Myth Blaster - 38 Senators Voted Against Official English Language
The following was sent in by HM, Illinois …
38 SENATORS VOTED TODAY AGAINST MAKING ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF AMERICA.
HERE THEY ARE:
Akaka (D-HI)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dayton (D-MN)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D -WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Obama (D-IL)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Wyden (D-OR)
REMEMBER THIS THE DAY YOU VOTE.
Myth Blaster Verdict: Incorrect.
On May 25th, 2006, the U.S. Senate passed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (62-36). Many different amendments were proposed, some being adopted, modified or deleted. Amendment 4064 was proposed on May 17th – “Declare English as the national language of the United States and to promote the patriotic integration of prospective U.S. citizens.” The section concerning English language that was passed:
“The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States of America. Unless otherwise authorized or provided by law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal Government in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.”
This amendment passed by 62-35; however the e-mail is in error stating that 38 senators voted against the amendment – one name was missing: Senator Mary Landrieu, Louisiana.
What has probably become confusing to the person passing this information on was that one half hour after the 4064 amendment passed, the Senate voted on amendment 4073. The text is as follows:
“The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the common and unifying language of America. Nothing herein shall diminish or expand any existing rights under the law of the United States relative to services or materials provided by the Government of the United States in any language other than English. For the purposes of this section, law is defined as including provisions of the United States Code and the United States Constitution, controlling judicial decisions, regulations, and controlling Presidential Executive Orders.”
This amendment contradicted the previously passed amendment by declaring that English was to be regarded as “the common and unifying language of America” (rather than “national language”) The amendment was by 58-39. No Democrats voted against this amendment, although 14 Republicans and one Independent voted in favor of it. Since 22 Senators voted for both amendments, the issue became confusing in reference to “official language.” Sloppy legislation, to say the least.
So, when you go to the voting booth in the upcoming congressional election, make sure you have the facts. Voting record is available on the Internet for every Senator in Congress. Use that to decide if you want him/her in Congress or leave in order to vote for someone who will be worth the money we pay them. The Senate bill is a poorly written, amnesty approving legislation that should never have passed as is, and I believe that many voted “Yea” because it had some good amendments attached, not considering the impact of the entire bill. So, take your checklist out and if you believe that English should be the official language, put a checkmark on your “no vote list” and don’t forget Senator Landrieu, if you live in Louisiana.
Thus far, 75% of the chain-mail “info, must read this” material is either false, incorrect or misleading.
Keith Lehman
Kritter Girl
quillsnkiko
Witchy Woman
January 20, 2007 at 7:27 am
This is how they really voted.
English As National Language Amendment
Bill Number: S 2611
Date: 2006-05-18
Sponsor: Amendment Sen Inhofe, James M. [OK]; Original Sponsor: Sen Specter, Arlen [PA]
Roll Call Number: 131
Amendment Adopted (Senate)
State District Name Party Vote
CA Jr Senator
Barbara Boxer Democrat N
CA Sr Senator
Dianne Feinstein Democrat N
CO Jr Senator
Ken Salazar Democrat N
CT Sr Senator
Christopher J. Dodd Democrat N
CT Jr Senator
Joseph I. Lieberman Democrat N
DE Sr Senator
Joseph R. Biden Democrat N
HI Sr Senator
Daniel K. Inouye Democrat N
HI Jr Senator
Daniel Kahikina Akaka Democrat N
IA Jr Senator
Thomas ‘Tom’ Harkin Democrat N
IL Sr Senator
Richard J. ‘Dick’ Durbin Democrat N
IL Jr Senator
Barack H. Obama Democrat N
IN Jr Senator
Evan Bayh Democrat N
MA Sr Senator
Edward M. ‘Ted’ Kennedy Democrat N
MA Jr Senator
John Forbes Kerry Democrat N
MD Sr Senator
Barbara A. Mikulski Democrat N
MI Jr Senator
Debbie Ann Stabenow Democrat N
MI Sr Senator
Carl Levin Democrat N
NJ Sr Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Democrat N
NJ Jr Senator
Robert Menendez Democrat N
NM Jr Senator
Jeff Bingaman Democrat N
NV Sr Senator
Harry M. Reid Democrat N
NY Jr Senator
Hillary Rodham Clinton Democrat N
NY Sr Senator
Charles E. ‘Chuck’ Schumer Democrat N
OR Sr Senator
Ron Wyden Democrat N
RI Sr Senator
John F. ‘Jack’ Reed Democrat N
