Yet another poll - English as National Language?Follow

The Senate has just passed a bill which would make English the national language of the United States. The main upshot of which is to state that the government has no onus to provide signs, documents, forms, or any other communication in any language other than English although agencies may do so at their own discretion. Also, the English version of any government document shall be the one by which things are judged.

I'll say yes. Over the long-haul, I would think it'd streamline things a little bit more that way.

I don't like it.

Nexa

Isn't it already?

So basically the bill is nothing more than an ineffectual self affirmation of anglos in the face of their failed immigration policies?

Isnt it comical when people in power get insecure?

Honestly though, what is your argument against that? You wouldn't be forced to read the other languages, English would still be there...so what's the problem?

Nexa

You're right Smash. Let's just play EU and make everything in 7 languages just so that no one gets their feelings hurt.

Yeah, that's why things are offered in other languges, to make sure people's feeling get hurt. It'd definately not because people won't fill out the forms if they don't understand the language.

Jesus, are you people really sooo pathetic that you need to be able to feel better about people because you SPEAK ENGLISH???

Really? Is it THAT BAD? I mean, hell, you can breathe without gills, too, right? Horay! You're reall special now, Skippy! You can speak English AND you can breath without gills! No need to feel like you have disenfranchise people for absolutely no ******* reason at all now. Ok? I'm telling you, flat out. You're better than gill breathers and people who didn't learn a language you learned by default as an infant.

Feel better? Can they have the forms in Spanish now so that we don't have a country full of gypsy like tribes who still aqire services but that we have no record of because morons like you insist on all forms being in English?

Ok? Deal?

I mean, you > gill breathers, right! That's the spirit.

I'm honestly not trying to be argumentative (wink), but I don't see what the problem is. Heaven forbid more people who live in our country actually understand what the hell is going on and where they are versus those that speak English being able to stick their noses in the air and proclaim that there is no legislation saying that they don't have to explain nuttin? What is the actual problem with multiple languages? The street signs are less asthetically pleasing...what?

Nexa

You mean it wasn't?

Yes, I understand America's ethnic diversity, but as far as I'm concerned, english is "the most common language." Not knowing english in america is quite the kick in the balls.

It's about trying to maintain some level of functionability and setting a standard that attempts to unify on a nationwide level.

And your reasoning is absolutely retarded. I'm going to slippery slope this one, but if you are going to cater to one language, you better do them all. The only logical place to draw the line (which will have to be drawn) is to pick one, encourage everyone to conform, and move on.

Every bought anything in the EU? Ever seen packaging there? Every product, government service, etc must be printed in 7 languages equally. It's a f'ucking mess. It's going to get worse as they might move to 9.

You know making the argument "I'm too ******* stupid to find English on the label if there are other languages because I was educated with a branding iron and a baloon" really just isn't that compellig for me.

Sorry.

Oh, you're so right! I cried and cried as I tossed out the labels in other languages and I cursed the heavens above that one half of a millisecond of my valuable time had been taken up in even noticing them. Jesus Neph, you have enough things to ***** about without inventing stupid crap like that. If people can get services/instructions/whathaveyou that they need without requiring a translater...I think that's great. I don't care if maybe I have to flip through a couple pages to find them in my own language.

Nexa

Canada survives being Bilingual, Krishna knows how many languages they have going on in India and they seem to get by, I could probably come up with more examples if you wish.

It is nothing more than the almost stereotypical fear of losing power/wealth. You have an ever increasing pool of cheap labour that all of a sudden is demanding rights and privileges and whamo! People in power set up a series of requirements that inhibit the communities growth and further entrenches the elites own power. Multiple historical examples of it.

Which usually ends up causing more trouble in the end.