This Is America, But . . .

Good point

Another Political Cartoon

This political cartoon expresses that we don't need to make English the official language because it's already widely used

Political Cartoon

This is a political cartoon from September 8, 1995

National Briefing | Midwest: Iowa: Making English Official

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E7D81431F934A15751C0A9649C8B63&scp=10&sq=english%20official%20language&st=cse


This article summarizes that Iowa is making English official

Golf Tour’s Rule: Speak English to Stay in Play

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/sports/golf/27golf.html?scp=9&sq=english%20official%20language&st=cse


The LPGA (Ladies Pro Golf Association) now has a rule that states (beginning in the 2009 season) that all players must speak English to play or face suspension. The league cited that it is an American based group as one of the reasons for the decision. There are 120 international players representing 26 countries, with South Korea holding the largest contingent of players (45). Many players including those from South Korea support the policy.

In Nashville, a Ballot Measure That May Quiet All but English

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/us/11english.html?scp=1&sq=english%20official%20language&st=cse


Nashville councilman, Eric Crafton, made a motion to abolish the use of any language other than English in government affairs-with the exception of safeties and emergencies. If passed, Nashville will be the largest city with such a practice in place. Crafton feels that a central language will be a factor in boosting the economy.

Amendment 1 would make English official language for government meetings

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/10/26/ballot-issue-would-make-english-official-meeting-language/


Missouri is making an effort to make English the official language of government affairs with Constitutional Amendment 1. The bill would also leave translation services unchanged. Those against worry that the bill sends the message that the state doesn't welcome immigrants. This proposal has no costs or savings to local governments.

English language legislation gathers steam across the USA

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-18-English-laws_N.htm



This article points out the increased interest in making English the official language. More and more people hitting the ballots in support of such bills. 30 states have English as the official language with similar proposals going through 19 legislatures. Those against say it sends a "hostile message to newcomers".
In such bills, documents, ballots and other government communications must be published in English, excluding those protecting public health and safety or efforts to promote tourism.

Are Latinos Learning English Quickly?

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/learning-the-language/2007/12/are_latinos_learning_english_q.html

Debate continues to rage between the decision to make English the USA's official language. One reason critics have gone against it is that the English language is difficult to learn. The Pew Hispanic Center reported that 88 percent of second-generation Latinos surveyed say they don't speak English very well. Detailed in the article, "1 out of 8 American-born children of Hispanic immigrants does not speak English very well." It was also revealed that a "small minority" of first-generation Latino immigrants describe themselves as fluent English speakers (one in four Latino immigrants says he or she is able to speak English very well.) But that's first generation Latinos. 2nd generation Latinos normally don't have that problem due to the fact that they grow up in an American, English speaking society.

Ergo Proxy: The Official Language of the Interne

http://themedium.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/ergo-proxy-the-official-language-of-the-internet/?scp=7&sq=english%20official%20language&st=cse

Interesting fact: Even though English is the dominant language online, two-thirds of Internet users don’t know English. This article details the well known language of "Engrish", a language which mixes certain Asian languages and English. It is very common and major sites, like YouTube hold them. This article shows the importance of English not just in America, but worldwide in what can be argued as the most important form of communication for today's generation. Many countries hold English as the official language and many more hold it as a secondary language. In today's world many more people are becoming bilingual. And for most, one of those languages is English.