VT Sr Senator
Patrick J. Leahy Democrat N
WA Sr Senator
Patty Murray Democrat N
WA Jr Senator
Maria Cantwell Democrat N
WI Jr Senator
Russell D. Feingold Democrat N
WI Sr Senator
Herbert H. ‘Herb’ Kohl Democrat N
NM Sr Senator
Pete V. Domenici Republican N
WV Jr Senator
John D. ‘Jay’ Rockefeller Democrat NV
FL Jr Senator
Mel Martinez Republican NV
KY Jr Senator
Jim Bunning Republican NV
AR Sr Senator
Blanche L. Lincoln Democrat Y
AR Jr Senator
Mark Pryor Democrat Y
DE Jr Senator
Thomas Richard Carper Democrat Y
FL Sr Senator
Bill Nelson Democrat Y
LA Sr Senator
Mary L. Landrieu Democrat Y
MT Sr Senator
Max S. Baucus Democrat Y
NE Jr Senator
E. Benjamin ‘Ben’ Nelson Democrat Y
SD Sr Senator
Tim P. Johnson Democrat Y
WV Sr Senator
Robert C. Byrd Democrat Y
ND Jr Senator
Byron L. Dorgan Democrat-NPL Y
ND Sr Senator
Kent Conrad Democratic-NPL Y
AK Jr Senator
Lisa A. Murkowski Republican Y
AK Sr Senator
Ted Stevens Republican Y
AL Sr Senator
Richard C. Shelby Republican Y
AL Jr Senator
Jefferson B. ‘Jeff’ Sessions Republican Y
AZ Sr Senator
John S. McCain Republican Y
AZ Jr Senator
Jon Kyl Republican Y
CO Sr Senator
Wayne A. Allard Republican Y
GA Jr Senator
John H. ‘Johnny’ Isakson Republican Y
GA Sr Senator
C. Saxby Chambliss Republican Y
IA Sr Senator
Charles E. ‘Chuck’ Grassley Republican Y
ID Sr Senator
Larry E. Craig Republican Y
ID Jr Senator
Michael D. ‘Mike’ Crapo Republican Y
IN Sr Senator
Richard G. Lugar Republican Y
KS Jr Senator
Pat Roberts Republican Y
KS Sr Senator
Samuel D. ‘Sam’ Brownback Republican Y
KY Sr Senator
Mitch McConnell Republican Y
LA Jr Senator
David B. Vitter Republican Y
ME Sr Senator
Olympia J. Snowe Republican Y
ME Jr Senator
Susan M. Collins Republican Y
MN Sr Senator
Norm Coleman Republican Y
MO Sr Senator
Christopher S. ‘Kit’ Bond Republican Y
MS Sr Senator
Thad Cochran Republican Y
MS Jr Senator
Trent Lott Republican Y
NC Jr Senator
Richard M. Burr Republican Y
NC Sr Senator
Elizabeth H. Dole Republican Y
NE Sr Senator
Charles T. ‘Chuck’ Hagel Republican Y
NH Sr Senator
Judd A. Gregg Republican Y
NH Jr Senator
John E. Sununu Republican Y
NV Jr Senator
John Eric Ensign Republican Y
OH Sr Senator
George V. Voinovich Republican Y
OK Jr Senator
Thomas Allen ‘Tom’ Coburn Republican Y
OK Sr Senator
James M. ‘Jim’ Inhofe Republican Y
OR Jr Senator
Gordon Harold Smith Republican Y
PA Sr Senator
Arlen Specter Republican Y
SC Jr Senator
Jim W. DeMint Republican Y
SC Sr Senator
Lindsey O. Graham Republican Y
SD Jr Senator
John R. Thune Republican Y
TN Sr Senator
Lamar Alexander Republican Y
TX Jr Senator
John Cornyn Republican Y
TX Sr Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Y
UT Jr Senator
Robert F. Bennett Republican Y
UT Sr Senator
Orrin G. Hatch Republican Y
VA Sr Senator
John W. Warner Republican Y
WY Jr Senator
Michael B. Enzi Republican Y
WY Sr Senator
Craig Thomas Republican Y
January 20, 2007 at 11:51 am
Thanks VMI for your input.
February 3, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Thanks for your answers, Keith. If I have a question I always know where to go.
Thanks again
June 9, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Any Senator that voted against making English the official (and only) language of the U.S. is a traitor to this country. We are slowly, but surely, losing our country and its historic language to this wave of invaders from Mexico who want to reclaim the U.S. through population (i.e. illegal entry and birth). Our family has voted Democratic for 3 generations. Not any more. Have we no patriots in Congress or running for President anymore? What a sad state our country in is now.
June 10, 2007 at 1:11 am
Jerry:
Thanks for your comment.
I was a third generation Democrat until I woke up.
Your right, we need patriots and statesmen that believe that the government is “for the people”.
We can no longer vote straight ticket and when we make a decision on the individual it should be upon his voting record and personal character, not political rhetoric.
July 2, 2007 at 7:45 pm
You folks who voted against English being our national language in the USA are a stupid bunch of idiots. You need to take a look at our country and who founded it. If folks who do not speak ENGLISH come here they should have to learn our language or go back where they came from. I thought many of you had some sense. This shows how stupid and ignorant you are if you voted against English as the language of our country. No other country in this would would allow anyone to make english as their language. Many of them are very intellegent and learn english in order to be able to communicate with folks in the USA. If you do not want ENGLISH as our language then get your sorry selves out of the USA.
July 18, 2007 at 11:19 pm
This should not even be a problem.
English is our nations language… no if ands or buts.
What is going on here?
Looks like they want the illigal’s vote….
