<![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @darkened: "American", que es lenguaje "american". Es ingles, y tu eres un idiota por no muchas razones.

Oh wait probably don't know how to speak another language, let me translate for you: "American", what is "American". It's English, and for many reasons, you're an idiot.

dysthymia

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @darkened: You sound like you have truck balls.

Crazydogggz

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Well, the comments seem to be well-divided into two camps: "This is discrimination, regardless of the idea behind it", and "If you don't speak Uhmurrican, get out".

This is a tired argument. As a store owner, the gentleman had the right to refuse service for almost *any* reason, as is their wont, EXCEPT for reasons that can be defined as discrimination.

If the guy doesn't want to man up and learn some Spanish in order to do business in an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-language economy, then he should deal exclusively online, or simply close. Pushing people away from your business has a curious effect; your patrons go elsewhere, your competitors excel, and your business goes under.

To those who bitch about how other countries don't make concessions to English speakers, I call bullshit. Most kids in Europe and Asia learn multiple languages in primary school, including English. This is required in the curriculum. We should be setting an example as a country that we are accepting to ANYONE, so long as they can contribute.

Don't even trot out the "b-b-b-but they don't pay TAXES!" line, either. If their employer has any sense, they are paying the taxes for their "unregistered" employees' income as a reduction in those employees' checks. If said employees are being paid tax-free, then the company that hired them is just as criminal by dodging the taxes they need to pay on the income that the company produces.

What I'm getting at is this: Whine about illegals all you want, but remember that your convenience (McDonalds, quickly-built tract housing, day labor, etc) RUNS on the efforts and sweat of people who sometimes are not US citizens. If you want them gone, then now would be a fine time to teach Junior to do something more important than fiddle-fuck around on Myspace on the phone you bought for them, such as, say, GET A FRICKING JOB.

Our obsession with convenience has brought us to this. We have successfully taught our little snowflakes that we deserve all the nice things we have, and we don't need to do anything to get them. Our kids don't want to work, because they don't want their feelings hurt by the big, bad world. So who does all the jobs that sixteen-year-old Junior would have done in the past (fast food, landscaping, house painting, construction labor) are now being filled by people that are willing to do the job. You got what you wanted. Congratulations.

To tell you the truth though, I like, trust, and above all, RESPECT the people behind the counter at my local McDs a hell of a lot more than the spoiled, entitled crotchfruit that attend the university near where I live. I know which one will have the job done if I walk away and come back, nine times out of ten. That's all I have to say.

ReezyAscending

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @mac-phisto: It's gonna be tough to deport 200 or so million people.

YouCanEatMe

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> REDNECKS MUST DIE.

YouCanEatMe

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @MickeyMoo: Here, here. I couldn't agree more.

ekasbury

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> America does not actually have an official language, contrary to what some may think. And I wasn't aware speaking Spanish made you an illegal immigrant.

Angiol

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Wow, I hope that is not representative of Rhode Island. That is some audacity. God I hate stupid, hateful people--regardless of race.

uwouldntlikemewhenimangry

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I was born in a hispanic country and came to the United States when I was two years old. Yes, I am legally here.

I speak, read and write English better than many people who were born and raised here. I have a good job and work very hard. If anyone asked me for my social security number I would not give it to them. This man's actions were motivated by both his ignorance and racial profiling.

With that said, I do believe that anyone who lives in the United States should learn the English language. It is to the person's benefit. If someone chooses not to that doesn't mean that they should have to fear using their native language or be treated with disrespect. I often speak Spanish with family and friends when we are out that does not make any of us illegal.

The store owner used bad judgement and I feel is racist. Why would anyone give a stranger their personal information? The following Web site [www.ssa.gov] states:

You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless:

The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business.

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly.

If requested, you should ask:

Why your number is needed;
How your number will be used;
What happens if you refuse; and
What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.

Bottom line the store owner had no right to ask for anyone's social security card!

adillee30

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Rectilinear Propagation: You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless:

The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or
Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business.

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

Why your number is needed;
How your number will be used;
What happens if you refuse; and
What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours

Bottom line the store owner had no right to aske for the social security card.

adillee30

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Yes i'm pretty sure you are (well you used to be anyways) required to know english to become an american citizen. Who knows nowadays seems everything is in spanish....why aren't things printed in all the second languages of all of our people? why did they only pick spanish to print everything in? hmmmmm I wonder why. It may be a bit harsh and I'm not sure I totally agree with it, but desperate times call for desperate measures, the government could care less, nothing is enforced in regards to illegal immigration, so it is now in the hands of the people. Just like it was in the hands of the rebels when they started this whole thing. Oh and the whole stealing from the native americans argument doesn't really go too far seeing as how the native americans stole from the original immigrants who came over the ice shelf and down through alaska and many others before them.

morsteen

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @moviemoron: Feel sorry for yourself, you are the one that will not back up your arguments (that have no bearing on the subject matter) with an answer so tell me this:

How exactly am I supposed to tell if a potential customer is a rapist, a child molester or a terrorist?

Also go look up Equal Opportunity here is a link: [en.wikipedia.org]

greensmurf

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @greensmurf:
You wrote:

If you can't see the error in your ways, I really feel sorry for you.

moviemoron

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Dbone1025:
But when there are so many here illegally you can't blame a guy for trying...

Yes you can. There is no grey area in this story. It's absolute, blatant racism. Based on his alleged comments while trying to explain himself, I'd put one month's pay on a bet that he says nothing to white folks speaking French.

jessemoya

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> My gosh I'm glad that guy doesn't live down here in Texas...he'd be having a field day...

