DEAR ABBY: Perhaps you will indulge me by printing one more letter regarding the English/Spanish controversy.
I have been unable to obtain work in Southern California despite 14 years' experience, excellent references and a willingness to work. The reason: I cannot speak Spanish.
Property management is my specialty. After attending classes for seven years while working full time, I received all of the certification that the National Apartment Association offers.
Advertisements in the papers state, "bilingual only need apply." Why must an American-born, English-speaking person be required to speak a foreign language to qualify for employment? I would like to see your response, and perhaps the response of others who have been denied employment because they speak only English. -- UNHAPPILY RETIRED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEAR UNHAPPILY RETIRED: Employers must be practical. Because California has a large Spanish-speaking population and many businesses depend on Spanish-speaking customers and subcontractors, they need employees who can speak Spanish. It's a matter of economics.