August 18, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Why do all these people want to come to our country? Because they know the opportunities that are here.
If they’re not willing to learn the English language, which is the language this country was founded with. Then go back to where they came from. How hard is that to understand? ENGLISH SHOULD BE THE #1 LANGUAGE IN AMERICA!
NO QUESTION ABOUT IT!
August 21, 2007 at 12:01 am
Patricia:
The founders/framers of our Constitution didn’t see the necessity to proclaim via an amendment that English be the national language. Of course, they couldn’t possibly see how society would change so drastically and that those who call themselves Americans do not stand up for America’s traditions and the American way of running our government.
Thanks for your comment.
September 14, 2007 at 5:07 am
Excuse my ignorance as a non-U. S. citizen, but just what language do your ‘nay’ voting politicians wish to speak?
I have always understood that allegiance to ones family, country or whatever should not be undertaken lightly and when one cannot agree with the conditions - it is time to leave.
Do they already speak their chosen language as their mother tongue and have learnt English to get themselves into the Senate?
Now they have lost the vote, will they do the honourable (note non-US spelling), thing and resign? (I will answer that one for them - ‘Not a chance.’
As for those who fancy their chances as the nation’s leader, have they considered the cost of re-educating the masses to another language - but when has any president taken into account the spiralling national debt.
I could go on, but I still want to visit your country again, to see my sensible friends.
September 14, 2007 at 7:24 am
James A:
Thanks for your comment and good point.
Money has already been spent thanks to this and the last administration on bilingual political correctness. Whatever we do, whether at the ATM, on the telephone, or in published literature, Americans must choose which language – English or Spanish.
It is good to learn other languages. It is especially useful in the world of tourism and for those who choose to follow such a career.
The liberal/progressives are always worried about fairness. Is it fair just to cater to Spanish? What about German, French, Chinese, Japanese, et cetera?
Our public school systems require two years of another language besides English for prerequisite for college/university. Unfortunately, they only focus on Spanish. Some high schools have nothing else to offer – so freedom of choice is out the window.
While serving in the US military, I always sought assignment in other places rather than US installations because I wanted to be afforded the opportunity to visit other nations and learn other cultures. I certainly did not insist that they speak English, and tried to learn at least fundamental words and phrases. Of course, it was very nice to know someone who could speak English and it afforded me to have intellectual discussions. Like the forest ranger in Germany, Katusa personnel in South Korea and a good friend in Turkey who had served in the Turkish NATO forces as liaison to American general staff in the Korean War. All of that was a personal enlightening experience for me. I always encouraged my fellow soldiers to experience other cultures and remember that just because they did things differently, different lifestyles, et cetera didn’t mean that there cannot be a good friendship between people.
And as far as our leadership – I hope that the American voter will “clean out” the seats of Congress and be afforded a better choice of a presidential candidate in 2008, and it marks the revolution (non-violent, of course) in the sense of Americans insisting that those elected remember that they are statesmen and stateswomen, and that patriotism and unification, as well as honor, integrity and character are important when performing their task under the laws of the US Constitution.
Whatever land you come from, I hope you are afforded for another visit.
This e-journal is blessed with readers and participants from places other than the United States, and friends of America are always welcome.
It is good to read a comment from someone who doesn’t believe that Americans and their leadership are “boot-stomping” thugs, as depicted by some American citizens across the vastness of cyberspace.
Thanks again for your comment and stopping by to read LP Journal.
October 31, 2007 at 10:51 am
This isn’t a vote against English being the nations official language, its a vote against freedom of speech. To say that “Unless otherwise authorized or provided by law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English.” is unconstitutional. Why would Jeb Bush have to ask for permission to speak in spanish to the prevalent spanish speaking community of Miami?
In a sense it seems as if America just wants to limit freedom of speech, or at least have some control over it. This isn’t a simple matter of making English the official language of the U.S., its a matter of limiting the way government officials express themselves. Whats next, the citizens?
November 3, 2007 at 5:49 am
Regarding snopes statement above that the myth blaster verdict was incorrect is totally incorrect. What the senators who voted nay on amendment 4064 and yea on the later amendment 4074 was sidestep the “official language” portion of this bill and maneuvered into a lesser more vague version which could be argued at a later date and time to fit their needs. Don’t be fooled by such slight of hand. Those senators in my opinion who voted agains the first bill should be loaded up and hauled to Mexico or whatever country they pick. But get them the Hell (English translation not required) out of our Senate.
November 3, 2007 at 6:49 am
Amen, Leonard, tell it like it is.
Thanks for stopping by and speaking out.
Americans need to educate themselves concerning the “slight of hand” when it concerns those politicians who have been in Congress for too long and who have not been performing the duties they were mean to. We need statesmen running Congress not political carpetbaggers. The only way to wake those political prostitutes up is to send them out of Congress, the present elite who have been running the show for far too long, and replacing them with those who truly wish to fulfill the pledge they make during their campaign as well as adhering to their oath of office required that they take.
Thanks, Leonard for your comment.
