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Hotel owner tells Hispanic workers to change names

"TAOS, N.M. -- Larry Whitten marched into this northern New Mexico town in late July on a mission: resurrect a failing hotel.

The tough-talking former Marine immediately laid down some new rules. Among them, he forbade the Hispanic workers at the run-down, Southwestern adobe-style hotel from speaking Spanish in his presence (he thought they'd be talking about him), and ordered some to Anglicize their names.

No more Martin (Mahr-TEEN). It was plain-old Martin. No more Marcos. Now it would be Mark.

Whitten's management style had worked for him as he's turned around other distressed hotels he bought in recent years across the country.

The 63-year-old Texan, however, wasn't prepared for what followed."

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1300263.html

By ranaquajo on Oct 26, 2009, 09:07 in Friendly Talkzone.

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 09:51:

It s his hotel he should be able to do whatever he wants. Does not require a judgement call on my part or anyone elses. If you don't like his rules then quit. That is the Colombian way and sure as shit is the way it is in Mexico but how they think they can go north and set the rules different?

All that up in the high life you can have it. False rich, false friends and well a false life. Get down to the bear bones of it and you will find yourself, your friends and your life. Colombia can show you the way if you look...

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ranaquajo says on Oct 26, 2009, 09:55:

..."Taos Mayor Darren Cordova says Whitten wasn't doing anything illegal. But he says Whitten failed to better familiarize himself with the town and its culture before deciding to buy the hotel for $2 million. "Taos is so unique that you would not do anything in Taos that you would do elsewhere," he says."

... nihil declaro .....

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ranaquajo says on Oct 26, 2009, 09:57:

""What kind of fool or idiot or poor businessman would I be to orchestrate this whole crazy thing that's costed me a lot of time, money and aggravation?" Whitten said.

Whitten should have dealt with the situation differently, especially in a majority Hispanic town, said 71-year-old Taos artist Ken O'Neil, while sipping his afternoon coffee on the town's historic plaza.

"To make demands like he did just seems over the top," he says. "Nobody won here. It's not always about winning. Sometimes, it's about what you learn.""

... nihil declaro .....

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wabbits says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:11:

at oneforyourmillion: It -is- highly amusing and ironic that latino culture is brazenly ageist, sexist, and racist in hiring practices here at home, but when they get to the states suddenly everyone demands political correctness.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:13:

hmmmm, sounds like some good old fashioned logic to me..................

GET R DONE!

Cassie eats cockroaches

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:16:

They protested out front his hotel, that is nothing? I did read the article. Yea right would they do that in Mexico? jiji Get real!

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:22:

if they would just put done the tacos and get to work, it would be a completely different story.......... in my books.

Cassie eats cockroaches

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Simon says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:23:

This fokin' redneck is probably a member of the KKK!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Forbes19 says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:27:

it amazes me how oblivious people are to the difference between people born in Latin American countries and Americans who have Latin American roots. basic apples and oranges if you've lived in the US and in Latin America.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:30:

so what you are saying is that not all beaners are created equal???

Cassie eats cockroaches

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:38:

yea everyone is free except the business owner. Take that socialist commie crap and well place it somewhere dark and warm.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:43:

i'm no racist. i get along with all ethnics. my gardner is even honduran. hell, we even let him bathe in the waterhose when he finished digging the pool last summer. sheesh! some people are way too sensitive!

by the way, i tried on one of those white hoods a year ago for kicks and the damn thing would not fit over my beard! jajajajajajajajaja!!!!!!

Cassie eats cockroaches

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Mononoke28 says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:46:

I read this article this morning and I can honestly say that this guy's level of ignorance made me chuckle, it really did.

Diana

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Simon says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:53:

These responses remind of all those ignorant a-holes who have defended Bob Griese's taco remark. It seems like certain people have a problem with minorities standing up and expressing their outrage every time they're disparaged. They want to keep us within the confines of their stereotypes, but fear our voices of protest, which are a sign of our growing power.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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theflatline says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:57:

Well, the level of Spanish spoken in New Mexico is atrocious, it is on par with New York Puerto Rican.

And while the old dude was not PC, in the end it is his hotel.

It just does not pay to be white anymore. You can't tell anyone what to do, but they all sure want to run whitey around.

