official english legislation

[Greg Pulliam]

Duane et al,

Families who move to the USA inevitably learn English.  By the third
generation, there is usually very little left of the old language.
Immigrants know they need English;  they want to learn English.  They
don't need laws to tell them that they and their children need
English to succeed in the United States.

So we must ask "Why are unnecessary laws being proposed?"  The answer
is that there must be another motive--in this case the only
conceivable one (based on the text of the legislation) is to make it
harder for new immigrants to gain citizenship--a motive that should
be abhorrent to everyone in this nation of immigrants.

The sponsor of this legislation is Bob Barr.  If you and your
daughter are not repelled by this man and his agenda, then you are
probably wise to advise her to get out of academia.

Greg Pulliam



>On Sun, 3 Jun 2001 15:31:07 EDT Douglas Bigham <TlhovwI at AOL.COM> writes:
>>  Short of being "truly ignorant", I have some questions.  Doesn't
>>  point (2) of the proposal have some value and truth?
>
>You are a brave man, Mr. Bigham
>
>I find this discussion disturbing for a couple of reasons. First is the
>monochromatic tone.  And just to be sure, there was a preemptive strike
>early on, labeling rather viciously anyone who might take a different
>position. As so often happens, the call for diversity and open debate
>applies only to opinions and cultures one chooses to tolerate.
>
>Secondly: As stated,  this is a predominantly political question, not
>really a matter of language. Political issues are supposedly proscribed
>here. But again, that seems to be the case only where there is not near
>universal agreement.
>
>My daughter is working on her doctorate. She thinks she wants to be an
>academic. I have been forwarding this thread on to her.