November 13, 2007 at 7:18 am
all four Grandparents came to the United States - from Ukraine, Poland, Austria & Germany at the turn of the century ‘and’ couldn’t wait to become American citizens and learn their new language “English”…
Now a-days many from foreign countries not only won’t take the time to learn “English” they convince wishy washy Senators, Congressmen, Legislators that voting ballots, City, county and state documents, monthly statements from large companies, etc are being forced to print in a multitude of languages - and - we, the american taxpayers & citizens are being forced to pay for these additional printing costs…
I have neighbors who have lived in ‘our country’ for many years and not only don’t speak our language but can’t read English ( and yet the DMV prints ‘rules and regs’ in miny-miny languages ) and we wonder why these non-citizens have the most accidents (after very young adults) - ie: can’t read road signs!!!
And, it’s not only those from south of the border but many from the mid-eastern, African, Arabian countries, and Asians…
Thus, if “English” were our official language these and other foreign borns would be forced to speak English… /k/
November 13, 2007 at 8:39 am
Thanks for your comment, Ken.
I would suggest you add a last initial or state/country of residence or some unique identifier - there are many Ken readers - one is a guest writer from Tennessee.
All Americans have ancestry that came from somewhere else except full-blood Native Americans. So we have something in common.
However, for unity, we should officially claim English as our national language, although previously in history it wasn’t required - it was a given. Today, with so many Americans joining anti-American foreigners in their endeavor to change our way of life, our governmental system, et cetera - we are forced to define those sort of things.
Thanks for your input.
November 15, 2007 at 2:41 pm
you guys are idiots. this is the dumbest myth i have ever heard.
November 16, 2007 at 7:45 am
Christie:
Don’t know which Christie you are, maybe the one that never provides sources/proof of rebuttals, but thanks for your intellectual comment anyway.
Readers: It is best to use a unique “handle” or initials after a first name or something to distinguish your first name - there are several Christies, Kens, Mikes, et cetera. Just a suggestion, not a demand.
And Christie - I guess you can call the email hoaxes and myths “dumb” for it spreads too much misinformation. Otherwise, I am not sure just what part of dumb you are referring to.
Best Regards, Editor of the “idiots”
November 17, 2007 at 5:52 pm
uhh scuse me, if we are to demand a language to speak as the ‘officla’ language of this country- it would have to be a compilation of the NATIVE AMERICAN (Indian to you morons) languages, since they were overthrown by the ‘white ‘ men.
get a life
November 17, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Geri:
And what dialect of Native American (Indian to us “morons” who know that Indian language is from India), and why not English. This nation was founded by people speaking English, after all they were “English” colonies.
We are not looking for a language - we are protesting that there are those who wish to make America bilingual because of political correctness and the advocacy of the North American Union, return of portions of America to Mexico who claims that part of it belongs to them - when in fact Mexico once “belonged” to Spain, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
In American history this issue was not a problem until the advent of socialist, politically correct people who think that American traditions, constitution and its history must be changed to conform to their ideology and join anti-American advocates who wants to take all that away and replace it with something else. You know, like replacing the Christmas tree with a holiday tree?
The Native American tribes are an important part of American history - but so are Irish, German, Dutch and other immigrants, who have one thing in common - they are Americans and speak, read and write English as their official language that was heretofore not a required discussion.
Thank you, I have a life.
November 18, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I believe the reason for government forms printed in many languages( which taxpayers pay for) is due to past Pres. Clinton’s executive order No 13166. I see comments often use ‘national’ and ‘official’ language, interchangeably. But they are not exactly the same. Official English would require that all governments conduct all business in English , including all printed forms; A ‘ National’ language would be that spoken by a nation. However, requiring either use would promote unity, and reduce divisiveness. Current citizens of a nation should not be required to learn the language of those who wish to immigrate to that nation - the immigrant needs to learn the language of the country in which they wish to live. And that should be required absolutely to become a citizen. By the way, lets not call others stupid and idiot.
November 19, 2007 at 8:03 am
Thanks, Dar - good point.
In the language of the proposed proposition/bill that never passed, there was articles concerning the use of foreign languages which is useful in the diplomatic areas of government and important as you may guess. What was insisted is that English be the only “official” language, meaning that taking care of everyday business with the government only required the printing and use of English - not dual; such as “dial “1″ for English nonsense and printing government literature in two languages (other than metting notes and so on required by diplomatic business and UN activities.
Citizens should read, write and speak English; however, and it makes me furious to see dual-language voting ballots.
As far as the name-calling, I agree and ignore such things. Unfortunately, some people must call others names when making a point or enforcing their opinion. Facts is what backs up points of discussion and opinions - better than any verbal intimidation.
Thanks for your comment.
