A friend sent this to me. I don't know if it is true or not. If nothing else, it's a good read.
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WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH?
An officer in the U.S. Naval reserve was attending a conference that
included admirals from both the U.S. Navy and the French Navy. At a
cocktail reception, he found himself in a small group that included
personnel from both Navy's.
The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned
many languages, Americans learned only English.
He then asked: "Why is it that we have to speak English in these
conferences rather than you speak French?"
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because
the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you would
not have to speak German."
The group became silent.
"AMERICA - Land of the FREE and Home of the BRAVE"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH?
An officer in the U.S. Naval reserve was attending a conference that
included admirals from both the U.S. Navy and the French Navy. At a
cocktail reception, he found himself in a small group that included
personnel from both Navy's.
The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned
many languages, Americans learned only English.
He then asked: "Why is it that we have to speak English in these
conferences rather than you speak French?"
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because
the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you would
not have to speak German."
The group became silent.
"AMERICA - Land of the FREE and Home of the BRAVE"