Press 1 For Asshole

There’s an article in today’s Inquirer about the immigration debate, but that’s not really what it’s about. It’s an article about assholes, and how they run some of our more popular local businesses.

Or, really, only one. The asshole in question here is Joe Vento, owner of Geno’s, who has a sign on his window that says “This is America. When Ordering, Speak English.” Vento certainly has every right to run his business how he pleases, since this is America! But we (fortunately) all have the right to mock him, call him an asshole and wonder why someone pointing to ‘provolone’ would get you all riled up?

Vento doesn’t limit his assholic behaviors to Geno’s, though:

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. [...]

“They want us to adapt to these people. What do you mean, ‘Press 1 for Spanish’? English, period. Case closed. End of discussion. You better make it the official language.”

Ahh, yes, the old American tradition of going around a neighborhood and blasting your stereo and telling your neighbors you hate them. And, really, is there anything more American than getting all worked up about having to spend a half-second pressing ‘1′ for English? God Bless America!

Also, how does a deaf person order at Geno’s?

Thanks to The 14th Windiest State for the image, although I think Joe Vento only has one mood.

An old struggle to adapt to a new country’s ways [Inky]