December 2, 2007 at 6:46 pm
I don’t know why they need a law to say that English is our country’s language — everyone already knows that. I like it that our government prints important pamphlets and forms in English and Spanish, etc…
I wonder if this law was well written and if it was mainly promoted by people who resent our tax dollars being spent to help people who are here from other countries and need important information in a language they can understand. In states like Texas, Florida and California where there is such a high number of people who don’t understand English, why wouldn’t we have compassion on them and have pamphlets printed in Spanish or allow some bilingual officials to help them? Many descendants of immigrants end up being such a huge blessing to our country. And most of first generation immigrants work hard and are good people. If one is accused of murder or a serious crime, do we want to just put them in jail for years or even possibly to death because they can’t tell their side of the story because we don’t provide translators? Surely we want to learn the truth even if it means our tax dollars paying for translators. Is our country so poor or the costs so exorbitant for these things? I think there are plenty of bilingual applicants for most jobs. My sister-in-law’s son, Chris Valaika, speaks Spanish and English and works as a probation officer in Colorado. I don’t think they pay him extra just because he learned Spanish in high school and college.
I don’t know much about this but I don’t want to lack compassion for our nation’s immigrants and forget that many of our ancestors may have come to this country not knowing English either.
I loved touring Ellis Island several years ago and was glad the Statute of Liberty wasn’t famous for saying “Come only if you know English, because we won’t help you out any in the meantime.” The question that I like to ask myself is WWJD (What would Jesus Do?).
December 3, 2007 at 8:54 am
Debbie M:
I don’t know why either, except that when our nation was founded it was taken for granted that the official language of our nation would be English. They never foresaw those who would sponsor political correctness; try to change our heritage, or those who try to change our system. Except for diplomatic concerns, our government should not be spending our tax money (whether it is federal, state or local government) to print bilingual documents, forms, et cetera. Once upon a time in order to obtain citizenship, a person was required to have the ability to read, write and speak English. What happened?
Do we go to other nations and insist that they change their national identity or language? Government forms, such as voting pamphlets, et cetera need not be in any other language but English – those things those forms concern should only be for citizens anyway.
In term of the private sector concerning tourists from other nations and diplomatic endeavors – it would be best to have material and people on hand to speak these languages. That makes perfect sense. But instead, we have immigrants, mostly illegal, who insist on using their language here – the percentage shows Mexicans are this group. And it is because they believe that certain portions of the continental United States should belong to Mexico because it was “stolen” from their nation. When, in reality, those places were inhabited and colonized by Spain a long time ago, and except for Texas became part of the United States after it became a nation and settlers moved to these places, et cetera. Eventually these territories, except again for Texas and California which were republics, became state of America.
Compassion? No the term is political correctness. There is an underground movement within the United States to undermine our way of life, our traditions and also our type of government and its procedures under constitutional law – that is why many call it the “Mexican invasion” because of the enormous amount of people involved – estimated to be 12 million or more. I am not going to get into any detail here, but take the time to read the articles under the categories – Mexican Invasion and Illegal Immigrants.
If you want to be compassionate and see your tax dollars sucked up with this sort of procedure, as well as the non-citizens who are using welfare as though they were not only citizens but not breakers of our laws (immigration and valid identification), then let them take the money out of your taxes – not mine. You also need to read about the statistics of those who remain here uninvited, have broken the laws of immigration, and are an expense that we shouldn’t pay. You should also read how many of these illegal immigrants are not such great citizens after all.
Keep in mind we are discussing illegal immigration here, not legal. However, recent studies have shown that even legal immigrants are taking advantage of our liberal welfare system.
Give me the court, the defendant and circumstances where just ONE person was accused of a crime and suffered a penalty because they couldn’t speak English.
Our country WILL be poor – just another Third World country if these people with fraudulent identification begin to vote as if they were legal citizens! I suggest you read the book “Mexifornia” by Victor Davis Hanson. It will open your eyes, as well as more recent books by Michelle Malkin who is the daughter of Philippine immigrant parents – and is fighting strongly for our government to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and quit devising ways of giving them amnesty.
Your ideology is purely emotional, not logic or does it apply to the actual statistics of the real world situation.
Your example of the need to have bilingual people in government jobs is only an example of how many of the people who refuse to comply with our citizenship standards, ignore our immigration laws and illegally obtain identification – who have committed crimes are in jail, and in the case of your sister-in-law “works as a probation officer in Colorado.
Before you have compassion, you really need to read the real problem of all of this and the short-term and long-term consequences that legal and birthright citizens must bear the brunt of all of this negative impact.
My ancestors came from Europe – on both sides of my family. Guess what? They LEARNED English and were proud of it because it was part of becoming American. If the “Hispanics” who insist that they not have to learn English was so proud to be here and assimilate in our culture and traditions – I am sure that many of us would not have a problem with that.
I don’t know what Jesus would have said or would say. So I guess we will both have to wonder about that. Maybe he would have said something like: “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” – because he was into what is after life, not what concerns people in life.
Speaking of Ellis Island, they had translators of many languages to help folks get situated – but guess what? They all learned English and then became citizens. Some of them were my relatives.
If the people you mention REALLY wanted to be Americans, then there wouldn’t be an argument. A long time ago I provided English recorded cassettes for workers at the factory I worked at because they asked for it so they could speak English. They were thrilled that I wouldn’t charge them for anything and as long as I worked there I never had to buy or bring a lunch because their wives and family made sure I had homemade “Mexican sandwiches” – tortilla wrapped with meats, cheese and sometimes even potatoes and other leftovers – I love those lunches, and I respected and admired them for assimilating in our culture, learning English and were good future citizens.