What I think is funny is that when he asked the people to show him their SS cards he probly said it like this: "I...NEED....TO...SEE...YOUR...SOCIAL....SECURITY...CARDS..." I love it when people talk to people of other races all slow and loud as if theyre total morons.

toridactyl

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> After reading most of the comments, I am happy to see that not all white Americans are obsessed in discriminating against hispanics/latins. I was born an American citizen and ever since the issue of illegal immigration has surfaced I have been told many more racist remarks. My parents both came to the United States legally. They came because Mexico's government sucks. That is a fact. I agree that Illegal Mexicans do bring some of the wages down. I also agree that it is unfair that they illegally take advantage of Americans welfare programs. I am not ashamed of being Mexican. In fact, I am proud to be Mexican. A lot of Mexican nationals say I am against them. I probably am. First of all, if you are 2nd or 3rd generation Mexican American, and you are still working in the same job your grandfather did when he came to the states, then you bring shame to your grandparents who came here for a better life for "YOU"!!!! Education is not free in Mexico. It is in the United States. Take advantage of it. Learning English as a second language or a first language does not make you less Mexican. Mexican is something you just are. Because I received a bachelor's in business and work for a good company does not make me less Mexican. Because I speak English most of the time does not make me less Mexican. I hate it when Mexicans say that they are hard workers when it comes to picking fields. Is that all Mexicans are good for? Speaking to all Mexicans: Please educate your son/daughter to be ten times greater than yourself. Continuous Improvement should be our way of life. This store owner is an idiot. Obviously, throughout his generation, no one taught him what being a real American is all about. My brother in law is a border patrol agent and some Mexicans talk about him too. I will say this to all Mexicans who oppose the wall. Go vote against it. Gathering a large group against it will not stop it. Enough votes can! This said I can unfortunately say most of you will not. I am voted against it twice. I believe that it is a waste of tax payer's money. We are better off hiring more border patrol agents. I believe that in many decades to come (unfortunately we can't agree to come together) we will unite against the Mexican government to break up all monopolies and allow free and open commercialization like the states. To educate their people for free. It is in the country's best interest. It should not be only for the people who can afford it. The Mexico's president should be ashamed that his people want to leave his country. I will let you in a little secret. He does not care that the poor leave his country. He encourages it. He criticizes the president of the United States on illegal immigration. Fox and Calderon should take a long look at themselves. They discriminate Mexicans much worse than the U.S. I would love to go back to Mexico. However, I get scared whenever their police pulls me over. They always shake me down and make verbal threats on my safety. It is a beautiful country, that is run by drug cartels. If I go out there are a bunch of idiots drunk and behaving violently and surprisingly they are connected to police officials or drug cartels. Anyway I'll end here because I can go on and on.

kaizen0189960

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> (401)421-8422
That is the number to the store, I got it from [goliath.ecnext.com]
Please call for any heating or cooling needs.

antirem

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @noasalira: You see how we're talking about immigration here? That's what I was referring to. If you think Africans stopped coming to the US when we stopped kidnapping and enslaving them, you would be wrong. Many cities around the United States have thriving communities of African immigrants, who like the immigrants from China, Mexico, Ireland, and Germany before are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. African immigrants today are often treated to the same cultural hostilities of previous anti-immigration campaigns. In 2002, the mayor of Lewiston, Maine "asked" Somali immigrants to stop moving there. You're one-dimensional assumption about the African-American experience ignores the true diversity of backgrounds.

BStu

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> This community has gotten really bad. We all applaud freedom but dont want others to freely choose to speak in a different language. You are the worst kinds of people. You are the ones who slowly strangle democracy slowly. There is NO REASON OTHER THEN RACISM to be biased against someone because of their language.

(legal documents should be universally in one language as to not cause scrutiny)

antirem

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @amoeba: The SSN *is* proof of right-to-work in the U.S., which definitionally means you're here legally (assuming the card is yours and obtained properly), although there are ways to be here legally that DON'T entitle one to a SSN. (And there are still native-born US citizens w/o SSNs, although they sorta frown on that.)

Eyebrows McGee

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ ihateauditions

Brilliant. My wife lived in Chile for two years and often caught American tourists trying this same trick (speaking english to avoid eavesdroppers). Nevermind that just about everyone there spoke English as a second language. Personally, I've always assumed that was the reason I've caught others doing that in public; they just want a private conversation, and the understand that most of us in this country are too lazy to learn a second language.

mgomega

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Personally, I think a business owner does, to some extent, possess the ability to determine the terms on which they do business. Provided competing services are provided by other companies, I don't see any implied demand that a business owner MUST provide services to a particular party. Offended consumers can just go elsewhere. Mind you, I think any business owner who is going to refuse customers for any reason is an idiot, but the right to do so should still be available.

Consider this same principle in the current mortgage crisis. Don't banks do this very same thing? Don't they force customers to provide a whole host of information, the least of which is proof of citizenship, before they will do business with them? And isn't the whole reason the crisis exists that banks and lenders have been forced to relax this whole process and make loans available to people they would otherwise gladly send packing?

mgomega

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I think speaking another language can be rude, but only if you are blatantly acting like you are talking about people and mocking them.

As for finding illegals, I think that if you find an employer that not only hired illegals, but knew they were illegals and used that against them knowing they couldn't report the employer, that the employer should be deported as well. (too bad that can't happen!)

girly

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Who the hell carries SSC card everyday anyway.

Only Indians are native Americans. All of us are immigrants. I agree that illegal immigrants have caused some problem, however please respect the legal immigrants who follow the rules AND work as hard (if not harder) to make U.S. a better country.

rikkus256

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @MyCokesBiggerThanYours: You're an idiotic bigot. Please die k thx.

ihateauditions

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I speak english, french, spanish, german, mandarin and malaysian. My wife actually speaks more languages than me.

