Official Language

I consider most Kansans and certainly myself as relatively fair and open-minded about matters of immigration. But that is not the case for me when it comes to a requirement for speaking English. It should be our "official" language.

When our country formed in 1776, Americans spoke many languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and of course numerous Indian dialects. As a result the founding fathers decided not to declare an official language. Their reasons included a belief in tolerance and the economic and social value of foreign language knowledge amongst the citizenry. Plus, back then it just wasn't practical given the distinct communities that had come from Europe and established themselves here.

Since 1975, the Voting Rights Act has required that certain parts of the country have bilingual ballots where at least 5% of the population is American Indian, Asian American, Native Alaskan, or of Spanish heritage - the means several counties in Kansas. To me the Asian and Spanish pieces of the law make no sense when naturalization here requires a working knowledge of English.

It was not until 1981 that Congress first addressed English as our official language. The effort for a constitutional amendment failed, unfortunately. More recently the subject was addressed as part of the immigration bill debate, but again Congress wimped-out calling English our "national" rather than "official language."

Those who now play on our emotions in an attempt to undo the American culture need to spend some time in Quebec - a nation within a nation. Granting special status for a second language there has been fraught with danger. The French speaking province not long ago brought the country to the brink of civil war. Is that our wish for America?

In my mind, there is nothing that assimilates immigrants faster than the requirement to speak a common language. It unites us as a people. Civil societies must first be able to communicate. And English is the portal to American life. We should have the courage and foresight to make it our "official language," and by so doing give every American an opportunity for success.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press, July 19, 2006.