Again, I compleely agree that immigrants should become citizens, learn the constitution, and pay taxes. Having two languages just doesn't bother me.

It's true that you'll always know one language better than another, but you don't need to be completely affluent in a second language. If you want to buy something from a store, but the owners and clerks don't speak english all you need to know is how to count and a few verbs.

It was kind of a lousy thing that that hispanic family laughed at your friend AlterEgo, but some people are just jerks. Assholes come in all colors, languages, etcetera. It has nothing to do with the Spanish language. I'm sure that there are jerks in Japan who would laugh at someone trying to learn their language. For that matter I'm sure there are jerks in the U.S. and other english-speaking countries that laugh at people who try to learn English. We shouldn't make broad decisions based on the actions of a few assholes.

The majority of Hispanics I've known have been relatively courteous. They understand that their language is not prevelant throughout the U.S. Except for the older ones, Hispanics in the U.S. usually try to learn English, but they didn't all benefit from a good education. It helps if they Speak a little English and you speak a little Spanish.

Of course, nothing's more helpful than patience.