Nashville to go English Only?!

[Heather Souter]

Nashville may make English government language

By JUANITA COUSINS – 14 hours ago

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nashville could become the largest U.S. city to make
English the mandatory language for all government business under a measure
being put before voters Thursday, but critics say it might invite lawsuits
and even cost the city millions in federal funding.

Though similar measures have passed elsewhere, the idea has ignited an
intense debate. Proponents say using one language would unite the city, but
business leaders, academics and the city's mayor worry it could give the
city a bad reputation, because, as Gov. Phil Bredesen put it, "it's mean
spirited."

The referendum's most vocal supporter, city Councilman Eric Crafton
collected enough signatures to get the "English First" charter amendment on
the ballot because he fears government won't run smoothly if his hometown
mirrors New York City, where services are offered in Spanish, Chinese,
Russian, Korean, Italian and French Creole.

Full text is found below.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iPp28Et8XqAQzg9tYkGhos7M5WOwD95RPQ5G0
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