[Overpaid Slacker]

Jeff.. that was funny.

I'd read a different article about this topic a couple of days ago, with much fulminating about how the sign "discourages people" from a "public accommodation". OMFG -- Geno's is now a public work, a service to which all are entitled? Are you FKM?

The city's Commission on Human Relations chairman, Rev. James S. Allen Sr., said "the issue is not whether anyone has been denied service, but that such a sign discourages people from coming asking for service." WTFF?!? So he's effectively concerned that Geno's is going to lose business b/c the the "issue" is that people will go elsewhere ... for a cheesesteak. This is not for medical care, public assistance, equal protection or any "right", it's for a freaking sandwich, hoagie, submarine, grinder, po'boy, etc.

It is a private business, and if Geno's wants to risk having non-English speaking people (that can somehow read the English-language sign) decide to eat at Pat's King of Steaks right across the street, then it's his risk to take.

What of the "Bush Sux" or Wacked-Out Lib crap in windows of 25% of the stores on South Street? Does that make it any more a "hostile" environment to me... discouraging me from a "public accommodation"?

All the freaking sign says is "This is AMERICA ... WHEN ORDERING SPEAK ENGLISH." Not "go home wetback", "screw you, Muslim" or "Take a walk, nigga". And it doesn't say you won't be served if you don't speak English; in fact the proprietor claims never to have declined service based on English fluency, to anybody.

This sign actually reads to me like "I don't feel like learning all of your other tongues; you're in my country, speak mine."

[City Councilman] Kenney said yesterday. "I just think it's mean-spirited and divisive, and it's not good for the city's image."

Well then, genius, you'd better cancel every home Eagles game. From a Seahawks fan that attended the Eagles drubbing in their own stadium last season!!! In a Seahawks jersey.

JP