Racist!!
CBS4 Investigates 'English Speaking' Sign Flap
Brian Maass
Reporting
Mar 2, 2006
cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_story_061125200.html
(CBS4) DENVER Arapahoe County is threatening to fire a veteran Public Works employee for promoting the fact that he is an English speaking American.

"They claim it's offensive and I've been accused of discrimination and harassment, believe it or not, because of this," said Mike Gray, a heavy equipment operator with the Arapahoe County Road and Bridge Department for 16 years.

The problems began last spring. Gray, 50, owns a lawn service business on the side. He was routinely driving to work in his pickup truck towing a trailer that he uses to carry lawn mowing equipment for his business. On the side of his trailer, the married father of two affixed a sign that reads "Lawn Services Done With Pride!! By An English Speaking American."

The sign also gives Gray's phone number and the lettering is over a background of an American flag.

"There are a lot of people in the lawn service that are non-English speaking," Gray said. "Customers and different people were telling me that they have a hard time trying to communicate with them about the work they want done on their yards. I just want to let people know they at least can communicate with me when I do work on their property."

Gray also wore a hat to work that says "U.S. Border Patrol," which he says was a gift from his son.

Arapahoe County officials told Gray the sign and hat must go or else. In a Nov. 10, 2005, letter, his supervisor Monty Sedlak wrote the following:

"Some of your conduct ... is reprehensible and discriminatory to our non-English speaking and/or Hispanic workforce. You are in violation of ... guidelines which ensure a workplace free from harassment and sensitive to the diversity of employees."

"You are required to permanently remove your cap from the workplace. It is offensive and harassing. Your business sign, if on work premises, must be completely covered at all times. This behavior is inappropriate and any further incidents of this nature may result in further disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment."

Andrea Rasizer, spokesperson for Arapahoe County, declined to answer questions, saying the matter was a "personnel issue."

Gray said he believes his First Amendment rights are at stake, and he said he is "not about to surrender."

"I got a new supervisor," said Gray. "He's a politically correct, bleeding heart liberal. I believe in what I'm doing. I got to stand up for what I believe in and I don't think I'm doing a thing wrong. Of course I don't want to lose my job, but I can't back down from something I believe in. Like I say, they're just chipping away at our rights and freedoms."

In response to the County's firing threat, Gray stopped wearing his Border Patrol hat to work and partly covers his business sign at work so that the American flag and the words "English speaking American" are the only things still visible.

The County says that's not enough, but it's as far as Gray is willing to go.

"Why would any American do such a thing as cover up the American flag and something that says you're an American? Its beyond me that anyone could expect me to do that like my employer is."

Gray has hired attorney David Lane, who plans to file an injunction to allow the County worker to resume wearing his hat on the job and fully display his sign.

"What is of concern to me is whether the government of Arapahoe County is violating his Constitutional rights under the First Amendment," Lane said. "When the government tries to put a gag in people's mouths because they don't like the message that's being delivered, I'd do everything in my power to stop that from happening."

Being American is unconstitutional.

Quoted: Being American is unconstitutional.

BEING American is okay, SAYING you are an American is where the problems start

Gah, what a disgrace.  Soon enough, just being a real US citizen will be offensive.

OK Mike Grey, what's your ARFCOM name?

How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday?

Quoted: Gray also wore a hat to work that says "U.S. Border Patrol," which he says was a gift from his son.

 This guy is awesome!

Quoted: "I got a new supervisor," said Gray. "He's a politically correct, bleeding heart liberal. I believe in what I'm doing. I got to stand up for what I believe in and I don't think I'm doing a thing wrong. Of course I don't want to lose my job, but I can't back down from something I believe in. Like I say, they're just chipping away at our rights and freedoms."

Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday?

I have a problem with ATF hats...

I'm offended that people are offended. Does that mean the people who are offended must stop being offended?

Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday?

Yea, WTF???

We should invite that man over here!

Quoted: Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday? Yea, WTF???

Remember, this is the extreme left we are dealing with: the only government agencies that are good are those that support their agenda(ATF,FBI,etc.).

Quoted: I'm offended that people are offended. Does that mean the people who are offended must stop being offended?

I think you have to sue them first

If this doesn't offend you,  You are not paying attention!

Quoted: Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday? Yea, WTF???

I regularly see an illegal that wears a hat that says CIA.........is that offensive?

FUCK ILLEGALS ALIENS AND THE LIBERAL LEFT!

What is really sad is that if the sign said "hablamos español" (If I remember my 10th grade spanish class :) it would be just hunky-dory.

Quoted: I'm offended that people are offended. Does that mean the people who are offended must stop being offended?

I'm offended that you're offended that people are offended.

Quoted: What is really sad is that if the sign said "hablamos español" (If I remember my 10th grade spanish class :) it would be just hunky-dory.

"se habla espanol" used to see them all the time, in Texas most businesses have spanish speaking employees these days

Quoted: Quoted: What is really sad is that if the sign said "hablamos español" (If I remember my 10th grade spanish class :) it would be just hunky-dory. "se habla espanol" used to see them all the time, in Texas most businesses have spanish speaking employees these days

It won't be too long from now and you'll see "We speak English" signs in stores.  

Quoted: Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday? I have a problem with ATF hats...[BD]

Why?






I see nothing wrong with ATF hats???

Quoted: Quoted: I'm offended that people are offended. Does that mean the people who are offended must stop being offended? I'm offended that you're offended that people are offended.

I'm offended that you're offended at me being offended by others being offended by that guy's hat and sign.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: How in the hell can a US Border Patrol hat possibly be offensive?  Isn't it worn by sworn government agents everyday? I have a problem with ATF hats...[BD] Why? images.oldglory.com/product/010473PABCc.jpg www.jmjauto.com/clothing/hats/Marlboro%20Hat.jpg www.winchestergifts.com/images/items/mhatF.jpg I see nothing wrong with ATF hats???

Those are three separate hats.  Combining them all into one is the problem.

BTW, you need an Alliant hat as well now.  It's ATFE.

Quoted: FUCK ILLEGALS ALIENS AND THE LIBERAL LEFT!

Smartest thing i've read all day

Quoted: I'm offended that people are offended. Does that mean the people who are offended must stop being offended?

Yes.  Unless they are offended at the fact that you are offended by the fact thay are offended.  In which case you must stop being offended by the fact that they are offended by by the fact that your are offended by the fact that they are offended.  Got it?


-K

Sounds like the guy is a bit of an instigator.

That being said this is bullshit.  Unsurprising, but bullshit.

I now want a US Boarder Patrol hat.....

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: What is really sad is that if the sign said "hablamos español" (If I remember my 10th grade spanish class :) it would be just hunky-dory. "se habla espanol" used to see them all the time, in Texas most businesses have spanish speaking employees these days It won't be too long from now and you'll see "We speak English" signs in stores.

I've already been to some restaurants that COULDN'T put up a "We speak English" sign

Quoted: I now want a US Boarder Patrol hat.....

+1

I seem to recall many businesses with "hablo espanol" and such.  Which i don;'t mind because its a skill with value, just like a landscaper who speaks English.

I hope this guy gets vindicated.