Uniting America With One Language: Official English
Official English:
I believe that English is the glue that binds our country together. English is an integral part of what unites us as Americans. That’s why I support HR 997, The Official Language Unity Act of 2007, legislation currently being offered by U.S. Representative Steve King, (R-IA) and would proudly cosponsor it as your congressman.
Regardless of race, gender, or political affiliation, Americans have declared their support for an official language. A Rasmussen poll conducted in June of 2006 found that 85% of Americans favor making English the official language of the United States government.
Studies show that those who know English get better jobs, earn more money, and are less likely to be uninsured. As a result, English decreases government dependency and increases personal responsibility.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, those with limited English proficiency are less likely to be employed, work in less desirable conditions, and earn less than half as much as the general population. Those statistics may seem like common sense, but I think it’s wrong for society to allow the soft bigotry of low expectations to create a second tier of US citizens who can’t fully realize the American dream because they can’t or won’t speak English.
Contrary to the disinformation some on the left spread without regard for the facts, Official English DOES NOT mean English only. None of the 30 states with official English laws prohibit government agencies from using another language when there is a compelling public interest for doing so. These include: protecting public health and safety, assuring equality before the law, promoting tourism, teaching foreign languages, providing for national defense, and many other legitimate, common sense needs.
Adopting English as the official language would be a major step towards making us a more united America, and it’s the kind of practical, common sense legislation the voters in the 14th District can expect me to champion if they send me to Washington, D.C.
CHOOSE ANOTHER ISSUE:
Securing America's Borders
Fighting the Global War on Terror
The Middle East
Uniting America with One Language: Official English
Standing Up for the Second Amendment
Defending Traditional Marriage and Protecting Life
Preserving America's Leadership in Space
Protecting America's Farmers
Reforming the Tax Code: Abolishing the IRS