Should English Be Our National Language?

So what about voting? That is part of the governmental process. Ballots need to be printed. What about the speeches of foreign dignitaries who refuse to speak English in Congress when they make their public policy speeches? Who will translate for the Congressional record? And what if certain Congressional members ask a question in a language other than English?

[edit on 21-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Yup. And if a person can't understand a candidates speech, how can they be expected to intelligently vote for or against them? Demand that I pay for a transcript in their language? If they want to pay for the translation, they have every right to do so. They do not have the right to demand that I pay for it.

What about the UN publications? Those are governmental processes. The U.S. is part of the U.N. Knowing that one of the headquarters is in New York, how do you think governmental business will get done if the other party doesn't know English?

[edit on 21-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Uhm... I'm no expert on UN affairs, but I'm pretty sure they fall under a different jurisdiction.

Besides, they have those nifty translatomatic headphones.

I kind of see what you're saying about the governmental relations. But, I need to specifically do some more research on this matter.

I still think the English Only Law is quite extreme for its intentions, though.

What about the speeches of foreign dignitaries who refuse to speak English in Congress when they make their public policy speeches? Who will translate for the Congressional record?

And making English the official language will prevent this from happening exactly how again?

I see that some are also trying to twist this debate into an "English-only" argument. I haven't seen people advocating that; I've only seen the allegations.

[edit on 21-5-2006 by jsobecky]

Originally posted by ceci2006What about the UN publications? Those are governmental processes. The U.S. is part of the U.N. Knowing that one of the headquarters is in New York, how do you think governmental business will get done if the other party doesn't know English?

What?!

Staunch “English only” laws compared to what has currently passed the US Senate which states “English is the common unifying language of the United States” differ immensely from each other at relative cores and exist separately at opposite ends of the spectrum.

No one in the Senate or House is seriously stating, advocating or demanding the eradication of any or all ‘foreign’ languages at the US federal level or on US soil. No one is going to be renaming cities, items on sushi menus, schools, libraries, highways, streets, churches, soccer teams, etcetera…good grief!

Article

Speaking with confidence, international business is handled substantially in English and overseas US official federal business is conducted primarily in English regardless of the host country. The US did not create English as the common diplomatic and business language…this the British did when they owned half the planet and it stuck.

English as a ‘World Language’ Forecast, BBC.

So why not look at it this way...those that learn English will be advancing themselves.

mg

Dick Durbin brought up this point on the floor two days ago when debating the Inhofe Amendment. He explained along with his colleague Ken Salazar about how the Amendment would affect governmental relations. He also related that Mr. Inhofe remarkably speaks Spanish well. And he used it on the floor during the time Atty. Gen. Gonzales was being nominated. Mr. Durbin pointedly said that by what the Inhofe Amendment proposes would make Mr. Inhofe's speech to Mr. Gonzales illegal.

And of course, this is what Senator Lindsay Graham said:

Immigration Measure Said Likely to Pass
"We are trying to make an assimilation statement," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of two dozen senators who voted Thursday for both proposals.

(An assimilation statement? Sounds like wiping out another's culture to me.)

The List of Hypocrises from those who support the English Only Amendment

Another act of hypocrisy by the party supporting "The English Only Amendment". This came out of Mother Jones in 2000:

The Rank Hypocrisy Award
The Entire Republican Party: The GOP, which popularized the English First movement, announced that it would broadcast its weekly radio address in Spanish. At a Cinco de Mayo celebration sponsored by the GOP in D.C., three men in giant sombreros serenaded conservative passers-by. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch said, "What great family people you are. How great you are with your children." A handout at the event reminded attendees: "Many Mexicans joined the U.S. armed forces after Pearl Harbor in gratitude."

(I wonder if they are going to have those weekly broadcasts now?)

