Why is it wrong to make English the Official Language in the US?

Question

It is very easy to give up a right. If you want it back, expect a fight. Since 9/11, it seems as though people don't care.

Making one language preferential over another is un-American and according to some of our forefathers it was "unpatriotic" and unfair to the immigrant population.

Many argue that translating/interpreting is costly but compared to the lawsuits that can result by not providing this type of assistance, it's a pittance. By doing this, you are guilty of NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION. You don't deprive a person in a wheelchair of a ramp, a deaf person of an interpreter, or an illiterate person of an explanation. Depriving someone of their language is violating their civil rights!

Last I checked, the US Constitution, was the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND and states that we have a right to free speech. It doesn't state that it has to be in English and FYI, the Articles of Confederation were translated to German so the German pop. could understand their rights.

Answer 1

I'll leave you with a quote by Teddy Roosevelt:

Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Answer 2

America is a country that is made up of all nationalities. We all are part of a nation that is made up of many different cultures and languages. If a person wants to speak their own language in their home-more power to them. But, when you are participating in anything that requires the knowledge of the English language(the official American language) learn English, study English and know English. Don't expect to have a translator for everything because you did not take the effort to learn the language of the country that you desired to become a part of. If I was to move to France-I would study and learn french, etc. My grandfather came here from Denmark,at 17. He taught himself English and was quite proud of his accomplishment. He still spoke Danish at home but he became a very successful businessman he needed no translators nor did he expect it. This is America-speak English or leave!!

Answer 3

Its not, however if we do we must provide ample opportunities for new immigrants to recieve the education they need to function in an English only society. By making English the official language we aren't restricting the use of other languages, we just won't be printing every official document in every language that could possibly be spoken here.

Edit - First off you have no credible evidence that the cost of any potential lawsuits will outweigh the cost of printing, interpreters, etc... Secondly putting your opinion in ALL CAPITALS does not make it fact. If you want to come here and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits its your choice. No one has forced you. It is not discriminatory to expect people who willingly immigrate to our country to meet certain criteria.

Answer 4

I had a debate in this comparable concern those days. English isn't the comparable simply by fact the language that grew to become into origonally from england. Its a language of maximum of mixed cultures and otgher languages. We spanish, latin, greek, french and maximum of different roots. English is a undemanding source of verbal substitute. If human beings to migrate into this united states of america and opt to succeed they might desire to take it into their very own palms to earnings the language. Language barriers in basic terms reason difficulty. to not say that immigrants might desire to be regarded upon badly in the event that they talk their very own language, simply by fact's what makes this united states of america so distinctive and stunning, yet as a fashion to be distinctive and robust and powerful there might desire to be a undemanding floor. Our language is that floor. simply by fact of this we take foriegn languages throughout our education, it is to assist talk with people who can not yet talk with maximum individuals of our society. English is an exceedingly undemanding language. in case you flow to france, you're guaranteed to discover somebody who can help and assist you. If yopu flow to greece, or mexico there too speaking in basic terms english are you able to discover help. So sure, English might desire to be the offical language of the U. S. simply by fact it supplies us a benefit at something of the worldwide.

Answer 5

What language was the Constitution written in?
Oh yeah...ENGLISH.
I FULLY expect to be required to be fluent in the language of another country if I were to relocate.
It's like going to visit someone else's house. Don't go there unless you know their language. It's THEIR house. Why should they make changes to accommodate?
The expense of law suits? They shouldn't have any grounds for the law suit if it was THEIR fault for not learning the language.
Again, I would assume responsibility if I did something wrong in another country. It's my fault for not learning about my new location beforehand.

Answer 6

If you find out, let me know. It seems most of the politicians - both parties - have made a career of politics and care only about getting relected and will do whatever it takes to get votes - regardless of the consequences.

Answer 7

I think you answered your own question...

In my opinion, you can make english the official language but that doesn't stop anyone from translating stuff into different languages.

Answer 8

I speak english,I have that right and I wont give it up,and neither will any other American whos lost family in the wars for this freedom,I also have the right to bare arms,dont mess with Americans,God bless our kids in Iraq,and God bless America.

Tancredo for president 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Political correctness will destroy America.

Answer 10

No comprende ingles.