In today's Inquirer (Best to read it every day!), there's a story which looks at the current debate about immigration reform within a proper historical context. The sources for the article?

1. Political scientist from the Brookings Institution.
2. An historian specializing in Ellis Island and early American immigration.
3. University of Chicago historian and author of a book about the subject.
4. The owner of a cheesesteak place here in Phila. which has signs all around saying "This is America. When Ordering, Speak English."

"If you can't tell me what you want, I can't serve you," he said. "It's up to you. If you can't read, if you can't say the word cheese, how can I communicate with you - and why should I have to bend?

"I got a business to run."

Vento, who lives in Shamong, put up the signs when the immigration debate seized national headlines six months ago.

With Geno's Steaks tattooed on his arm, Vento is used to publicizing things, especially what's on his mind. Speak English signs also poster his Hummer. He has driven through South Philadelphia blaring through the SUV's P.A. system denunciations of neighborhood business owners who hire illegal immigrants.

"I say what everybody's thinking but is afraid to say," Vento said.

Well, then, okay. By that same token, I say that I don't think that your cheesesteaks are very good.