Today, like too many American youth, I guess they just want the easy way, and as I stated before, they do not want to assimilate here and embrace our traditions and become part of our history – they want to create pockets of culture that they came from, thereby creating Balkan-like multicultural geographic areas, that will someday divide us instead of uniting us as Americans. That is another aspect of all of this, at a more personal level.
Please read my articles identified above, as well as do some research on your own.
And final comment – I am not against legal immigration (controlled as to not create an unemployment environment), and personally would welcome any person who would like to become an American and not just in name only.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and stopping by to visit.
January 12, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Very interesting thought put into the arguments–I still believe that we are a country of the people and what we would like to do is make this country of, by and for the people–many who speak Spanish–I still wonder why the Canadians put up with the French inside their borders???
January 13, 2008 at 1:59 pm
KP:
The French are inside their borders because the French were there first, believe it or not. France had settlers there and the French became famous for trapping and trading. Then there was a war between France and England and the latter gained the upper hand forming colonies in North America. While a separate nation, Canada is still loyal to the monarchy - “the Queen”.
Thanks for your comment and taking the time to stop by.
January 16, 2008 at 9:30 am
My In-laws were immigrants at Ellis Island.
They too left their native land to have a better life in America. Not only were they happy to leave the poverty and hard times behind them, they were eager to become American Citizens and immediately started learning the English language so they could be “REAL” Americans.
If the immigrants today want to continue
with their homelands language, dress and laws, then I suggest they return to the country they came from. How many Americans go to
France, Spain, Iran, Italy or Saudi Arabia and demand that their products be printed in English or that the English language be taught in their schools so that they can fit in???
What is this big fuss about??? We are Americans, we speak English……If you want to be an American you had better learn the language…Period.
January 16, 2008 at 8:21 pm
B. Konkoski:
Indeed - “What is the fuss all about”. In my travels I tried to learn fundamental languages of the country I was visiting or stationed at, and although it was thrilling to be able to converse with someone in English and learn about their culture - I certainly didn’t have the attitude that they should change or become a bilingual nation.
The underlying factor in all of this is the mentality of the general Mexican populace that they have squatter rights in the United States because we “stole” geographic areas from their nation.
If you want to see what a mess this can be, check out the background of the Kurds in Turkey, and the violence there. The Kurds are (and have been) demanding that the Turkish Republic give up the southeastern portion of their country so the Kurds can create a Kurdistan state.
January 21, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I have to wonder why our Founding Fathers didn’t make English the official language. I have to think that they were a pretty smart bunch and that they got most things correct, they didn’t miss too many tricks, so if they didn’t make English the official lanquage it’s probably because they didn’t believe that it should be.
Besides, English is quickly becoming the official language of the entire world. Business is almost always conducted in English, Air Traffic Control is always English, etc.
You people need to get a life and actually worry about something that might just hurt you.
January 22, 2008 at 1:56 am
Michael (?) - We have two of such a name, thus I ask for a last name, a “handle” or first name and last initial, like Diane S., Wisconsin - this helps identify folks with same first name.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by and commenting …
Our Founders had no reason to create an article or amendment to the Constitution concering our national language because it was self evident and there weren’t idiots around trying to contest it. The same goes for other nations. The French spoke French, the English spoke English, the folks from Spain and its colonies spoke Spanish.
I don’t know if English is the “official” language, but it remains the most spoken, with Spanish second and French/German third. Once upon a time, French was used in the diplomatic world so folks from each nation could have a common language to speak - but, of course, times change.
If you want to see how well a bilingual nation works, in terms of government demanding two languages to be spoken, take a look at our longtime neighbor, Canada.
The French arrived from Europe before anyone there and in the northern/Great Lakes region first as trappers and traders; who then married Indian women, and thus, for example, in Wisconsin many members of Indian tribes have French last names. Then the English arrived, and of course, the wars previous to the American Revolution, in which France and England fought. England won, but there were still French communities. Eventually certain portions officially spoke French and others spoke English and often they spoke both. The bad thing is that some communities have passed ordinances forbidding English, such as road signs and advertisement - even fines for using English. Preposterous.
You are correct, Michael, English has become the major language international language. And, as far as complaints - Mexico is the only one who has a problem with it. And the reason why Mexicans who come here have an attitude about speaking English is because they are taught by their government-run schools that America stole real estate from them back in history. Notice that Spain is not complaining that once Mexico and California was once part of their territory; but when Spain’s power declined, they lost these and it is part of history now. It would just be a silly thing if it weren’t for underground subversive elements in the US and in cyberspace that has been promoting this attitude for their own selfish reasons. Thus, the illegal immigration issue is indeed a “real and present danger”. Make sure you vote this election and all elections over this and other important issues - like protecting our rights and liberties under constitutional law, and doing away with the present unfair and obtrusive tax system.
January 24, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Keep up the good work and never lose your tactical response.
