and the volume was very loud!)
Sarg

If Immigrants come here for a better life, they need to live
by our laws and learn our customs and language.
If they feel the need to live like they did in there native
land, they should return to it.
I get very tired of hearing how we are suppose to alter
our life style to please illegal immigrants and Muslims.
We have room for more Americans if they are willing
to abide by the U.S. laws but they are the ones that
need to change.
- Caroline Hedgcock
  
  Is it not true that Americans go to other countries and expect the natives to speak ENGLISH? Saying that America Denys all other cultures that are different is ethnocentrism. The “battle” of wounded knee in 1890 was the massacre of 300 native Americans because they were dancing in what is known as the “ghost dance” as a way to get the FOREIGNERS out. It led to the highest number of Medal of Honors distributed for one “battle”- 20. Should the most sacred military medal been given to people that were ignorant of other cultures?
  - Vikki
    
    I never did. I expect to respect any country I care to visit. I expect whoever wants to visit or live in our land would do.
Priya Prakash

Are you serious! I thought Americans accepted different cultures and languages much more than any other nation in the world! Hell, I was so wrong. Are you saying that if a baby doesn’t start speaking English by 5 years of age, then the child should not be an American! This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard….
- Martha Benton
  
  Speak whatever language you care to speak in YOUR home or among your friends. But the majority of Americans speak ENGLISH. Either learn it, speak it in public, or go back to whatever nation you came from that speaks YOUR language. No other country conforms to multiple languages like America has. None of the millions of immigrants that came to America over the years demanded we learn their language until the Cubans landed. That was the start of the downfall of America.
  - MommaBear
    
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-english-official-language-united-states-america/NMsxGVwj
  - Priya Prakash
    
    Hardly anyone disputes the fact that learning English or speaking English is important in a western society. But the point of this ad is that diversity in language, culture and many other forms is an integral part of American society. You can stop someone from speaking a language other than English, but can you stop them from thinking or dreaming in their language?
    
    We live in a world where learning a foreign language gives us a competitive edge be it in business or personal lives and this phobia of other languages is actually taking America behind. English language itself has borrowed so heavily from other languages, Latin, French, Arabic, Hindi…etc. I am sure there are plenty of other reasons for the ‘DOWNFALL’ of America, and why should global marketers be concerned with that!
    
    What you are referring to is an ideal, not a reality!
  - Martha Benton
    
    I toured Europe for a month. Only TWO countries did I encounter no problem with the language. That was Holland and of course England. Holland taught English in the schools.We muddled our way through Italy, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland. No interpreters to tell us what was on the menus or anything else. Do you hear any other nations sing their country songs in multiple languages? I sure have not. They could have had the same effect of the different ethic backgrounds we have in America by having the song being sung in ENGLISH, and showing the different people like they did. Nobody would have had any objection to that I am sure. How about the UN? Does everybody there speak/understand everybody elses language? NO. They speak their native tongue and everybody has an interpreter to tell them what’s being said. And it is not Americans wanting English to be spoken that is taking America behind. It is the GOVERNMENT being led by a socialist Muslim dictator. THAT is what is dragging our country down to a low level. No morals, legalizing drugs, making everyone have a “gimme” attitude and encouraging them NOT to work for themselves, but to take from those that have worked hard to get where they are. Speaking English is the least of our problems.
  - Vikki
    
    With you Martha…
nella

I’ve read a few of your articles and one thing is clear your articles reek of a conservative mind. May i also point out that that you constantly quote These gteat figures of the past. but the fact is we no longer live in 1920s. Dont misunderstand me laws are laws, and aren’t meant to be broken but how can we move forward if we dont move forward. You can’t live in 2014 based on centuries old concepts.
- Martha Benton
  
  I think your idea of moving forward is just like Obama’s. In other words, flush America down the toilet. I would hope Allen West’s reeks of conservative thinking! God help us if he was a liberal like you!
- Dave
  
  The hell we can’t and MUST if we are to salvage this nation.
  - Vikki
    
    You said it
Anna Murphy

I’m with you Colonel West! We need a common language and common traditions to bind our diverse people together. Thank you for YOUR service to OUR country.
MommaBear

It has nothing to do with racism or bigotry… it has to do with refusing to allow our country to become further divided! This country was founded by English speakers, our governing documents were written in English, our military serves/communicates in English, and in order to become a citizen of this country you must take and pass…an ENGLISH test! Time for the government to stop this tip-toeing around “hurting people’s feelings” nonsense and put their foot down once and for all! Every other country has an official language, and you better be able to speak at least some of it to function there! It’s our turn. Sign if you agree!