We routinely speak in other languages when shopping, so we can ask each other a question or two about price, quality, etc without letting the salesman influence the discussion.

I honestly hope that some idiotic racist fuck does this to me, so I can shove my American (and Native American) heritage down their throat, while hopefully getting them cited for an enormous number of illegal actions.

Fuck racism. Historically speaking the newest immigrants have always been vilified outrageously, and the integration has always been for the best. But some mentally retarded hateful bigots always do the same thing, and they always claim it's for noble reasons.

ihateauditions

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> This dude is a loser. OMG I grew up in RI and it is a hugely multicultural state so he is a tool for trying this crap. I hope his business fails and he loses it.

gc3160 - that homo that u know

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @StevieD: grow the hell up. This nation was founded by people who spoke many languages: French, German, Dutch, Yiddish, and yes English. If the person I'm speaking to understands me, that's all I need. Eavesdroppers can get over themselves.

American citizen who speaks French, Spanish, and English.

femmesavante

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @darkened: Holy crap! People didn't get your joke (which was only mildly amusing). But, they didn't get it AND demnostrated so much PC anality in their reactions, that it made your mildly amusing joke 1000x funnier.

Asshats for everyone!!!

failurate

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @forgottenpassword: So if you visit a foreign country, do you first learn their language fluently and not speak a word of English around the people who live there? How on Earth is it impolite for people having a conversation near you and NOT WITH YOU to be speaking in another language? Guess what - it's impolite for you to be listening to their conversation or to call them rude because you can't understand what they're saying. It's also stupid.

I'm so disgusted at the level of nationalistic hatred and spite I've seen in these comments. I'm also jealous, because I guess your lives must be pretty damn sweet if this is the biggest problem you have - complete strangers speaking a language you don't know. Holy hell.

spryte

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @bonzombiekitty: I am pretty sure the 1st amendment covers the legality of asking stupid questions.

failurate

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I was always taught that it was impolite to speak a foreign language in public (around others who didnt speak that language).

And I agree that (legal) immigrants NEED to learn to speak english in this country.

forgottenpassword

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @LorneReams: And how does a non-spanish speaking person suposed to know if they are deciding to do something not kosher?

Haven't you seen the movie, I forget which one, where the korean ladies at the nail salon are talking trash about the people who's nails they are doing in korean?

ju_ju_eyeball

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I believe what we speak is unofficially called American English, because it is definitely different than British English@shufflemoomin:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> oh gosh no. I was born in 1960, so really never saw a lot of the discrimination that was going on, but I've always thought it was wrong to treat someone badly because of something they can't control. If they still had those laws, I would probably break them.@Corydon:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @hmk: I don't think I ever said anything bad about people speaking another language to each other, I don't really care if they do. when I was in my teens I babysat a little girl who's father was Haitian and spoke french. He spoke to the little girl in French and the mother spoke English to her. With my very limited French (3 years in elementary school) I would use whatever French words I knew to her. I thought it was a fantastic idea to teach her both languages. However I don't think she should have expected merchants or government papers to be in French when she grew up. If I moved to Germany, I indeed would learn German, as quickly as possible, and expect to have to use it in dealing with the just about everybody there, but in my home I would still use English and would probably speak it when on the street with my family. In the article it stated the men were speaking Spanish to each other, but English to the store owner. I see nothing whatsoever wrong with that.

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> good for him. this was discrimination of language spoken. not against the law.

MyCokesBiggerThanYours

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @hmk: and I also have the right to disagree with some of our policies. Different races? no problem, different language? problem. I voted several times for English as the official language when I lived in AZ, and would definitely vote for it again. That said, I really don't care if people speak another language at home or in public, doesn't bother me a bit. And I think it's a great idea to teach children 2 languages at home. However I do have a problem with trying to buy things or get service from people that don't know our language. It is very frustrating and has made me go to different merchants many times. I don't stand with signs outside their business or anything, I just don't go to those merchants anymore.. Money speaks louder than anything else

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @StevieD: Wrong. Expecting people to speak English when they aren't speaking to you is rude. Nobody is required to make it easy for you to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Asking for SS card and judging just based on the language is a bad idea I DO however applaud his refusal to sell to an illegal aliens.
@evilhapposai: But the people he refused to sell to weren't illegal aliens so why bother applauding?

You do not have to be a citizen of a country to buy something there. There are other was of being in the country legally other than being a citizen. Ever hear of work visas? College? Tourism? It makes no sense to make people prove citizenship in order to buy an $18 refrigerator part.

Rectilinear Propagation

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> have to agree, I don't think many of them came here by choice, and I'm not sure they got to enjoy the buffet or live shows on those particular cruise ships@noasalira:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Asking for SS card and judging just based on the language is a bad idea I DO however applaud his refusal to sell to an illegal aliens. Some one needs to step in and stand up to them since the politically correct government seems incapable of it. Where live there are LOTS of illegals hired by a local egg farm and other business taking the jobs away from needing citizens and the welfare office is packed with them draining the taxes from citizens. Not sure how but there needs to be a way to prove citizenship and if you dont have it you are cut off from EVERYTHING and your ass is deported IMMEADIATLY.

.....and SS card is not proof as you can still be a citizen and opt out of it.

evilhapposai

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Just for the record... This guy's a complete asshole.

DeltaPurser

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Hawk07:
Mr. Hawk07, it is illegal to discriminate based on country of origin or race. There is no hypocrisy here.

