From a news report by Marcey Brightwell, taken from SacBee.com:

An immigrant himself, [Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger] said immigrants should work hard, learn English and immerse themselves in America.

"And that is very difficult for some people to do, especially, I think, for Mexicans," Schwarzenegger said. "Because they are so close to their country here, so they try to stay Mexican but try to be in America, so there is this kind of back and forth. And what I am saying to the Mexicans is, you've got to go and immerse yourself, and assimilate into the American culture, and become part of the American fabric. That is how Americans will embrace you."

Just imagine the turmoil that caused.

But you know what? I'm sick of all the "politically correct police" out there. Sure, he may have singled out a certain race and put a blatant stereotype upon it, but does anyone listen to what he is actually saying?

Assimilation is an extremely important idea that needs to be exercised by the various cultures that have come to America. Does assimilation mean they need to leave their culture at the border, buy a big SUV and eat at least 3 meals a week at McDonalds? No. It does entail learning to read, write and speak English and learning and abiding by the laws of the land. If an immigrant is unwilling to do that, they can't be an American and should go back to the country from whence they came, harsh as that may sound.

I'm tired of America not helping cultures assimilate by creating bilingual materials. All this does is promote the idea that they don't have to learn English. A common language is what holds a country together. Without it, a country's strength is compromised.

Should Arnold have singled out one race and placed a stereotype on them? Maybe not in public, but he's not a politician. He's a real person. He speaks his mind. And he has a pretty good point worth consideration, even if he might offend a couple people.

And I hope to goodness this didn't offend anyone out there...