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-english-official-language-united-states-america/NMsxGVwj
- Betsy Young
  
  Thomas Jefferson spoke four languages and several of the other founding leaders spoke more than English. English was never voted as our official language. Bilingual schools existed and thrived before the 20th century. It was racism against Germans during WW1 and fear about too many immigrants entering the countries that changed that. And no, you don’t have to take an English test to become a citizen. There are some people who can take it in their own language, depending on age and some other criteria.. So, you better read your history and know your government a little bit better.
- Vikki
  
  I thought so too, and all I hear is we don’t have a language. This is upsetting. I always thought and still that it is English
- ViveLaDifférence
  
  Several of the founding fathers wanted Hebrew as the National Language. An original proposal for the Great Seal included symbols of the Many Peoples who helped found the colonies, who did not all speak English. And they’re this, from Citizenship and Immigration Sevices: http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/other-languages Plus, feel free to tell Puerto Rico that English is a necessity in the United States.
Joe Henderson

Mr. West, I fail to understand why you find it appropriate to divide Americans by using insulting words like “Balkanized” to trash a beautiful celebration of our diversity. It is important to preserve the native cultures of our immigrants in order to teach all of us. I don’t get why people on the right fail to understand this or to learn from the tragedy of the Americanization movement of the early 20th century. The results of that movement were the suppression of other cultures, the trashing of those cultures by teaching racial and ethnic epithets, It continues to teach us that we are superior to every nation and every people on earth. Autolatry does not become us. The right’s position is all about bigotry, MommaBear.
- rmw
  
  Yo, do you even realize how stupid your statement is … of course my question is answered by the fact that you are dumb enough to say something so asinine in a public forum. Try to get your brain around this … you consider the term “Balkanized” to be “insulting” … i.e. when there is a failure to integrate diverse subcultures into a cohesive whole, the society tears itself apart … so you defeat your own argument, fool!
  History has proven over and over and over again the idiocy of “celebration of our diversity” in the sense you leftists are inflicting upon us … looking at your response it would seem you believe the mindless propaganda … basically a useful idiot; I believe it is obvious to anybody with half a brain that the motivations of those in power in pushing the diversity crap is far more nefarious.
  
  I also have to lmao at your rewrite of history about the ‘tragedy’ of the 20th century. It WAS a tragedy for your communists and their useful idiots , no doubt; not so much for the United States, particularly the Patriots (er … the Americanized). Obviously you missed it … the ‘progressives’ who taught you your history made sure of it … the United States became the world’s exclusive superpower, winning 2 world wars along with building the most powerful economy in world history. You feel free to be embarrassed by that … the only embarrassment that Patriots have is that we allowed the cancer of idiots like yourself to fester long enough to completely paralyze us, and possibly (God forbid) destroy us altogether.
Caroline Hedgcock

Well first of all, this is coke-a-cola’s brand, always has been. Remember the 1970 ad, “I’d like to teach the world to sing” with people from all around the world holding hands? Coke has always been about inclusion. But the fact that people are outraged about this ad is in itself, outrageous. People indignant that others would have the audacity to sing “America the beautiful” in a language other than English! Especially when America was built on opening it’s arms to the world. The quote on the Statue of Liberty doesn’t say “give me your English speaking only, Christian, heterosexual masses,” it says “give me your tired, your hungry, your poor masses.” Have you forgotten that every one of us “Americans”, except for NATIVE- AMERICANS, are decendents of forgieners? And that the English language is from ENGLAND? What makes America different from others is that we are a melting pot. We are not homogenous. It is our diversity that built this country. How dare they be indignant over the very thing that makes us great? And why not honor the beauty of that in song? What’s so sacrosanct about this song that it can’t be sung in other languages, by other ethnicities, by diverse religions, and diverse lifestyles? A relevant question considering that the words of “America the beautiful” were pinned by a GAY woman- Katherine Lee Bates in 1895. An English professor at Wellesley spoke fondly of her long term, committed relationship with another woman. “America the beautiful” in any other language is still “America the beautiful”.
- rmw
  