HTH
HAND

stinerman

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @StevieD: You're having a laugh surely? Or are you just unbelievably arrogant and idiotic? People have a right to speak whatever language they like to each other. Get a life and get a grip on reality.

shufflemoomin

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @darkened: You DO know American isn't a language, don't you..?

shufflemoomin

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @timsgm1418: didn't anyone ever tell you in elementary school that what makes this country so great is that it's a giant melting pot of cultures? I'm sure that being homogenous has it's advantages, but in the US we (are supposed to) tolerate diversity, enjoy it, and learn from it.

sure, a store owner could demand to do business only in english, but to accuse someone of being illegal simply because they were carrying on a conversation in another language? WTF.

what if they were tourists? what if a lot of things.

hmk

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> man, I wish I could speak something other than English so I could talk and laugh about asshats like this store owner right in front of them. wtf is wrong with speaking another language? yeesh.

or was it simply because it was Spanish, and the guy is racist?

or maybe he was just scared because he'd never heard it before? try moving out of White Town, RI and into a more diverse area. (I really have no idea how white RI is, but I assume it pretty white).

hmk

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> My Grandparents learn English (American) and used English in all public venues and their native language at home.

Speaking a foreign language in public is rude.

StevieD

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> It's ok people. The next time my better half and I are in the states, we'll visit said merchant. I'll speak French and my honey will respond in German and we'll watch his head explode. FUN!

Jim (The Canuck One)

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> This thread is fast becoming a monument to ignorance and bigotry. Seriously, people... have you never heard of the Civil Rights Act? Martin Luther King Jr.? Do you even know what Montgomery, AL is famous for? Do you know what Jim Crow was, and why it's dead? Did you learn anything at all in history class?

I'm opposed to illegal immigration myself, but seeing this assclown and all the ignorant douchebags defending him in this very thread, I'm starting to reconsider my stance. I mean, do I really want to be on the same side as you?

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> American is not a language. It is just discrimination against non whites, including Native Americans.I do not speak Spanish, but continue to be discriminated due to the color of my skin. I AM U.S. CITIZEN.I have been stopped by white police, who demanded my "green card". U.S. citizens do not have green cards.

learned

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @EtherealStrife: Yeah, much less show it to random people. That'd be a great identity theft scam. "Yeah, I need your social security number to, uhm, check your citizenship, yeah!"

Besides, a social security card isn't exactly iron-clad proof of citizenship. I mean, it's cardboard. You could fake one convincingly in ten minutes with a computer, scanner, and color printer. The hard part would be making the printing look as crappy as it does on the real cards.

Orv

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> i understand how frustrated this guy is with illegal immigrants, but he should be more tactful if he really wants to turn down money from illegals. i personally wished, more companies would turn down illegals in the name of principles (granted some have better principles than others). like don't give them jobs just because your trying to not pay an american a decent wage. it's this guy's right to not want to do any business period with an illegal, but if that's what he wants, he should make you sign up for a membership or something. i would prefer to shop at a place that is willing to turn down the money from illegals based on their beliefs (and the fact that by even being there they are breaking the law).

***notice i'm talking about "illegals" and not "mexicans" b4 u try to flame me. and i don't believe speaking mexican means you are an illegal. i don't agree with what he did/does, but i do feel the same way about illegals as he does.

snoop-blog

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Some of the comments are just mindblowing. Depending on local laws the owner has every right to do some things (e.g. you causing a disturbance -> kicking you out legally), but that doesn't mean there are no applicable laws at all for the owner..and it's pretty stupid what this guy did. We still have to comply with all sorts of other labor laws, for starters. There's so many. They give me a headache.

I think this guy is a douche for expecting something unreasonable. I speak two languages fluently and two more at a conversational level (on top of the half dozen programming languages I already know *duck*). Sometimes I talk to employees at stores in other languages. Sometimes I talk on the phone in another language. I write things in another language. If I decided to pull this ridiculous stunt here in los angeles i'd be lynched by a mob given this city has a majority minority. And if someone decided to do this shit just cause I was talking in..omg is that korean? mandarin? spanish? french? heaven forbid, southern california accented english with college level vocab?..doesn't mean I'm not a citizen, doesn't mean I'm unpatriotic..doesn't mean anything!

I was born here and I am ashamed of the behavior of some of the others who also were born here on this story. For most of us, at some point we or someone in our family was an immigrant, illegal or legal. And there may be some that don't pay taxes and just leech support and money from this country, but there are also others who do indeed pay taxes and give back to the community in better ways than I'd think some of the more racist commenters here. Stupid to brush everyone with the same brush when it is a diverse collection of people who decided to work here.

Really, looking at the hard work some illegal immigrants are doing..is a lot easier on the eyes than watching some fucking retarded US citizen sit on his/her arse leeching undeserved money from others.

crazylady

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ darkend.

Eres un sombrero de culo! (asshat)

spamtasticus

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> The people he was harassing should have demanded to see HIS social security card. Who the hell is stupid enough to carry one these days?