Still yet, another act of hypocrisy by the POTUS from the same AP article:

Bush, who often peppers his speeches with Spanish words and phrases, had little to say about the Senate votes while visiting the Arizona-Mexico border. "The Senate needs to get the bill out," the president said.

(I guess all those governmental documents will have to weed out all those Spanish words now out of his speeches.)

And where was Sen. Mel Martinez (R.-Fl) during the vote? Why didn't he vote?

[edit on 21-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Also when Miguel Estrada was in the nomination process for federal courts of appeals in Washington D.C., Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) spoke Spanish on the Senate Floor. This happened February of 2003. I wonder if he was thinking of his future plans then when he said, "Gracias"?

Especially pay attention to what Sen. Orrin Hatch said at the end of this short quote:

The Estrada filibuster and the politics of confirmation.
Senator James Inhofe, the Republican of Oklahoma, gave part of his address in Spanish, signing off to his colleagues, with south-of-the-border etiquette, "Gracias, mis amigos." Senator Hatch declared that he felt he himself was Hispanic.

I guess a lot changes between three years. I wonder what Mr. Hatch felt like being when he voted for the Inhofe Amendment?






[edit on 21-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Originally posted by ceci2006
Benevolent Heretic, I agree with you. I would have no problem with English as the Official Language of the United States. Because that mainly is a ceremonial gesture to say that English is commonly spoken in America.

That's exactly opposite of what you said on page one of this thread.
politics.abovetopsecret.com...
Is that really you typing Ceci ... or did you get a ringer to come in?

And you still haven't answered this question -

Originally posted by apc
describe exactly how this will negatively impact culture and heritage.

How will having an English as an official language negatively impact
culture and heritage? That was your whole arguement from page 1.




[edit on 5/21/2006 by FlyersFan]

I found this on prison planet this morning:

President George W. Bush has long opposed making English the country's national language, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said on Friday, the day after the Senate voted to do so.

www.prisonplanet.com...


For once, I actually agree with this president. I also believe that our govt should have translators avalable, maybe a nationalized service to help with the acclamation process of new immigrants. Whatever the nation they come from may be.

original qoute by:ceci2006
So what about voting? That is part of the governmental process. Ballots need to be printed. What about the speeches of foreign dignitaries who refuse to speak English in Congress when they make their public policy speeches? Who will translate for the Congressional record? And what if certain Congressional members ask a question in a language other than English?

Voting demands that a person be a CITIZEN of this country and not just a RESIDENT ALIEN and full citizenship should carry with it a base understanding of english hence the ability to make at least, a moderately informed decision; in regards to voting.

original qoute by:ceci2006
What about the UN publications? Those are governmental processes. The U.S. is part of the U.N. Knowing that one of the headquarters is in New York, how do you think governmental business will get done if the other party doesn't know English?

As far as the UN goes, I dont think they have any shortage of translators. Also the UN is an international body(based in new york), but being an American citizen is not a prerequisite for UN interaction.

On the technology front, there are numerous companies trying to develope a form of "Universal Translators"

www.wired.com...

So really in another three to five years this whole point will really be kinda moot

I don't see the hypocrisies.

There is a huge difference between using another language as a form of slang, and requiring that there be full federal support for an uncommon language. 'Uncommon' meaning the majority does not speak it.

How is encouraging assimilation wiping out another culture?

And if you want to attempt to bring events from 60 years ago into the picture, I can think of a lot more to really trash what youre trying to say. So let's not go there.

FlyersFan, just be happy. The Amendment passed. Don't worry yourself anymore about this race and culture business. The America you know and love is back in charge--and they used Inhofe's Amendment to do it. Now you can watch "Hannity and Colmes" in peace and know that the wall is being built as we speak. And you won't get any migraines over this little problem anymore.

As for the others, I will research your questions and give you viable answers later on in the day.



[edit on 21-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Originally posted by ceci2006
if people knew more about American history and how language
inserted itself into the character of the nation, then, they would see ...

..... these quotes.