  you are missing the point, but then again … that’s EXACTLY what the mindless multiculture cult desire is … that nobody figures out what they are up to in this balkanization nightmare. “America was built on opening it’s arms to the world” … is complete crap. America was built because EXTREMELY UNIQUE PEOPLES from all over the world came here, abandoned the garbage from their old lives, and became new, uniquely American people. Yes they had accents and even spoke their own languages on an extremely limited basis … but they would be HORRIFIED at the notion that they should force others to adhere to them in their former ways … which is the kind of BS being preached by the radical progressives today. These immigrants also recognized that America was a HELLUVA lot better than what they left (by definition, or else why the heck would you leave it?).
  Look at some of the garbage being spewed by people that the demoncrapts are embracing … leaders of LaRaza want every descendent to always think Mexico first … ever take a real good look at what a hellhole Mexico is, particularly its government … yeah, THAT is a useful ideal for American youth to embrace.
  - Vikki
    
    They should learned the language. Speak your tongue at home but TRY to learn english, I would like to speak with my neighbors. My grandparents came here not knowing english, they learned and were proud to be here in our United States Of America
  - JustSayinEP
    
    “They should learned the language.” {snicker….}
- Marv Ack
  
  Caroline,
  1) A poem on a statue is just a poem on a statue. It is NOT A LAW!
  2) Everyone came to the Western Hemisphere from somewhere else. The oldest evidence of human activity in this hemisphere was found in modern-day Virginia, and it was of European origin, over 20,000 years ago. Therefore, everyone, including “natives,” is descended from foreigners.
  3) Diversity CAN be a wonderful thing, or it can be a disaster. It all depends on the individuals being added to the mix. Great individuals make a great nation. Bad individuals pull everyone else down. And sometimes, two good people just don’t get along. Like pizza and chocolate. Both great, but keep them away from each other.
  Be observant, and be honest to yourself. Don’t ever try to tell yourself you’re not seeing what you’re seeing. Don’t subscribe to political correctness, aka the Great Lie. And you will understand.
  - Stoprunning
    
    You’er confusing a DNA study with the failed Solutrean hypothesis.
    
    Then you proclaim diversity to be a bad thing, while previously acknowledging diversity is the normal history of the entire hemisphere.
    
    Please don’t tell us you also want kids to be taught nonsense in biology class, too.
Priya Prakash

The commonality and unity is in the tune of the song that Coke has used as a symbol of unity among all the people of different races depicted in the ad! Come to think of it, language is but a sound…Evidently, the ad shows how people of different cultural origins identify with the song’s beauty and enjoy humming it. For someone who can only see the differences- in language, race and cultures, it is hard to see the obvious I guess.
Brian

Great song and great video. It’s a shame people can’t appreciate it.
- fred flinstone
  
  Polyanna…
Stoprunning

I’m glad you took the time to write an article about a non-issue.
lungshot

We should all be happy for the worship of our jack-booted, war mongering
police state being sung in several languages. Or maybe they
should’ve just left the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek?
RB

every thing in this world is always changing some for the better some for the worst back in the 60s liberation was awesome for the blacks and everything now liberation doesn’t mean freedom it means ridiclulous in most cases.
fred flinstone

Most do not see the destruction of our USA….

No patriots left just greed…
lexi

i want to share a testimony of my life to every one. i was married to my husband, i love him so much we have been married for 5 years now with two kids. when he went for a vacation to France he meant a lady who en charm him with her beauty, he told me that he is no longer interested in the marriage any more. i was so confuse and seeking for help, i don’t know what to do until I complained to my friend and told her about my problem. she told me not to worry about it that she had a similar problem before and introduce me to a man called Dr Saibaba. who cast a spell on her ex and bring him back to her after 2days. she ask me to contact Dr Saibaba. I contacted him to help me bring back my husband and he ask me not to worry about it that the gods of his fore-fathers will fight for me. He told me by two days he will re-unite me and my husband together. After two days my husband called and told me he is coming back to sought out things with me, I was surprise when I saw him and he started crying for forgiveness and that he never knew what came upon him that he will never leave me again or the kids. Right now I am the happiest woman on earth for what this great spell caster did for me and my husband, you can contact Dr Saibaba on any problem, he is very nice, here is his contact [email protected]