EtherealStrife

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @moviemoron: Let me see, What exactly was the subject of this post? Here it is just in case you cant connect the dots (store-owner-demands-spanish+speaking-customers-show-social-security-cards)Its about some guy requiring to see a persons social security card to prove they are US citizens, Where exactly did it state show proof that they are not a rapist, Child molester or terrorist?
And instead of only posting part of what I originally posted why don't you post it all and not parts that "help" your wanna be argument that doesn't have a damn thing to do with the original subject of this post.
Here is what I posted, go back and check if you want.
--"I run a business I make leather products, I am an equal opprtunity seller. If I have something to buy and you have the money to pay for it. I will happily sell you the product I have to sell.
You can be an illegal alien from across the border or from outerspace. I dont care because it is not my job to check every persons ID as I am a retail business. Now if you want to apply for a job I may have an opening for I would have to do a background check and follow US employment laws. But I am a sole owner and operator so I dont have any employees"--

Obviously (but not to you) I was referring to race as this post is the subject of.
Oh and I love your post here again going off topic and referring to crap that has nothing to do with the original post.
""""I think that summarizes it up. If I go by your reasoning, then it would be okay to sell bullets to a teenager because hey, they have the money and you have the product so you would be very happy to sell it to them. """"
WTF are you trying to get at I sell leather products, also You still dont reason with any common sense, Why don't you make some more creative assumptions
In my post I said,
"Now if you want to apply for a job I may have an opening for I would have to do a background check and follow US employment laws.""
So obviously (but again not to you) If I were in the business of selling bullets and guns I would be following US Federal laws and I would be doing background checks. I sell freaking Leather products and seriously you pulling shit out of your head based on assumptions on one statement is pretty stupid.
So again I will ask you How exactly and I supposed to tell if a person is a rapist, a child molester or a terrorist?

greensmurf

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @dlab: Would that also be the spanish language of the slave-trading, native-american exterminating, imperialist, colonizing Spain? The Conquistadors, perhaps?

noasalira

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @BStu: 20th century, then the Africans?

Hmm, Africans came to the US much earlier than the 20th century. Wasn't a pleasant trip, wasn't a pleasant reception, but speaking only to the date - your timing is WAY off

noasalira

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Dervish: i honestly do believe anything i learned in depth about the civil rights was due to the learning channels and knowledge given to me by parents. things beyond common knowledge, like who rosa parks is, was not taught. the actual words in the civil rights act that have been listed here now a few times? definitely not.

of course, every february the little posters went up with an illustrated portrait of a famous person and a little blurb about them under it. same with the presidents and stuff. we stopped at ww2. mlk's speech came up in english but we didn't discuss the events just how language could be inspiring. i saw X on tv. i watched the history channel now and then.

i totally admit that my memory could be so bad i don't recall any of this, but i can recall most of what my classes were and what they covered. american education is that bad sometimes.

katylostherart

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @donTHEd: Ya both my brother and sister are spanish speaking, sister lived in Venezuela for a while. All of us are white and were born here though.

CharlieSeattle

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I'm a little surprised at that too. We didn't go over it because I was going to school during that time so it fell under "current events"@Eyebrows McGee:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @HOP: I'm convinced.

It's illegal to steal. Would you please scan in and send receipts for your computer and vehicle?

Also, it's illegal to view and purchase certain types of pornography. I'll need to see copies of your credit card statements and your hard drive. Send those to gawker and they'll forward them to me.

Finally, we'll need to scan for use of illegal drugs. Please send a sample of your hair.

There's a reason police have uniforms and badges, and we don't.

witeowl

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @greensmurf:
Well, maybe you should re-read your post before you open your mouth. You stated that you would sell your products to anyone as long as they have cash. Did you not state this or do you have a brain disease. In that case, I forgive you. But let me check. YOu wrote:
"""
I run a business I make leather products, I am an equal opprtunity seller. If I have something to buy and you have the money to pay for it. I will happily sell you the product I have to sell.""""

I think that summarizes it up. If I go by your reasoning, then it would be okay to sell bullets to a teenager because hey, they have the money and you have the product so you would be very happy to sell it to them.

moviemoron

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> sounds like a douche bag, i never carry my social security card, don;t want to get it stolen so illegals can use it

Crrusher

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> however he was free to leave at anytime, so therefore he was ALSO a citizen by choice@chrisjames:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @clevershark: and? everybody else seems to want to keep their "culture" with them, English is our culture, why shouldn't we want to keep that? again, I'm not supporting the store owner, just saying English is our cultural language and since I have no desire to leave this country, I feel I shouldn't have to learn a different language either to do business in this country...

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Shop somewhere else. Many stores will be happy to take your pesos if that idiot won't.

deadlizard

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @moviemoron: Stretch out and reach for something to argue about, we are talking about a persons Race something that you can pretty much determine by looking at them in most cases.

So since you obviously dont have a working common sense thinking process let me break it down for you.
How am I going to know if a potential customer is a rapist or a child molester, or a terrorist?
Unless I saw their face on americas most wanted recently or they have explosives strapped to their chest?

Come now, please take your, I am going to open my mouth and try to get one over on this guy that doesn't discriminate against a person because of their race.
Just a word of advise, you might want to think about something before you post it because you are making no sense at all.
So go ahead and tell me how someone can determine if a person is a Rapist, Child molester or a terrorist just by looking at them? See how dumb your comment looks now?
So what point were you trying to make?

greensmurf

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> .

HOP

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> evryone in our country should start doing this.....what part of "illegal" is not understood?????????

HOP

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> the "native Americans" didn't start out here either..@Dooley:

timsgm1418

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @amoeba: OOPS! shouldn't, so he can loose biz.

amoeba

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> This post looks pretty much like the local newspaper where I live. Posting "news" about idiots without knowing much about the SSN. I am a Brit, proud of my Brittish accent (sometime people think I am Latina because I have brown hair and eyes plus an accent), I am legal and I do have a SSN. So, I guess, the Hispanics should do business with hat jerk of Mr. Richardson.

amoeba

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Problem is not illegal immigrants.

Problem is false identification use by illegal immigrants.

