By Nick Lewis
RICHMOND — Several weeks ago three Lexington television stations aired news segments about our announcement of publishing a bilingual column in the Richmond Register.
We were surprised at the attention we received and the buzz it created. As a result of this, we decided to take it one step further and produce a complete bilingual page in English and Spanish. En Español debuted two weeks ago; our second bilingual page is again anchored on the back of our Living Section today with a column by Madison County School Superintendent Mike Caudill.
I have received e-mails that describe it as not only a bold and progressive move, but a smart move. I couldn't agree more. Comments from the community forums on our Web site have been mostly positive and supports the feedback we have been receiving. However, for those who don't agree with our venture into providing a means of facilitating cultural diversity in Madison County, we certainly respect your opinion, but also encourage you to have an open mind.
This emerging segment of our population impacts all of us in one way or another and it's not going away. The influx of Hispanic immigrants to America is a national problem with no easy solutions. Undocumented immigrants impact our society with both positive and negative consequences; it will continue to do so until a solution agreeable to the American people is reached.
This controversial issue has been self-created by America with its "open-arms" policy. America is the land of opportunity and freedom; immigrants, legal or not, desire that. This issue is what it is and we must embrace it with an open mind.
I've penned a column and an editorial that doesn't support the illegal entry into this great nation by any immigrants. That hasn't changed one bit.
However, we do realize the significance of the growing Hispanic market and we will try to capitalize on what opportunities it may bring.
Editor Jim Todd is due all the credit for his bold decision to move forward with this page. The Richmond Register is very proud that we took this step and as far as we know, is the first to do so by an all-English newspaper publication in Kentucky.
It is my belief that in any business you must be progressive and take risks.
You must think out of the box and adjust to market changes. That's why White Oak Pond Church and St. Mark Catholic Church offer Spanish services.
The reason is a very simple one. Those who don't change will likely wither away; those that do will likely continue to flourish. I like the latter and that's why we will continue take progressive moves to secure the future of the Richmond Register.
En Español is one of those moves and one that we hope facilitates cultural diversity to improve the quality of life in Madison County.
Nick Lewis is publisher of the Richmond Register. He can be reached a nlewis@cnhi.com or 624-6682.