Fred
January 24, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Someone needs to do the math. Snopes states it passed in the Senate 62-36, a total of 98. The list of Senators and how they voted add up to 56 Yes, 31 no and 3 no vote for a total of 92. What happened to the missing six?
January 25, 2008 at 8:06 am
Fred Fillbrook:
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
I don’t quite understand what “tactical response” means, as it could be taken in two ways, one of them being sarcastic - I will choose the alternate …
And as far as the “missing six” - there is such a thing as “no vote” - usually recorded because someone, in this case, six, wasn’t present for the vote, and another reason would be that a congressional members just won’t vote. However, in most cases, the member is not present for whatever reason. Check out the voting record of that legislation.
Best Regards …
February 21, 2008 at 10:10 pm
People just love to debate the indeferant it seems..I dont find a site anywhere for the Senators to defend just they voted NO to this bill about English National Language . Expect everyone to just acept what someonelse prints up and tries to stir up hate and discontent and make Dumb coments like Un Patrotic and Trator. I do not believe senator Kinnedy is one bit Un Patroitic or a Trator and would like to hear his opinion as to what this is realy about..
February 22, 2008 at 10:08 am
Frank Black:
mean to you?
Not that is has to do with anything concerning this article (suggest you read an article that discusses this subject material) -
What does the word “Patriot” and “Traitor” (”Trator”
And just what level of education are you, as a curiosity?
Anyone who doesn’t know the history of Ted Kennedy should read more.
May 7, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Historically, having an official language in any country (developing or developed) has caused both economic and social problems as well as it destroys cultural identity. There are a lot of current research that backs this statement. Although English is the national language of the United States, having it be an official language will cause (even more) elitism and will disenfrachise many (through its restrictions). Creating a monolingual nation has created a social structure that doesn’t encourage economic and social mobility and suppress cultural development and growth. The question concerning the Founding Fathers: During the Revolutionary War the colonies were composed of English speakers but as well as German, French, Native American, etc. speakers. Most of the educated Found Fathers spoke other languages (French, Russian, Italian, Greek, and Latin). As for Mexicans are the only ones having a problem with English is not true. Many nations struggle to acquire English for various of reasons and although English might be the business language, it is not always accepted with happiness. Cultures (Cherokee and other Native Americans) within the United States are dying because of these language policies. Remember that no one culture exists here, in the states, and that we have come from many diverse cultures with diverse languages and dialects. Destroying this to create one idea is dangerous.
May 9, 2008 at 8:13 am
Mel:
Thanks for your opinion. That is what it is.
I don’t know where you come from – but Balkanization is not the answer – you want a different culture, visit another country.
What other country except the Balkan States have such a thing? Look how well it works there. This is America, where we learn other languages to communicate when we go abroad – because “Hello” – they speak their own language in their own country. Is this not acceptable?
Excuse me, but this is hogwash.
New York was once a Dutch colony – of course, before we became America there were German colonies, even French. The key word is before we became America. Fortunately, the Founders did not have to deal with politically correct people who are trying to change what was already expected. And although it was mentioned, it was thought that it wasn’t necessary to place this in the Constitution. Too bad. Who could foresee this nonsense?
Thanks for sharing your collective thoughts, anyway. The article stays as is with no changes.
This was a Myth Blaster story – to determine the validity of it, in case we lost focus here. English is the given language – we don’t need anymore. It’s costly and not necessary. Speaking all the same language constitutes unity or rather encourages it. You want balkanization see what happened in Europe – thus the term. Look it up in the Wikipedia … AS for me – I will remain in America and speak other languages when visiting other places and not expect them to change their language just because I don’t speak it. I have gotten along with folks in my travels and learned much from their culture because I didn’t act like a pompous person expecting them to change their ways and traditions. I expect the same from visitors here.
Enuff said.
July 2, 2008 at 10:33 am
Haven’t we had enough yet? I will not learn Spanish or any other language from people that come to America demanding I do so. I constantly see the Democratic party trying to undermine everything we stand for in America. They are complete sell outs. I used to be a Democrat until I really started studying what they stand for. I still have no clue. A vote for a democrat is a vote to destroy America. You know I can’t even visit certain places in my own country because of the threat of being killed by minority groups such as illegal immigrants. We keep fighting for freedom in other countries when the battle is here. The Democrats want to take all your money and decide how you will tended to. I will take care of myself. I want the government to run the country not me. Of course I can see why a bunch of non-working people would want A democrat in office, welfare, free, free, free. So they want to take from my paycheck and support bums. I DON”T THINK SO!!!!!!! Where is the petition to get rid of these traitors in the Senate? You want to get their attention? start withholding your tax dollars because they can’t put us all in jail. Don’t get me wrong, I am an American and I believe in paying my taxes, but I am sick of what my money is supporting these days. If you can’t read this then get the hell out of my country.
July 3, 2008 at 2:58 am
Mark:
It is not just the Democrats that are causing this, Republican “moderates” as well. President GW Bush has received a failing grade in handling the illegal immigration situation and while preaching national security and the need for better border security, has been too lenient when it comes to illegal immigration and its effect upon America. He has done nothing to stop the movement of bilingualism.
