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 Local Profiles 
Monolingualism Can Be Cured
a profile of columnist Domenico Maceri
While not a Puerto Vallarta resident, Domenico Maceri is a professor of Romance languages at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria California, who's understanding of languages and cultures has made him one of our readers' favorite columnists.
| | A Professor of Romance languages, columnist Domenico Maceri is a published author and columnist who contributes to International publications, including BanderasNews. |
Domenico Maceri was born in Italy where he received his early training in languages. When he was fifteen, he moved with his family to the US, knowing only a few words of English.
After graduating from Cliffside Park High School in New Jersey, he continued his studies in languages and literatures at Jersey City State College in New Jersey. At Jersey City State College he completed a BA in French with minors in Italian and Spanish.
He later completed a master’s degree at UCLA where he also taught Italian. He did more graduate studies in Spanish and French at California State University in Northridge, and later completed a PhD in Comparative Literature (Italian, French, and Spanish) at the University of California in Santa Barbara.
He is the author of a book on Pirandello, one on Spanish grammar, and another on Italian grammar. He has also published a number of articles which appeared in World Literature Today, Italian Quarterly, Hispania, Teacher Magazine, Mosaic, Italian Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Hispanic Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, L’Unità, Vista Magazine, The Washington Times, La Opinión, The Japan Times, Language Magazine, and elsewhere.
His Italian-language column is published by Opinione delle Libertà (Rome) and often appears in other Italian newspapers in the US and Canada. He is professor of Romance languages at Allan Hancock College, in Santa Maria, CA. He teaches classes onsite and online. He is the only college instructor in California to teach both first and second year Italian courses online.
Domenico lives in San Luis Obispo, CA, with his wife Linda and their two kids Angelo and Lucia. He drives a Toyota Tercel with a bumper sticker that says “Monolingualism Can Be Cured.”
The Pope and Illegal Immigration
 Domenico Maceri
I don't care if you're infallible or not. It's bad manners. That's how Lou Dobbs, the anchor of Lou Dobbs Tonight on CNN, described the comments Pope Benedict XVI made on immigration during the Pontiff's recent visit to the United States.
US Deports Parents of Dead Soldiers
 Domenico Maceri
Three years after U.S. Army Private Armando Soriano, 20, died fighting in Haditha, Iraq, his father is facing deportation. Soriano is now buried in Houston, Tex., his hometown, where his parents, undocumented workers from Mexico, are currently living.
Population Decrease: Solution to Illegal Immigration?
 Domenico Maceri
In the 60’s Italians emigrated to other countries in search of jobs. Today, due to population changes, people from other countries are looking for work in Italy. Will the same thing happen to Mexico in the near future, solving the immigration “problem” the U.S. faces?
Immigration Laws: Federal or Local?
 Domenico Maceri
Although a 1976 Supreme Court decision made clear that immigration is the “exclusive” power of the federal government, some local communities feel they have no choice but creating their own laws.
Immigration Reform: Waiting Until Next Time
 Domenico Maceri
Although undocumented workers “lost” in the failed attempt at immigration reform, they in fact may have gained since the bill was not that immigrant friendly, but certainly much better than the nasty Congress bill of 2005.
USA: Bilingual or Multilingual?
 Domenico Maceri
Multilingualism reflects the energy of America which in spite of all its problems continues to attract people from all over the world. Once America achieves full monolingualism it will mean immigration has ended. America’s decline will therefore begin.
Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants?
 Domenico Maceri
Undocumented workers living in the US typically stay away from doctors and hospitals for fear that the information they provide will be used to deport them. Yet, in spite of their precarious residential status, undocumented workers have basic rights which include some form of healthcare.
Universal Health: The Republican Plan
 Domenico Maceri
Steve Burd, president and CEO of Safeway supermarkets, is leading a coalition of 36 American companies to launch a political campaign to control healthcare costs but at the same time to cover all Californians.
Illegal Immigrants Pay Taxes
 Domenico Maceri
“We want your money whether you are here legally or not,” stated recently Mark W. Everson, the commissioner of the I.R.S. The myth is that undocumented workers don’t pay taxes, but in fact they do so, voluntarily and sometimes involuntarily.
An Italian-American for President?
 Domenico Maceri
If Giuliani manages to win the GOP nomination, we could have the first Italian-American residing in the White House. But before taking his case to all to Americans, he’ll have to win the Republican nomination.
Capitalism: When Workers are Objects
 Domenico Maceri
After twenty years of working for Circuit City in Roanoke, Virginia, Bobby Young was fired. He was not the only one. Three other workers were fired in Oxnard, CA. Their ages were 57, 59 and 66 - all senior employees who were making too much money.