Example: Electrolux (stove/oven mfg) in Springfield, TN had a bunch of illegals using false Puerto Rician documentation. Until that company (or their designated temporary employment agency) actually changed to a robust screening system, the documents were "good enough" to verify citizenship- Puerto Rico being a US territory. Electrolux was busted by a Nashville tv report and lo and behold a bunch of illegals cleared out of Springfield, TN.

econobiker

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I wonder when Mr Richardson's family landed? I find it more than a little ironic that often the most rabid anti-immigration folks are themselves only a generation or two away from the boat.

RISwampyankee

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @AnnC: That was Jules Winnfield's line, actually.

ahwannabe

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @moviemoron: That's a false dilemma; he can do both. It's not his responsibility (or his right) to do background checks on his customers (unless he's selling something like guns, of course) and selling to people without a background check is completely ethical. So I'm sure he would sell to a rapist, child molester, or terrorist, because he wouldn't know that the customer was any of those things. (I think it's safe to assume that anyone coming up to the counter and saying "Hi, I'm a child molester" would be denied service)

Morgan

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Wow. I speak Spanish. As a second language. So when discussing a potential purchase with my wife, I've got to be worried about an ass-hat trying to perform a citizen's arrest?

NOTE: HAVING A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD IS NOT PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OR LEGAL STATUS.

balthisar

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @greensmurf:
SO greensmurf,
are you saying that you would sell your products to a rapist or a child molester or a terrorist?
Or do you think that you have a responsibility as an American to defend and protect your countries ethics and safety?

moviemoron

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Dbone1025: No, I am NOT OK with giving up a "few freedoms...to help protect ourselves?" If you are, you're a complete fool.

I'll take the Benjamin Franklin route here: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

We've had a ridiculous number of freedoms taken from us in the name of security since 9/11- you're ready to give up more because of illegal immigrants?

/rant

HootieMac:Just got his first RRoD!

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Heh, I actually do carry my SS card and my passport with me in my purse. The first I did because I was trying to find a job and had stored it in my passport, which is my only photo ID. So the passport I have to carry. I just forget to remove the SS card.

It was depressing to have a craft store employee run around trying to find a manager to approve my choice of photo ID because she'd never seen a passport before. I can get into almost any country in the world with it, but I can't charge $20 worth of embroidery floss. LOVELY.

As a sidenote, I find it really despicable that those most concerned with these illegal immigrants are not outraged and protesting their fellow citizens state of life. Looking at the homeless, unemployed, children without enough food, the horrific treatment of our lauded veterans and war widows, how can anyone be worried about illegal immigrants, when it's plainly obvious that our government, which we elect and pay for, ignores the real problems facing real citizens in the country?

That70sHeidi

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I can actually see the side of the store owner. You have to put yourself in another person' shoes before you pass judgment on them. For example, for regular working Joes, the thought of paying $4.00/gallon for gas sends shivers up our spine, but for someone who is a millionaire, that is just a drop in the bucket. Thus, you have the constant of a gas price, but 2 totally different views on whether or not $4/gallon is good or bad.
Now, we don't know what City this guy lives in or what its economic state is. It could be that because of illegal immigration, he has seen crime rates rise, American business owners put out of business, quality of life go down, etc. While we live in our big cities and everything is ok for us, it may be a totally different situation for him. So I can understand his frustration. Now, asking for a SS card, I cannot justify. I think that the City or State that he resides in should issue a state ID card that should be carried on all persons like a Drivers License which shows proof of status.

moviemoron

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Dbone1025: That is why I feel as though I have the right to speak Spanish whenever I want to. If it weren't for imperialist US foreign policy, I would live in a different country and wouldn't have to offend your delicate ears with my barbaric Spanish language.

dlab

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> who the hell carries their SS card with them?

wyzguy

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ju_ju_eyeball: The Euro invalidates you money analogy.

D-Bo

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> a social security card proves nothing..... my dad has been in america for over 25 years with a social security card but wasnt until the last couple of years did he receive citizenship

strokz1

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Eyebrows McGee: Well, I am working to get around that deficit (thanks again). I grew up in a heavy KKK area as the only minority in the school system (though some came and went) so that is why I think we skipped quite a bit of history. Had to learn about Martin Luther Jr on my own, for instance.

Anyway. Totally off topic there. Enlightened kryllen signing off. Guy should be told he can't do it, then if he continues may be punished.

kryllen

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @MickeyMoo: Then move out of the US. I can't stand the bend over backwards attitude of people for illegals in this country.

Logan26

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I run a business I make leather products, I am an equal opprtunity seller. If I have something to buy and you have the money to pay for it. I will happily sell you the product I have to sell.
You can be an illegal alien from across the border or from outerspace. I dont care because it is not my job to check every persons ID as I am a retail business. Now if you want to apply for a job I may have an opening for I would have to do a background check and follow US employment laws. But I am a sole owner and operator so I dont have any employees.

greensmurf

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ancientsociety: Try reading the article before commenting next time. In Rhode Island it is specifically illegal to ask for a SS prior to commencing a transaction unless it is directly related (insurance, health care, obtaining credit). So in this case it was immoral and illegal. Somebody should go make a citizens arrest on him.

D-Bo

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @katylostherart: @kryllen: That is really sad. :( I'm sorry your educators didn't do better by you.

Eyebrows McGee

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @jimconsumer: Totally impractical. The 5,522 mile border of the U.S. and Canada is the longest in the world, by FAR the longest non-militarized border, and parts of it would be nearly impossible to police just because of topography, even if we were willing to pay that kind of money.

If a terrorist is coming in to the U.S. across a physical border, he sure as hell isn't come in from Mexico where everybody's panties are in a twist about border crossings. He could walk across somewhere into the top of Montana, no problem.

And THAT'S not to mention our enormous coastline, huge portions of which are undefended, or our ports (air and sea) that do a poor job checking what comes through them already.

