Quotation Vexation

Dear Statesman Journal, Associated Press and McMinnville News Register:

Yesterday after I published this blog post at Loaded Orygun, my eagle-eyed blog partner spotted a problem.

The Associated Press reporter (via the Statesman Journal) attributed a quote to David Molina, a Beaverton businessman who sits on the Oregon Commission for Hispanic Affairs:

"They're trying to be attentive to their conservative base. Why else would they bring this up?" asked David Molina, a Beaverton businessman who sits on the Oregon Commission for Hispanic Affairs.

Mike Davis, a University of California historian and co-author of the book "No One is Illegal," said the English-only movement feeds on historical misunderstandings and silly paranoia.

English, he said, is the fastest-growing language on the planet and far from endangered.

"Why then English only? Because it allows racists and nativists to pursue their dirty business with the plausible denial that they are not advocating discrimination, only Americanism," Molina said.

The McMinnville News-Register carries essentially the same story on January 20, but attributes that quote to historian Mike Davis of the University of California:

Mike Davis, a University of California historian and co-author of the book "No One is Illegal," said the English-only movement feeds on historical misunderstandings and "silly paranoia."

English, he said, is the most rapidly and aggressively growing language on the planet, which hardly merits putting it in the "endangered" camp.

"Why then English only?" he asked rhetorically. "Because it allows racists and nativists to pursue their dirty business with the plausible denial that they are not advocating discrimination, only Americanism."

We would appreciate clarification on which person made the statement. We want to make sure they are properly credited and any appropriate retraction made at Loaded Orygun.

Sincerely,
Carla
LoadedOrygun.com