Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called a proposal to make English the official language "racist" on the Senate floor yesterday.
"This amendment is racist. I think it's directed basically to people who speak Spanish," the Democrat said during the already tense debate over immigration reform.
Moments later, the Senate approved the measure on a 63-34 vote. Virtually all Republicans were joined by 11 Democrats to approve the largely symbolic amendment. Immediately following that vote, the Senate approved a second amendment, declaring on a 58-39 vote that English is the "common and unifying language."
Such proposals enjoy overwhelming support among American voters.
A poll by Zogby International earlier this year found that 84 percent of Americans say English should be the official language of government operations. The same poll found that 77 percent of Hispanics agree.
And it's a bipartisan issue, according to the poll, which found that 92 percent of Republicans and 82 percent of Democrats approve making English the country's official language.
Mr. Reid's charge of racism caused a stir of whispers in the Senate chamber and gallery, and Sen. James M. Inhofe, the Oklahoma Republican who offered the amendment, was clearly offended
wow this man says its raciist to make english our nantive language dang i thought it was
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060518-114129-1805r.htm
The United States Senate, known for taking forever to pass any meaningful legislation, seems to be on a bit of a tear lately. Yesterday Senators voted 63-34 to make English the national language. It's about time. Actually, they didn't exactly use the words "national language." Instead, they chose to call it a "common and unifying language." Whatever.
This is a start. If you want to come to the United States and be a part of the culture, you should have to learn English. For too long, we have coddled people who expect to come here and continue speaking Spanish. So now we have English being taught as a second language. We have signs in both English and Spanish. And who can forget the most annoying thing of all: when you call a customer service line, being told to press a button if you speak English.
In fact, before you are granted citizenship into this country, you should be given a simple language test. If you cannot demonstrate your ability to speak the native language, you're out. Go home, learn English and then try again. It really is as simple as that.
its very true learn/read english to become a citizen
http://boortz.com/nuze/index.html
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