In your own unique way, Gary; you have expressed my feelings exactly. Whom are we to say that others should learn and speak our language properly when we cannot do so ourselves? Very hypocritical!
On the other hand, I believe it's actually about better assimilation into American society more than anything else as to the reason immigrants should make an effort to do so.
I don't believe it's about any threats from Sharon (or any others); but respect does have a point. I think we all understand that America is a land of immigrants and probably always will be. We can (and do) respect those that make the effort to learn the common language.
Another point does rear its ugly head. Why is it; as Gary pointed out, that as passionately as Americans feel on this very topic; that we cannot speak proper English ourselves? Isn't this just "the pot calling the kettle black"?
Please remember, people; that what we call "our language" is mostly a myth. How many words in the English language do not have origin in another country? Not many; if any at all. Please notice that I said "English language" and not "American" language. The ruth is that we have no language of our own; but have a common language mostly borrowed from immigrants and the countries from which they emigtrated. Perhaps the "Ebonics" language and colloqials used by so much of the Black youth of today could be termed as American; but I can't think of much else.