Language is perhaps the strongest, perhaps most enduring link which unites men
— Alexis deTocqueville, "Democracy in America"

Providence has been pleased to give us this one connected country, to one united
people, speaking the same language.
— John Jay, “The Federalist Papers”

A country must have one official language, if men are to understand each other
— Ayn Rand, philosopher

Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought
hither out of many kindred and tongues.
— President Thomas Jefferson

The ultimate way to bring this nation to ruin, or preventing all possibility of it
continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of
squabbling nationalities. We have but one flag; we must also learn one language,
and that language is English.
— President Theodore Roosevelt

And while you bring all countries with you, you come with the purpose of leaving
all other countries behind you – bringing what is best of their spirit, but not
looking over your shoulders and seeking to perpetuate what you intended to
leave behind in them.
— President Woodrow Wilson

"[W]hen men cannot communicate their thoughts to each other, simply because of
difference of language, all the similarity of their common human nature is of no
avail to unite them in fellowship."
— The City of God, St. Augustine, circa 420 A.D.

The gift of a common tongue is a priceless inheritance.
— British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

English is the key to full participation in the opportunities of American life.
— Unites States Senator S.I. Hayakawa

Our common language is . . . English. And our common task is to ensure that our
non-English-speaking children learn this common language.
— Secretary of Education William J. Bennett, compiler of "The Book of Virtues"

But when states are acquired in a country differing in language, customs, or laws,
there are difficulties, and good fortune and great energy are needed to hold
them — Macchiavelli, "The Prince"



[edit on 5/21/2006 by FlyersFan]

Originally posted by ceci2006
And you won't get any migraines over this little problem anymore.

I don't get migraines over this and I never said I do.
Again .. you are putting words into peoples posts that they never said.
tsk tsk tsk.

As for the others, I will research your questions and give
you viable answers later on in the day.

The others eh? Oh goodie. Perhaps you'll FINALLY answer the question
that apc asked DAYS ago.

Originally posted by apc
describe exactly how this will negatively impact culture and heritage.

You have posted DOZENS of other posts in other threads and yet
you still haven't answered this one, simple question from DAYS
ago - asked over and over and over ... the whole basis of your
'arguement' ...

How will having an English as an official language negatively impact
culture and heritage? That was your whole arguement from page 1.
Over three days have passed since you started this thread and yet
you STILL haven't stated exactly how having English as an official
language would negatively impact culture and heritage. And now
you say you have to go 'research' this? What's to research? You
were so SURE of yourself 3 days ago -

Originally posted by ceci2006
this English Only business is stupid and racist.
And I feel sorry for people who actually want this to happen.

Oh wait ... your ringer said this earlier today ...

Originally posted by ceci2006
Benevolent Heretic, I agree with you. I would have no problem with
English as the Official Language of the United States. Because that
mainly is a ceremonial gesture to say that English is commonly spoken
in America.

Does that mean you have changed your mind?
You now realize that English as an Official Language isn't
stupid and racist? Do you no longer feel sorry for people
who actually want this to happen?

Oh that's right .. you aren't going to answer me. It' only the others
that you will claim to give viable answers to. Why don't you start
with apc's question that was asked DAYS ago. hmmmmm?


[edit on 5/21/2006 by FlyersFan]

Originally posted by jsobecky
I see that some are also trying to twist this debate into an
"English-only" argument.

Yep. And it's not. 27 US States have already passed
'English is our official language'. This has in no way
hampered any of the people in those states from
celebrating their culture and/or heritage.

www.proenglish.org...

California and Florida are two of the states with
English as the official language. Latinos certainly
haven't lost their heritages in those states. They
haven't stopped speaking Spanish in their homes.
Last time I was in S.Florida there were English and
Spanish newspapers for sale as well as English and
Spanish TV stations.

So .. how does having an English as our Official Language
stop these people from celebrating their heritage??

Answer - It doesn't -
www.proenglish.org...