It is also extremely rude in some cases to speak in another language in front of people, especially if you are in the service industry.

Mexicans have a huge problem with this. I had a really good looking girlfriend who was Portuguese and Italian, and looked latina as all get out. Then you got my brown ass.

On three separate occasions we went to Mexican restaurants and waiters were two feet away were talking about her tits and ass and what they would like to do to her.

Like they would not realize that the guy who ordered in spanish, might speak it. And we both look like we got of the banana boat.

Photobucket

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 11:02:

don't take it personal, simon. i like you. you can come mow my yard anytime bro.

chill

Cassie eats cockroaches

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theflatline says on Oct 26, 2009, 11:03:

I think I found a video of him.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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njc (Dev team) says on Oct 26, 2009, 11:10:

Yeah, I can't count how many Asians in the US named "Eugene" I've met. At least Hispanic names have cognates that sound like names from this century.

Ah, and I wonder what John and Mary in the Indian call center did about this.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:40:

And you can ask them not to speak Spanish in front of you and they can tell you to go fuck yourself. And then everyone goes their separate ways hopefully. That is the US"

yes that was the US. Now what you have is a bunch of people who feel they are owed special privilages. They protest and ruin anyone who does not go along with that.

You know what I think I am owed as an American born citizen? To be able to stop for directions in South Florida and have someone around who speaks fokin English! jaja Oh sorry did that offend someone? Am I going to be protested now? jaja

Too bad this guy was not a little more ignorant he would have hired some thugs to go beat these people protesting his rules in his place that he paid for while paying the people to work with his money. Yep hired their heads smashed in like watermelons...those days they are a commin

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:44:

I am sorry but I get you I just don't agree with you. The man has the right to have the people do what he wants while he is paying them. If they don't like that then well they can leave him alone, not protest him to change him, his policies which are not breaking any laws. Get it yet?

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:48:

A right is one thing a reason is another. get it yet?

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:57:

No they lost their jobs because they did not follow the rules. I deal with China all the time and all those employees have names like John and Mark and whatever, they change them for work. I agree that is a bit extreme but no Spanish is not. If you have ever paid an employee a salary you would see it different. The employees do not make the rules, the owner makes the rules. It is his money on the line if it does not work, not the employees. So they lost their job and wanted to make sure the owner lost his as well. Now yes this is very Latino! The thing that is missing in the equation in the US is the other part where they get put into a hole in the ground by the owner who got his hotel taken away.....

So they are all up about their rights. The Constition does not gaurantee you a job. You have a right to persue happiness just like the owner does. If your pursuit can't happen working for this guy get another job.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:01:

they wanted to make the rules and tell the owner how to operate his business and that is why they protested. That is no where in the constitution of the United States of America. That is why they protested. They could have just got another job.

Am I alone on this? Damn why I left the US. jaja

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:09:

The tea was different they were being taxed without representation. This guy was paying them, not robbing them. "boundaries set by society" I am glad you used those words. Because I think that is where the US is today and it is what is destroying the US it is not what made it. What made it was invention, creativity, the right of the individual, without those rights you don't have the former.

The individual rights of the worker are to quite and go somewher eelse.

The individual rights of the owner are to run his business however he wants.

That is America! To me anyway but I know it is changing and my America is going bye bye. I enjoy the freedoms here in Colombia. The freedoms of the individual. Sometimes it fall outside the legal or the law but it is acceptable and we all pursue happiness.

Who is to say what society accepts and does not? You? Me? See this is dangerous because when we do this then rules get made based on one group of peoples beleifs over anothers. This is called Socialism.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:10:

BTW, that new restaurant is called Marques, and is a training facility for SENA people to learn to be chefs and maseros.Looks first class inside. will try to get by their to eat this week. Hope they have good instructors....=)

"So Many PBH Potatoheads.......So Little Time"......El Titiritero (The Puppeteer).....www.slapdoll.com

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:12:

Yes it was nice to debate this with you. ;) I got to go hang some "protesters" now.... jiji I mean employees. (kidding)

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:31:

ok, it opens at 6 pm so i will have the secretary confirm this...

"So Many PBH Potatoheads.......So Little Time"......El Titiritero (The Puppeteer).....www.slapdoll.com

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:38:

Bad News, brah.....Open Wed-Sat only, lunch 12-2pm, and 6pm-10 pm......this wednesday at 6 pm ish?

