Why is it wrong to make English the Official Language in the US?

It is very easy to give up a right. If you want it back, expect a fight. Since 9/11, it seems as though people don't care.

Making one language preferential over another is un-American and according to some of our forefathers it was "unpatriotic" and unfair to the immigrant population.

Many argue that translating/interpreting is costly but compared to the lawsuits that can result by not providing this type of assistance, it's a pittance. By doing this, you are guilty of NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION. You don't deprive a person in a wheelchair of a ramp, a deaf person of an interpreter, or an illiterate person of an explanation. Depriving someone of their language is violating their civil rights!

Last I checked, the US Constitution, was the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND and states that we have a right to free speech. It doesn't state that it has to be in English and FYI, the Articles of Confederation were translated to German so the German pop. could understand their rights.

I'll leave you with a quote by Teddy Roosevelt:

Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Why is it wrong to make English the Official Language in the US?

My question was why was it WRONG to make the official language in the US. I think you answered it by pointing out that it will justify national origin discrimination against LEPs that have every right to be in this country. Report It

It is not wrong.

No comprende ingles.

If you find out, let me know. It seems most of the politicians - both parties - have made a career of politics and care only about getting relected and will do whatever it takes to get votes - regardless of the consequences.

I think you answered your own question...

In my opinion, you can make english the official language but that doesn't stop anyone from translating stuff into different languages.

Political correctness will destroy America.

Its not, however if we do we must provide ample opportunities for new immigrants to recieve the education they need to function in an English only society. By making English the official language we aren't restricting the use of other languages, we just won't be printing every official document in every language that could possibly be spoken here.

Edit - First off you have no credible evidence that the cost of any potential lawsuits will outweigh the cost of printing, interpreters, etc... Secondly putting your opinion in ALL CAPITALS does not make it fact. If you want to come here and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits its your choice. No one has forced you. It is not discriminatory to expect people who willingly immigrate to our country to meet certain criteria.

I speak english,I have that right and I wont give it up,and neither will any other American whos lost family in the wars for this freedom,I also have the right to bare arms,dont mess with Americans,God bless our kids in Iraq,and God bless America.

Tancredo for president 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

What language was the Constitution written in?
Oh yeah...ENGLISH.
I FULLY expect to be required to be fluent in the language of another country if I were to relocate.
It's like going to visit someone else's house. Don't go there unless you know their language. It's THEIR house. Why should they make changes to accommodate?
The expense of law suits? They shouldn't have any grounds for the law suit if it was THEIR fault for not learning the language.
Again, I would assume responsibility if I did something wrong in another country. It's my fault for not learning about my new location beforehand.

If you are going to live here in the US at least speak the language...simple as that. I'm sure that the US is not the only country that gets frusterated when foreign people go to their country and can't speak their language. I feel that if you can speak the language that you are more than welcome to stay, if you can't, come back when you can....it's just easier for every one that way.

America is a country that is made up of all nationalities. We all are part of a nation that is made up of many different cultures and languages. If a person wants to speak their own language in their home-more power to them. But, when you are participating in anything that requires the knowledge of the English language(the official American language) learn English, study English and know English. Don't expect to have a translator for everything because you did not take the effort to learn the language of the country that you desired to become a part of. If I was to move to France-I would study and learn french, etc. My grandfather came here from Denmark,at 17. He taught himself English and was quite proud of his accomplishment. He still spoke Danish at home but he became a very successful businessman he needed no translators nor did he expect it. This is America-speak English or leave!!