Senate says English is national, unifying tongue

Via Power Line and others -- and I know I'm a day late coming into this -- Senate has declared English to be the official language of the US. We've been two full centuries waiting for this decision. Every one of my immigrant ancestors had to learn to speak the language of the people who settled here ahead of them (and my already here ancestors learned the new tongue, too). It makes sense that, since the vast majority of business and daily activity in this country has been done in English since before the War Between the States (kisses to my southern kinfolk), we should expect our official government documents to be published in that language. It makes sense that any newcomers today need to adapt to their new country, and not expect that the place they've run to change itself into the place they've run from.

Not only is it natural to expect those who come here to change their mindset a little, but it is necessary. If we don't come together at the center of the most commonly spoken language, we are then forced into a shattered society where everybody speaks his own words and nobody else comprehends. I believe they covered this concern in the some old book somewhere, but don't quote me on it.

At any rate, Harry Reid seems to think that there are some folks who are trying to come to this country who, as an ethnic group, are too dim to adjust to a new language as complex and unyielding as modern English:

"'Although the intent may not be there, I really believe this amendment is racist. I believe it is directed at people who speak Spanish,' Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada said."

Somehow, the father of the village idiot who became the current Governor of the State of Illinois learned – as an adult – to speak English. That cool dude with the really long name who plays Mr Eko on Lost learned to speak English (and in a lovely accent, I might add). My Injun great-great-grandma learned to speak English and act like a civilized, modernish Christian woman (kinda sorta. She's probably where I get my heathenish ways ;-) ), as did my German great-grandmother. Even Dem Yoopers learnt some English so dey could tell huntin' stories. How hard can it be? Are those descendants of the Spaniards really so slow-witted they will never be able to speak English? How do we explain Antonio Banderas? How do we explain Charo? okay, bad scary example. How do we explain Ricardo Montalban and fine Corinthian leather?

Harry Reid must have an incredibly low opinion of Spanish-speaking peoples -- he must think they're as dim as he is -- for him to say what he did.

Three cheers for the Senate majority for recognizing that all immigrants are capable of learning our language, and that they should be expected to invest enough energy in their own futures to actually assimilate at least that small amount.