"So Many PBH Potatoheads.......So Little Time"......El Titiritero (The Puppeteer).....www.slapdoll.com

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Rocco81 says on Oct 26, 2009, 16:24:

Simon...relax dude. WW is only teasing you. Besides those Chicanos would not spare your Colombiano behind one second of ridicule, so its not a Brown vs. everyone else thing. They care about as much for Colombianos as they do for redneck Americanos.

I agree with Anti that atleast in the USA the guy can do what he wants at his Hotel and likewise the employees have the right to leave, protest ,etc. Regardless of his motivations to do what he did, he's free to do it and they are free to fight against it.

I think it was very foolish for that guy to ask his employees to change names, but I also know that if the shoe were on the other foot and an English speaking hotel employee couldn't speak the local language he would have never been given the job to walk away from to begin with.

Sic semper tyrannis

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Rocco81 says on Oct 26, 2009, 16:28:

Yes OFYM...I also see your point here as well BTW.

Sic semper tyrannis

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 17:02:

rocco - he takes the bait every time. i would not have better luck shooting fish in a barrel.

Cassie eats cockroaches

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capt_j says on Oct 26, 2009, 18:05:

I think Mexican culture and attitudes should not be compared to Latin American culture and attitudes in general. Mexico seems to combine the worst aspects of US and Latin American culutre with few of the positive aspects of either.

Mexican Americans are indeed touchy and self righteous about many things. Not that they ever show anybody else, inculding each other, the elaborate courtesy and deference they demand from white people.

Hotel is in trouble. Guy who is experienced at turning around hotels buys it and tries to make some changes. Employees get medieval on his ass. My crystal ball says the guy gives up, sells the hotel at a loss, somebody else comes in and fires everybody and starts from scratch. It sounds like a series of owners who liked the idea of a hotel in Taos have been humoring the employees. After this I don't think another sucker is going to come along.

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David Pristupa says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:24:

Change my name WHY? Nobody can spell it right anyway! :-D

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:32:

funny! to both of the above!

Cassie eats cockroaches

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miamimike says on Oct 26, 2009, 21:33:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:40 (today): flag

And you can ask them not to speak Spanish in front of you and they can tell you to go fuck yourself. And then everyone goes their separate ways hopefully. That is the US"

yes that was the US. Now what you have is a bunch of people who feel they are owed special privilages. They protest and ruin anyone who does not go along with that.

You know what I think I am owed as an American born citizen? To be able to stop for directions in South Florida and have someone around who speaks fokin English! jaja Oh sorry did that offend someone? Am I going to be protested now? jaja

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Don't stop at the Walmart here in Hialeah asking for directions in English. You have a long wait for that!

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capt_j says on Oct 26, 2009, 18:05 (today): flag

I think Mexican culture and attitudes should not be compared to Latin American culture and attitudes in general. Mexico seems to combine the worst aspects of US and Latin American culutre with few of the positive aspects of either
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Capt-- I vigorously disagree.I think Cuban Culture and attitudes should NOT be combined to LA Culture in General. Cubans seem to combine the worst aspects of US & LA Culture with few positive aspects of either. If you want to see how much Cubans don't assimilate into US Society, take a ride thru Hialeah or Little Havana on the 4th of July or Memorial Day and see how few American Flags are displayed honoring our Independence day. Same for the Upcoming Veterans' day Nov 11.

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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Rocco81 says on Oct 26, 2009, 22:51:

I might have to say the Puerto Ricans are the Worst....go to NY and check that out. I mean I know some cool PR folks but damn..what is with this PR pride shit. They go ape shit.

Mike, as far as Cubans there is a difference from the 'newer' Cubanos and the original wave of Cubanos that came (atleast what I have been made to understand) they claim that the original enemies of Castro were educated, wealthy, mostly white Cubans who assimilated pretty quickly where as the newer influx seems to be none of those things.

If you want to get picky about Latin America you could say Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Chile lead South / Centro America when you talk about lack of Corruption, better educations, better jobs etc. Pretty much everywhere else falls far behind those 4. And even they are not perfect. compared to the rest I guess they are fairly safe and advanced. Maybe that is why they're not heading here in droves?

