Kintyre

I've been trying to reach the Social Security office with a number provided by them in a recent mailing, saying, that if you have a question, call this number and speak to a representative from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on business days. Recorded info and services are available 24 hours a day.

No matter what time of day I call, I get only the recording (whatever happened to human contact?), then it contains the message: "To continue in English, press 1."

If you can't speak English, why are you drawing Social Security?

My ancestors were Germans from Russia who became citizens of the U.S. and mastered the English language enough to do their business.

My family spoke German in our home, so it was quite natural to spout off in German on the school playground. Was it acceptable? No way. Any student caught speaking a German word on any school property was punished by the teacher, which left us a reminder to learn the English language.

I have nothing against anyone speaking their native tongue in their home or among family members, but I say: If they want to live here, they'd best learn to speak English as their first language.

I'm quite certain that no one, including me, expects them to master it overnight, but I am sure getting tired of having to cater to those who only want to reap the benefits of the American way while expecting to do things their way in this country.

For them I have just one message: Shape up or ship out.