Impromptu

A simple google search readily yielded the following articles: YES English is the official language of 51 nations and 27 states in the United States. Last year, a Zogby International Poll found that 85 percent of Americans supported making English the official language of all government operations. Among Hispanics surveyed, 71 percent supported this idea. This is nothing new; many polls over the years have shown similar numbers. Speaking English is a guaranteed way for new immigrants to succeed in school, increase their earning potential, and enhance their career options. This nation decided long ago that you must know English to become a citizen. So there, is no reason to offer government services in foreign languages. In the same way that the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem bring this nation together, English is something we share and should promote. In 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Martha Sandoval, a Mexican immigrant who had lived in the U.S. for 10 years without learning English, could not sue Alabama because the state did not offer foreign-language driver's license tests. Both the courts and America's citizens and immigrants have sent a clear message: We must unite our country behind our proud national language, help new immigrants advance by learning it, and save taxpayer dollars by making English our national language. --Senator James M. Inhofe Republican of Oklahoma NEWS FACT: In February, U.S. Representative Steve King [R-Iowa] introduced a bill that would make English the official language of the United States. "English is the language of opportunity in America," King said. "Immigrants have come here from all over the world for centuries to inherit our culture and opportunities. The best way for our newcomers to work toward their own success is through our common bond of language." In June 2006, a Rasmussen Reports survey found that 85 percent of Americans agree that English should be the official language. Twenty-eight states have already enacted laws making English their official language. This information that was so quick and simple to discover supports my affirmation that English should indeed be the official language of the United States. Contention 1: The written and spoken language of our founding fathers was English. Our Declaration of Independence as well as our national Constitution was written in English. Our laws are written in English. The overwhelming majority of all official communications is in English. Since before our nation came into existence, some 235 years plus, the majority of all oral and written communications within our country have been in English. It makes sense to continue using English, it makes no sense to change to something else. Contention 2: As the United States is among the youngest of nations, we have established ourselves as a world leader. To change our language would almost be an insult to our forefathers who fought for the progress our nation has attained. America is indeed the melting pot, composed of immigrants who have retained their native language. One of the great benefits of being in the United States is the freedoms guaranteed to us by our Constitution. One of these is freedom of speech. We are saying that people are not allowed to communicate in in other languages, far be it! However, when people immigrate to the United States, it their responsibility to learn English, it is not our responsibility to learn theirs. Contention 3: Accurately translating information into other languages is exponentially costly. Consider the vast number of languages in existence. To translate into any one language would also open pandora's box. It could be argued that any language that was not translated at government expense is discrimination. In our very liberal society, the client would have a case. Who would ultimately pay? Taxes from the citizens of course, most notably the working middle class. It behooves us all to support such a resolution that English ought to be the official language of the United States. Clearly, there is absolutely nothing to be gained by changing our official language from English to anything else. For the above reasons I request your supporting ballot. Written in English , on this 18th day of May 2010. Thank you!