:: One Nation, One Language ::

A housewife stands over the kitchen sink with a towel draped over her shoulder. She puts her hand on her hip as she gazes across the mound of dirtied plates, cups, coffee mugs, and frying pans. It was all waiting for someone to take charge. “There are so many dishes to do,” she remarks. Her husband looks over. “Yeah,” he observes. He continues with his plate of mashed potatoes as he watches an evening news clip. The wife watches his uninterested reaction. She begins running the water and clearing the table.  An hour later, dishes washed, dried and put away, she explodes. 

“I can’t believe you.” 

“What?” he asks.  

“I asked you to help with the dishes, and you’re still watching television,” she responds. “I had to do them myself!” 

“You did? No you didn’t.” he says. The husband is confused. He didn’t recall her ever asking. 

It is a typical story. Wife says one thing, husband hears another. Wife gets upset, husband gets frustrated. The exchange ends up in a clash of feelings and emotion. They are virtually speaking different languages! But in this exchange, there’s a common thread; a unity of love and devotion to each other. Their unity bonds them, and brings an understanding to their situation.  

This translates to thoughts today on the language of our nation. Debates have arisen from the recent immigration discussion on the language that we speak, sing and recite, and how that affects our culture and our everyday lives. Whether it is interaction at a gas station, a restaurant, or even at your job, a language barrier between individuals can create this same clash of feelings or understanding. But unlike marriage, a common thread is missing. Without the ability to communicate to one another, simple errands or tasks become frustrations and create barriers.  

These situations and our common sense show us the need to unify our nation’s diverse population under one familiar form of communication.  The English Language Unity Act would declare English to be the official language of the U.S. Government, and would require the U.S. Government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States.  This legislation would get the government out of the business of policing language rights issues.  It would also appropriately encourage immigrants and citizens to become a greater part of American society by communicating in English.  The best way to ensure that an immigrant can share in the American dream is to encourage him or her to function in the language used in trade, commerce, and business. 

When I think of my proudest patriotic moments, I recall the memory of standing together with other Americans, whether it’s at a Little League ballgame or on the floor of the House of Representatives, I am standing next to them singing the Star-Spangled Banner or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Gazing at the flag, I have my hand over my heart, and as the familiar words resound through the crowd, the sense of patriotism is tangible and remarkable. When the national media reported the national anthem being sung in another language, the country reacted. It isn’t a negative reaction, but one of rationalism and patriotism.  

As Americans, we must define our common thread. And this includes communication with each other in one language. Half the countries in the world declare an official language, but we aren’t one of them, yet. We are Americans. We are proud of where we come from, but prouder of what we have become.