Sealing the borders is totally impractical and, yes, a STUPID way to deal with terrorists. A sealed border won't keep out a terrorist with no prior known activity who immigrates to a European ally nation and gets a passport (& tourist visa, if needed) and flies entirely legally into JFK. Sealed borders also won't stop home-grown terrorists. Intelligence and policework is the best way to cope with terrorists, not expensive, annoying, and non-productive security theater that does more to inconvenience law-abiding citizens than to catch terrorists.

Having been to many and various points along the US/Canadian border, including easily accessible unwatched points of access, I promise you, I HAVE a clue. You yourself may wish to travel to visit our borders and take a look for yourself; if you'd seen them, you wouldn't think sealing the borders was remotely within the realm of possibility.

Eyebrows McGee

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> It would clearly solve all our country's woes if we just rounded up all the illegals (and others that may look illegal or like terrorists) and put them in detention camps (since we wouldn't want them just sneaking back over the border now would we?). Then we'll just create a National ID System and require constant retinal scans (or DNA checkpoints) in order to go about our daily business and ensure none of those pesky illegals sneaks back into society. Since the only punishment that is effective is capital punishment, we'll have roving death squads to enforce these laws (I'm sure Mr. Richardson would volunteer). That would clearly be a country I would be proud to call my home.

/sarcasm

D-Bo

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @jwissick:

Does he have the right to do this? Sure. He has the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. It is his right as a business owner.

I'm sorry, you're wrong.

hypnotik_jello

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I don't think this guy went about it the right way, but I agree, illegal immigration is a serious problem, and it will ruin our country if we allow it to. Already our language and culture are being eroded by the hordes of illegals streaming into our country.
Check out this video:


+ Watch video

I lived in south Florida for 20+ years, and I was witness to the destruction of what was once a very lovely city by waves of illegal immigrants. Miami is now a cesspool, and only bearable to live in if you are either very rich, or ignorant of your surroundings.

loueloui

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @rjhiggins: None of what I have posted here has been any sort of attempt at humor. If you are referring to my last post where I admit that my small-town education (US Small town) lacked in all the parts of history regarding racism, I can clarify anything you would like me to clarify.

kryllen

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> having a social security card doesn't mean anything. do you know how easy it is to get a fake ss card in LA?

i work for a general contractor. a few days ago, i was told we had a new employee. i was given a copy of his social security card + ID. the social security card looked totally fake. i asked the company owner if i could check on it. he gave me the okay, so i called social security and sure enough, it's no good.

LAGirl

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Eyebrows McGee: Sealing a border as long as ours is stupid, impractical, and ridiculously expensive. - Expensive I'll give you. Stupid, impractical? Are you going to wait until a terrorist walks across the border carrying a suitcase nuke and detonates it in a major U.S. city before you get a clue about this?

jimconsumer

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @yesteryear: isn't there some kind of legal action that can be taken against this guy? - I am ashamed to be an American with people like you running around. Are you kidding me? You want to sue a private business owner for refusing to do business with people who speak Spanish? You know what - it's his right. Period. If he doesn't want to serve people he suspects as being illegals, he doesn't have to. If he wants to make an "English only in this establishment" rule, he has that right.

Sue him? Why? What's the point? He's doing a fine job of driving his business into the ground on his own.

jimconsumer

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Sure the poor and huddled masses thing still stands.. But is it too much to ask people to knock and come in the front door and announce themselves? Or do you allow people who break into your home to live there with you as well?

Does he have the right to do this? Sure. He has the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. It is his right as a business owner.

jwissick

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @kryllen: I hope that's a lame attempt at humor. Otherwise, your ignorance is showing.

rjhiggins

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> The shop owner should have pulled a Marcell Wallace and asked:

ENGLISH MOTHERFUCKER DO YOU SPEAK IT?

AnnC

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Marko_Vulvic: LOL, for anyone that doesn't know the reference go check out southpark season 9 episode entitled Goobacks.

warf0x0r

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Eyebrows McGee: just be glad i can read english at a college level. actually, i think my level of basic education should be the minimum: "college" (cuz christ those are dumbed down too) level english and calc 3 in math.

*sigh*

now i'm just sad for my goddaughter. if i can't get her home schooled or educated in another country she'll be as sharp as a sphere.

katylostherart

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> What else is there to say but...

DERKA DER!!!! DERKA DER!!! DEM HIZPANIKS TOOKS UR JERBS!!!

URRR.....JERRRBS!!! *wheezes, eats super-size hamburger , smokes some crack and throws wrapper into baby eagle nest*

Marko_Vulvic

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> It's funny how the term "citizen" is thrown around like it's the only legally acceptable residential status. What about the PERMANENT RESIDENTS who are neither illegal nor citizens? Can haz edumacation for this dude's douchetruckery?

wring

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> ** "illegality", maybe.

Drarag

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Douche of the week.

iMike

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @DrGirlfriend: Exactly what I was going to write. Richardson is a tool. I haven't had an actual SS card since my wallet was stolen 10+ years ago. I've never needed it, either. I just use my passport to prove my citizenship when I start a new job.

csdiego

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @johnva: I think it's perfectly fine to not want to do business with someone if they are not legally allowed to be in this country. Him asking them to prove their status was, in my opinion, just. His MANNER of doing it bothers me, but not his intention.

And, I agree with you that asking for their Social Security cards was not right. Not sure of the legality of it, but definitely wrong.

Drarag

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Drarag: But it's not legal to discriminate on the basis of language or ethnicity and then say that you are discriminating based on legal status. He had no evidence that they were illegal immigrants, thus his discrimination had nothing to do with that.

