Judge To 3 Men: Learn English Or Go To Jail

[The Straight Story]

Judge To 3 Men: Learn English Or Go To Jail
Men Face Prison For Conspiracy To Commit Robbery

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- A judge in Pennsylvania gave three Spanish-speaking men a choice: Learn English or go to jail.

The men faced prison terms for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.

But the judge said they can stay on parole if they learn to read and write English, earn their GEDs and get full-time jobs.

During a court hearing this week in which the men pleaded guilty, they needed translators.

Judge Peter Olszewski said, "Do you think we are going to supply you with a translator all of your life?"

http://www.local6.com/spotlight/15733012/detail.html

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. I was hoping one of the three was GeeDubya

.
.
.

Oh well,

so much for wishful thinking.

[Captain Sensible]

2. Sounds reasonable.

Gives them an incentive to learn a common language and become a part of the larger society.

[bowens43]

3. sounds reasonable if you're a freeper .

[jesus_of_suburbia]

5. You would obviously rather them spend time in jail.

Right?

I'd rather them be educated.


I'm half hispanic and I can't speak Spanish.

If I commit a crime, I'd love for the judge to sentence me to learn Spanish.


My parents would be proud of me too if I learned Spanish.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

4. Okay... I'll take the bite. I'm fine with this. The judge is saying learn something and that will

be your punishment.

HOW IS THAT BAD?


Would you rather the judge throw these guys in the slammer? I WOULDN'T.

[gollygee]

6. He's saying people who don't speak English get worse punishments

unless they learn English. People who start out speaking English have an easier time.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

8. And that is very wrong.... I agree. That is discrimination!

[jesus_of_suburbia]

10. I was speaking against bowens43 , who would rather them have jail time.

****** that will solve everything *****


*rolls eyes*

[jesus_of_suburbia]

7. Oh, by the way, I agree with 90% of your posts "The Straight Story"

so if I'm wrong on this one, forgive me.


You're one of the 10 people I respect from the past 5 years I've been reading this board.

[The Straight Story]

9. I didn't comment either way on this one yet :)

If were up to me, I would learn the new language...on the other hand, I don't think it is up to judges to decide what languages people have to learn.

[RedCappedBandit]

11. I have mixed feelings ..

On one hand, I think its good that the judge is giving these men a second chance while also encouraging them to get an education.

On the other hand, who the hell is he to tell them to learn english?


Complicated..