English Only
By: David Phillips
Should English be the Official Language of the United States?
A few years ago the European Union (EU), which consists of several countries who for the most part have their own languages, decided that all business that is conducted to benefit the EU as a whole, would do so in English.
The EU has made English the Official language for business. Imagine a group of countries where each has their own language, have banded together to make English the Official language for Business.
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt stated, "We have room for but one language in this country, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house."
So why is there so much resistance to make English the Official language here in the United States?
I know that in my many years in business, as long as the money was green it didn’t matter to me what language someone spoke, all though at times it was difficult to communicate.
I also know from my many years that those that wanted to do business with me, would find it easier on themselves if they understood me, and if they did not, it was usually they who lost out on my business, because I would simply seek out someone who did understand me.
So who is the one losing out, the person who speaks English, or the person who does not?
It is obvious that those that wish to live here in the United States hurt themselves and their families if they do not speak English. Immigrants that speak English will succeed a lot easier than those that don’t.
But there is a push here in the United States to make English the Official language.
Recently the Immigration Bill died on the Senate floor, a section of that Bill would have required those that were given Amnesty, to eventually learn to speak English. This was a pie in the sky attempt to placate those that have been pushing for English only here in the United States.
Currently English is our National language, but not our Official language.
So what are some of the consequences if English were made our Official language?
If English becomes the Official language here in the United States all official forms and documents would only be printed in English.
Forms like DMV manuals and tests, voting ballots, hospital forms, court documents, or any other document that’s printed by the Federal Government, or State agencies.
The English only rule would also remove all government interpreters in hospitals or in our courts, and any other public service that may require an interpreter.
A Republican Presidential candidate for 2008, Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) recently said in a debate that English should and must be made the official language, and he went on to say that when people are no longer told on the phone to “press one” for English, then he has done his job.
I personally don’t have a problem pressing one for English, it’s all the other numbers I am told to press to get to this or that department or person that pisses me off, and then after doing all that I may either be told to press a number to get back to the main menu, or I am told to wait for the next available operator.
I also want those that are driving on our roads to understand our rules and to be able to understand our road signs. And if it takes printing a drivers manual in another language or 100 languages, I’m all for it.
If someone has received their citizenship and wish’s to take part in our democratic elections, I would hope that they have learned enough English to understand the voting ballots, but if it is easier for them to read in their native language, so what? If I were a politician, I would want my constituents to vote for me in whatever language is easiest for them.
As for hospitals, if a foreign language form or an interpreter will move things along smoother and more efficiently, it would seem to make more sense. More sense for the patient that is about to be seen and for the patients that will follow.
The Business Effect
If we make English the Official language will everyone who does not speak English take English lessons? When I call a business will they no longer say, “press one” for English?
I know that if I am a business owner I will still do business in any language; and my phone would still say, “press one” for English.
Many U.S. towns and cities along our southern border with Mexico, are now accepting Mexican currency for their services or products. This is also true along our northern border with Canada and Canadian currency.
It seems that these businesses have evolved to the point where they say that it doesn’t matter what language or what color you or your money is, we will gladly accept you’re trade.
Rep Tancredo says that his job will be done once English has been made the Official Language. It seems to me, that those who are pushing for English to become the Official language would only be hurting themselves and everyone else if this happens.
Young children pick up foreign languages much easier than adults. Men and women in their 30’s, 40’s and on up, will certainly find learning English, or any other language that is not native to them difficult, not impossible, but certainly not as easy as their children.
We are becoming a true global world with business and trade and the needs for people to speak more than one language have never been greater. When Roosevelt made his quote in 1906 his words spoke to a different era.
Mexico is currently building a seaport in order to off load ships that normally are off loaded here in the United States. A super highway (using current U.S. and Canadian Highways) is being built that will move these containers throughout the United States and into parts of Canada from the seaport. This is part of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
I guess the point I am trying to make here, is that in this globalization, we will continue see men and women from other countries wanting to come here to make a better life for themselves and their families.
The Effect of Making English our “Official Language”
Those that speak English will have an advantage over those that do not. But they will continue to come and to prevent them from learning about our laws and customs because we have English as our Official language, is narrow minded, and puts everyone in danger.
David Phillips is a Vietnam Era Veteran, a Democratic Party Activist, and David is also the Publisher and Editor of the online political magazine YodasWorld.org E-Mail Questions or Comments: oneyoda@aol.com