Richardson: El Presidente USA?
 Domenico Maceri
Although members of minority groups have run for president of the U.S., their chances of winning the White House were always very small. In the 2008 election it is going to be different since several candidates belonging to “disadvantaged” groups are serious contenders.
Illegal Workers or Convicts?
 Domenico Maceri
After having passed some of the toughest laws against illegal immigration, some Colorado officials are beginning to have second thoughts about them because fearful workers are leaving the state. As a result, Colorado farmers don’t have enough people to pick their crops.
California’s Primary: Toward a National Election?
 Domenico Maceri
Only five nations in the world had a GDP larger than California in 2005. The latest figures suggest that the state still has a strong economy which could easily rival that of many western European nations such as Italy, Spain, Russia, and even France.
U.S. Citizen, Illegal Mother
 Domenico Maceri
Asked if he wants to live in Mexico, Saul said “no.” Why would he? Seven-year old Saul was born in the U.S. and his friends and his school are in Chicago. So is his mom. Except that she is an illegal immigrant who has received deportation orders.
Edwards: The True Democratic Candidate?
 Domenico Maceri
John Edwards became wealthy with his work as a lawyer in personal injury cases fighting against insurance companies. Edwards was not afraid of going after the legal eagles of corporations. It seems that he will pick up his David-vs.-Goliath role in the presidential election.
More Immigration, Less Crime?
 Domenico Maceri
Is it true that immigrants are causing crime to rise in the US? A recent study by Robert Sampson of Harvard University found the number of violent criminal acts among Mexican-Americans is much lower than that of other ethnic groups - including whites.
Schwarzenegger: Anti-Immigrant?
 Domenico Maceri
“Those comments are disturbing to many of us,” stated Arnoldo Torres, who worked in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reelection campaign last year. Torres was referring to the California governor’s remarks on immigration and Mexicans which were made public by the Los Angeles Times.
America’s Languages: Tower of Babel or Asset?
 Domenico Maceri
Forty-seven million residents of the US speak a language other than English at home, according to figures of the US Census. That’s one in five Americans - and a serious problem for Americans who believe in the concept "one language, one country."
Schwarzenegger: Veering Left?
 Domenico Maceri
John Garamendi introduced the governor of California with the adjective "courageous." Garamendi, a Democrat, the newly-elected lieutenant governor of the Golden State was of course talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, who was also reelected in the November election.
Healthcare for All Americans?
 Domenico Maceri
It is estimated that 47 million Americans do not have health insurance. But people in the US are beginning to talk about healthcare as a right for everyone - instead of a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it.
You Can’t Abuse Immigrants
 Domenico Maceri
“Hopefully this sends a message that you can’t point a gun at little kids,” stated Ronald Morales, referring to a jury’s verdict which convicted Roger Barnett of threatening a hunting party that he took for illegal immigrants with an assault rifle.
Illegal Children or U.S. Citizens?
 Domenico Maceri
“By virtue of being born in the United States, a child is a U.S. citizen. What more proof does the federal government need?” asked S. Kimberly Belshe, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. Belshe was questioning the new federal policy which states that children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants with low incomes no longer qualify automatically for health insurance through Medicaid.
Switzerland: Too Many Languages?
 Domenico Maceri
Unlike some other countries which try to stick to one language, the presence of several languages in the country has not prevented the Swiss from establishing a strong economy and a high standard of living for its citizens. The Swiss, in fact, have used their multilingualism and multiculturalism as a strength.
Barack Obama: An African-American for President?
 Domenico Maceri
Speaking on international affairs is a requirement for a potential presidential candidate. And Barack Obama may be one. If he were elected, Obama, a charismatic politician, would be America's first African-American president.
A Living Wage?
 Domenico Maceri
“Sí se puede” chanted the hotel workers in a recent meeting at the Los Angeles City Council. Workers were applauding the council’s vote, which will require hotels near Los Angeles International Airport to pay a “living wage” of at least $10.64 an hour.
Bush Speaks Latinos’ Language
 Domenico Maceri
“Quiero sus botas” (I want your boots) said George W. Bush to a group of Latinos in the presidential election of 2000. Bush meant to say “votos” (votes) instead of “botas,” his mistake reflecting a weak knowledge of the Spanish language.
Immigration Reform: Finally?
 Domenico Maceri
Now that Democrats have regained control of Congress, President George Bush will have to compromise in the last two years of his term. One area where compromise won’t be necessary is immigration reform. |
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