Even though we are off topic, I think we are on topic. We are talking about the legal loss of our language and culture to others. I have found that the oldest historical books are the best to read; they are not prejudiced or interpretive, they are better written, they are free from humanistic values, and they use superior English. I find them really fascinating and informative as they were written closer to the events about which you want to understand. You notice, also, when you read old records, how well some people wrote- almost calligraphically.This clear writing precedes from a disciplined individual, and preserves history better. Genealogy and family history are about the conservation of records and history from the point of view of the family. It adds to history and connects you to it. If students have no knowledge of their own culture, language, and history, how can they relate to the past at all? How could they write decent journals recording their lives and the lives of their families? How can they run the country with a sense of its founding purpose, and with no understanding of what we represent, or at least used to represent- with no sense of history or culture ? I am reading a very interesting book called "The Fourth Turning." It explains that there are repeating cycles throughout history that are very predictable. You can, if you understand these cycles, see where we are in our own historical cycle and prepare yourself and your children for the future. The American public, the authors explain, have bought the concept of linear history- which means that history is simply a series of disconnected events, and that things always improve. This eliminates any understanding of how our present relates to the past and affects the future. When the linear events become crises events, people tend to think that the line is going down or getting worse and not improving and they have nothing from the past to relate to, or to know how to interpret, understand, or influence the present and future. We are in a period where we need to create outstanding young individuals to face the upcoming events or our cycle. One very important spiritual leader said that the Spanish population is increasing faster in this country than any other and it will be the cause of great problems in the future. You don't lose your identity when you live here, if you learn English. My ancestors probably spoke their original language as well as English, like most of ours, but they were proud to be Americans. I am, too, and I respect all nationalities. I have lived in other countries, and learned their language; it was helpful to have friends who also spoke my language, to assist me. I think we are headed for trouble with what has been happening due to illegal immigration, and no legal need for assimilation. Sue