Encourage fellow voters to vote smart in this and every election from now on. The basic responsibility falls upon “We the People”.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Best Regards …
KAL
July 7, 2008 at 10:36 pm
“Just the facts Ma’am…”
From a Learn to speak Spanish school;
“Fact A: Many U.S. corporations have operations in Latin America and business practices have been well established over 100 years.
Fact B: There are reportedly 54 million Latinos in the United States from 12 principal countries; that’s 18% of the entire US population.
Fact C: Between 2000 and 2006, Hispanics accounted for one-half of the nation’s growth.
Fact D: Between 2000 and 2006, Hispanic growth rate (24.3%) was more than three times the growth rate of the total population (6.1%).
Fact E: The trend is not slowing down my friend!”
http://www.dial9forspanish.com/why.html
From; CIA (Fact-Book)
Note: Language.
Note: Hispanic; under Ethnic Groups.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/us.html
See the following for costs of a “multi-lingual” Nation;
STATE Budgets
Federal Budget
I.R.S.
Social Security (Mexico Agreement)
Federal Student Loans (non-payment)/Grants
G.D.P. percentages of other Countries (from U.S. Dollars sent back)
Hospital/Medical expenses (Birthing)
Automobile Accidents (caused by non English “reading” drivers)
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.
Dos Pesos,
Rex
July 8, 2008 at 5:41 am
Rex Scarlet:
Thanks for the “facts” - now here is something you haven’t considered:
American schools used to offer languages for those who wish to learn, and some college/universities had requirement of one or two years of language of CHOICE. My son’s school only offers Spanish. When asked why, they stated because of budget (yet raised the school tax twice last year) - bullcrap. We are being forced to be bilingual - English and Spanish, the latter being forced upon us and government wasting money printing everything in two languages.
Second languages in American schools are not just offered to those who wish just to know a language - sometimes careers chosen require a certain language to be spoken. No argument, in fact encourage this, since I have visited many other nations during the traveling period of my life - but it was CHOICE.
Let’s examine your facts:
A – It is good that we have trading/business in other countries, and it is too bad that corporations have been forced by the government’s over taxation to move to other countries; however, once again, second language should be choice. Not all trading nations speak Spanish – so why is the government (via government-controlled schools) forcing the second language? Because of the increase of influence of Hispanic organizations and the kiss-butt policy of Mexico, a neighboring government who is not like Canada and has an agenda not in the best interest of America or Americans – therefore, I suggest that if you are so intense about this, go to Mexico and live.
Fact B – What is the point here? If they choose to live in a country other than a Spanish speaking one – then LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF THAT NATION.
Fact C - Are we talking about legal or illegal Mexicans (Hispanic) here?
Fact D – This figure, if accurate means we have too many illegal immigrants here.
Fact E – What is your point? We are being invaded and you are praising the situation? Did you know that we have a more lax immigration system than Mexico – and they are the ones that are complaining we are too strict when it comes to illegal immigrants? Did you also know the restriction of the amount of legal immigrants allowed (from anywhere) are limited for a very good reason?
If your list of “costs” are to represent the big picture – you fail the grade.
If you are a Spanish teacher, maybe you should teach English to folks who are immigrating here – like a professor acquaintances of mine presently doing so. The course is called English as a second language. We have already seen the consequences of a bilingual nation within our neighboring friendly nation, Canada.
My father would often say – “Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken”.
Learning a language (in America) other than the established one (English) should be a personal choice. This is only an example of a tyrannical government who would rather listen to subversive and hidden agenda groups rather than their own citizens. If our immigration policy was as strict as Mexico’s we wouldn’t have so much of a problem.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts; however, your argument is moot. We have legal immigrants who are doing nicely from India, Pakistan, and other places who take the time to learn our language and are successful and good American citizens. Why? Because they assimilated and didn’t expect Americans to change their culture and traditions just because they decided to live here or do business here.
Unfortunately, you miss the gist of the argument and some of your facts only reinforce the need to declare English as the official language of the USA; except in case of diplomatic offices and places of business whose interests are international – which was written in the proposed amendment to the Constitution that never passed.
Actually, it is a shame that we would have to even consider making it a constitutional law that our national official language is English. This proposed amendment, by the way, does not hinder anyone choosing to learn another language, nor outlaw schools to teach a second language in any language(s) that institution chooses to teach.
You are being brainwashed or not thinking like an American who enjoys individual freedom and liberties – you are falling into the trap that so many have been into thinking that freedom of choice is no longer a right. Too many educational institutions in America are centers of propaganda that have not been the center for intellectual discussion and learning, but instead an instrument for those who want to change the American governmental system and the traditions, culture and way of life that was once called a democratic republic into some sort of Americanized version of socialism.
If that’s what you want, I suggest you find somewhere else to live – because we shouldn’t change our culture or traditions just because foreign folks do not want to assimilate. Would you go to France, Spain, Portugal, India, or any non-English speaking nations and tell them to change their culture/traditions just because you decided to live and become a citizen there? Nonsense.