Here is why "English-only" is wrong: To date there are 27 states in the
United States that have designated English an official language either in their state
constitutions or by adopting a law. And none of those states, not a single one - - -
prohibits the state government involved from using other languages for common
sense, non-official reasons that serve the public interest. Typically those reasons
are to protect public health and public safety, promote tourism, teach foreign
languages, administer justice, handle emergencies, and similar needs. In fact,
there are 51 nations that have made English their official languages, and none of
them can accurately be described as "English-only" in the sense that their laws
would make it illegal to use other languages under any or all circumstances.

Turning 'English as the Official Language' into 'English is the Only Language'
is just LOADED language. In other words .. bunk.


[edit on 5/21/2006 by FlyersFan]

Not to insert religion into this, (even tho some of you pagans could use a little religion j/k ) but I think the Tower of Babel story illustrates the importance of a single language.

Great post, FF! Even more impressive than the 27 states are the 51 nations that have adopted English as their official language.

I still don't understand how this kills multiculturalism tho.


[edit on 21-5-2006 by jsobecky]

Originally posted by ceci2006
Besides don't believe the hype from FlyersFan. I'm not a fool, troll, nor a
drunk or a "one trick pony". However, despite whatever you might think
of me, I am forthright.

Blaine didn't understand why he bothered to even respond to you. So
I reminded him of the saying - 'never argue with fools or drunks' and
the internet has added 'trolls' to that. It is a very good reminder to
anyone who wishes to have a fruitful conversation online. Don't bother
with fools, drunks, or trolls.

You aren't a drunk (I've seen them online and you don't
display those characteristics).

We are still waiting to hear something from you other than 'racist!!'
So at this point, I do see you as a 'one trick pony'. Surprise me.
Get on a thread and be able to get through it without screaming
'racist' or bringing up mcKinney in some way ... It would be a
pleasant surprise.

Forthright??

1 - going straight to the point.
2 - proceeding in a straight course; direct; straightforward.
3 - straight or directly forward; in a direct or straightforward manner.
4 - straightaway; at once; immediately.
5 - straight course or path.

Considering that it has been 3+ days and you STILL haven't answered
apc's very simple question which goes to the heart of the entire purpose,
or at least the purpose you have alleged, of this thread ... you are
definately NOT forthright with answers.

Going off to research backup for something that you said was 'for sure'
over three days ago, and for which you still haven't shown any credible
information ... that's not forthright. After 7 pages .. that really comes
close to trolling for points IMHO.

to add to what flyer said.

It seems that MY posts have been completely ignored on this thread.

if you scroll back up on this very page youll notice that there is a host of companies trying to make "translators" that will render this whole point MOOT in but a couple years

Originally posted by TONE23
It seems that MY posts have been completely ignored on this thread.

oooooops. so sorry Tone. We will make an effort to address
your very good points.

Originally posted by ceci2006
So what about voting?

www.proenglish.org...

This quote from Linda Chevez to the
CONSTITUTION SUBCOMMITEE OF THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Two separate General Accounting Office reports to Congress found
solid evidence that in most jurisdictions covered by Sections 203 and 4(F)(4),
bilingual ballots are hardly used.
~ snip~

Second, bilingual ballots should not be necessary. For almost 100 years
immigrants have been required to know English in order to naturalize. This is
appropriate for a country whose constitution and founding documents were
written in English, whose three branches of government operate almost
completely in English, and whose political life is conducted almost entirely in
the English language.

So why are we forcing states and counties to provide bilingual ballots for
naturalized citizens who should be able to read and understand English?
If people are circumventing the law and naturalizing without learning English,
then it is their responsibility to deal with the consequences - not the
responsibility of the American people.

Bilingual ballots are also an affront to millions of naturalized American citizens
who immigrated to this country, played by the rules, and made great sacrifices
to learn English.

[edit on 5/21/2006 by FlyersFan]