The author of “Billboards should be written in English” should check his/her history. English is a unique language because its sources over the years have come from French, Italian, Spanish, German, Yiddish, Gaelic and dozens of other languages. Like our nation, it is the bringing together of the best of what the world has to offer.

On any given day in Kenosha, I can hear conversations not only in English but also Spanish, Italian, Greek, Serbian, Hmong and several other languages. For the writer to feel “discriminated” against because of one billboard in Spanish is ridiculous. It is no more and no less than marketing to a niche market and is in the proud tradition of advertisers attempting to attract the attention of a particular market segment. English is the de facto language of our country, but that does not mean that it can or should be the only language spoken. Immigrants and the generations that follow preserve their culture and language as a matter of course. The most notable example for Kenosha is the continued prominence of the Italian language and culture.

The author of “Billboards…” should ponder before preaching.

Jeffery Cassity

President, Liga de Ciudadanos Latinamericanos Unidos

(League of United Latin American Citizens) Council 320