Sic semper tyrannis

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miamimike says on Oct 27, 2009, 05:27:

No, Chile leads the way in lack of corruption for SA Govt(chile) is the most transparent in SA and the most improved as far as diminished corruption in SA. In the latest round of Massive Medicare Fraud here in Mimi(ground zero for US medicare fraud) we see Cubans from all age brackets participating from 75 to 25. Same for illegal immigrant smuggling from ths island. The Older So Called Enemies of Castro are just as crooked as the younger Mariel and later arrivals who get most of the blame. As far as assimilation into our society, I have neighbors in my hallway from Cuba who have been here since 1962 and cannot(by their own choice) speak hardly a word of English. They do NOT celebrate our Holidays(Thanksgiving, 4th of july ect). They claim they are the most succesful of any Immigrant groups(over colombians, mexicans ect) but they fail to mention they get the biggest Handout and hand-up from our Government over any other immigrant groups(on things such as fast track permenent residency, food stamps, medicare, medicaid, free transit passes, free or reduced college tuition, USDA Food Stamps ect ect ect). Biggest change in this group are the younger college educated Cubans who have moved away from Miami and these tend to have Political Ideas 180 degree different then their abuelos.

http://en.mercopress.com/2007/09/26/chile-and-uruguay-least-corrupt-co...

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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miamimike says on Oct 27, 2009, 05:31:

From above Link:

"The CPI ranks Chile with 7 points, position 22; Uruguay and Spain with 6.7 (25); Costa Rica, 5; Cuba, 4.2 (61); Salvador, 4 (67); Colombia, 3.8 (68); Brazil, Mexico and Peru, 3.5; Argentina, 2.9; Bolivia, 2.9; Nicaragua, 2.6; Paraguay, 2.4; Ecuador, 2.1; Venezuela, 2 and Haiti, 1.6.

“Despite some gains, corruption remains an enormous drain on resources sorely needed for education, health and infrastructure,“ said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International. “Low scoring countries need to take these results seriously and act now to strengthen accountability in public institutions. But action from top scoring countries is just as important, particularly in cracking down on corrupt activity in the private sector.“

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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Rocco81 says on Oct 27, 2009, 08:15:

BTW Mike, I think what I said is about the same as what you reported with the exception of Argentina...(I didn't place my list in any sort of order .. it was off the top of my head)

Sic semper tyrannis

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Aji1 says on Oct 27, 2009, 13:10:

To me it is no different than if I owned a french restaurant and I required all employees to use a french name and name tag and to speak with a cheesy french accent. I am entitled as the owner to steer the ship where I want and to where I think it will find profitability. Also, what I am asking is not a big offense against someones perceived right as an employee.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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Mononoke28 says on Oct 27, 2009, 13:49:

I understand that as the owner of the place the guy can ask whatever he wants from his employees. However, firing them for not wanting to change their names from Marcos to Mark or from Martín to Martin, is considered discrimination which is against the law. Same goes for firing someone for speaking a different language other than English in the workplace.

Diana

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Rocco81 says on Oct 27, 2009, 18:28:

You know one thing that we should repeal is the forced hiring by ethnicity or gender. Its a little crazy to think that we outlawed descrimination in schools, hospitals, workplaces etc only to completely turn it around and force our citizens to hire people of all walks of life regardless of background or skill.

I mean let the business man dig his own grave or build his own empire depending on how he recruits or performs. I mean if I somehow thought it would be a great idea to only hire I dunno..specifically Chinese males let's say, then its my choice. Let the market drive my success or failure. If I fall completely flat its my own fault.

I'm just libertarian enough to think that the Gov't should not force me to hire people solely because of thier color or gender, like they do now.

Sic semper tyrannis

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Juepaje says on Oct 28, 2009, 05:20:

Simon says,"This fokin' redneck is probably a member of the KKK!"

Simon says, "Hey Whitewidow, you racist piece of #$%, why don't you put your hood back on and go burn a cross instead of infesting this board!"

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

“If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?”-Will Rogers

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 28, 2009, 06:12:

ROLFLMAO Juep

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Juepaje says on Oct 28, 2009, 17:38:

In topless bars I have heard that the women also have to change their names like to Destiny, Brittany, Heather, Sunny, etc... Where are the protesters for these defensless souls? Do Hooters girls use their real names?

“If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?”-Will Rogers

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