And I'm pretty sure it's not legal to demand a Social Security card as proof of citizenship, either (I know you said that was wrong).

johnva

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> i'm not going to go around screaming at everyone who speaks with an accent, but i can understand why someone would.

@katylostherart: I also understand why: because he's a jerk.

The guy may be an ass but as the store owner I think he has the right to discriminate who shops there as he wishes? Not trying to throw fuel on the fire but isn't that the case since it's his business and his property?

@dahlberg123: No he doesn't. It's against the law.
[www.legalzoom.com]
[en.wikipedia.org]
[www.eeoc.gov] (for definition of public accomodation)

Rectilinear Propagation

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ju_ju_eyeball: My favorite Miss Manners column seems appropriate here. (Paraphrased from best recollection.)

Dear Miss Manners, please settle an argument between my husband and me. We were in the grocery store and the people behind us were speaking in Spanish. My husband says that it was rude, and they should be speaking in English. I say it's not rude. Who's right? Signed, OK with Español.

Dear OK with Español: Miss Manners believes that it is rude to listen in on other peoples' conversations, so it does not matter what language they are speaking. If one does not listen, one will not even know that they may or may not be speaking a foreign language.

Oh, and I guess I'm screwed by your test of a nation's language. I'll never learn Latin at my age. Novus ordo seclorum. E. plribus unum. Huh? It's hopeless, I tell you, hopeless!

The icing on the cake for me is that the RIILE is slowly backing away from this wacko. That speaks volumes.

witeowl

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @dlab:
"For centuries, the United States has profited from its abusive and imperialistic foreign policies at the expense of other countries and their citizens --- its foolish to think history wouldn't catch up to us."

I'm not sure what that has to do with... well... anything.

Dbone1025

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> While I agree that this business owner has every right to refuse to deal with someone if he chooses, I think he was wrong in asking for their Social Security card.

I also think the politically correct wackos are getting way out of hand. If you are in this country illegally, then get out or get a green card. I can't stand this "undocumented" phrase that everyone is using nowadays. Euphemism for ILLEGAL.

Those two potential customers of Richardson's can exercise their rights and conduct their business elsewhere if they wish.

It's not discrimination to want to only do business with people who have a LEGAL right to be here.

Drarag

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Dbone1025: I never said it doesn't matter. I live in Southern California, I know first-hand the reasons why it matters, and I get a refresher course every time I walk into an emergency room. But there is a right way to do things and a wrong way, and we owe it to ourselves to do things the right way. And calling anybody with brown skin who speaks Spanish an illegal and demanding to see papers otherwise is a very, VERY wrong way. There's no defense for it.

HeartBurnKid, creepy morbid freak

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @Tigerman_McCool: Yeah, we do have pretty much the whole story. There is a link to the news article in the post. [www.projo.com]

They talk to both the store owner and the customers.

Rectilinear Propagation

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @ju_ju_eyeball:

And how do you know he doesn't speak Spanish? He was speaking with a friend of his in Spanish.

Also, speaking of money, I seem to recall "Annuit Coeptis", "Novus Ordo Seclorum" and "E Pluribus Unum" on my dollar bills... You speak Latin? You better, afer all, the true test of a country's nation language is the language on the MONEY.

miborovsky

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @dahlberg123: As has been pointed out many times in this thread, NO. Business owners are NOT free to discriminate against which customers they accept in any way they wish. They cannot discriminate on the basis of a protected status like race or national origin. This is because they are running an establishment that is open to the public. Laws were put in place on this issue because of how many businesses banned black people at one time.

Having a dress code is different because it's not discrimination on a prohibited basis. OUTSIDE of prohibited forms of discrimination, yes, businesses can discriminate how they choose. Even with the dress code, they might get into trouble depending on how they applied it, though. If they used it to ban nicely dressed people in Middle Eastern or Indian dress, for example, it could be illegal discrimination.

johnva

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I located this mans business email addy. I sent a letter expressing my sincere regret that he is an American citizen. We have a great country but its people like him who help to paint us in such a bad light. Discrimination is not an American value. We are a melting pot which means many colors and cultures.

everfade

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Reading a lot of these comments, many of you seem to believe "his house, his rule".

That is true. He has every right to decline to sell to anyone. HOWEVER, he has NO right to threaten to arrest the customer. His right to goings-on in his store only extends to things that he owns (like the fridge), NOT the person of the customer.

Therefore, I think he should be sued for discrimination.

miborovsky

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> @darkened: since when is American a language? English is. America is not even a country, Canada and Mexico are part of America: The United States is a country and we speak English.

the same crap happens all over: things go bad, so it's the immigrant's fault while the redneck and bitter parts of the country elected the thieves and criminals...

ThomasD3

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> Actually, I think English is the quasi-official language of Rhode Island. I say quasi-official because I think there are "exceptions" such as in government offices where speaking another language is required. More than 25 states currently have laws in place making English as their official language.

The guy may be an ass but as the store owner I think he has the right to discriminate who shops there as he wishes? Not trying to throw fuel on the fire but isn't that the case since it's his business and his property? That isn't much different than have a dress code at a fancy restaurant; you are required to dress a certain way to get service which isn't that far off from speaking a certain way if you ask me.

dahlberg123

]]> <![CDATA[Store Owner Demands Spanish-Speaking Customers Show Social Security Cards]]> I wish I had enough customers to pick and choose who I sold products to.

Do we really think we have the whole story here? Maybe the owner needs the SS# to run a credit check for financing a frig.

I just find it hard to believe this guy won't take money from people just because of their immigration status. Cash is the universal language.

Tigerman_McCool

]]>