Racism, Buttons, Language

The Senate vote on making English the national language (well, not actually the national language; it's the official language) has sparked yet another round of heated debate. I am awed by the fact that there were senators who voted against such a bill. Why, exactly? What should be the national/official language of Germany? Or Greece? Or Italy? Hopefully, those languages are German, Greek, and Italian, respectively. It seems so patently obvious that it is difficult to understand the existence of any debate whatsoever. Nonetheless, the debate took place, as did the vote, and hence the results.

Which brings me to my original question. WHY NOT? Precisely what would prevent a YAY? It seems that Harry Reid had an answer - the English language, or believing that it should be the official language, is RACIST. Huh? Racist? Which race is being demonized? The Greek race? Or the Spanish race? Do we actually elect so-called representatives who do not understand English, despite the fact that they appear to speak it? Harry should know that Spanish people are not a different race from Irish, German, or French people. He states that the bill is directed against Spanish-speaking people. How would he know such a thing? There are many languages spoken in the United States, and many are spoken to the extent that non-speakers of those languages can no longer support their businesses.

For example, I can no more imagine sitting in a shop, getting my nails manicured, while a row of Korean-speaking girls are twitting away and giggling. I admit it - I am not comfortable with it. I have no idea what they are saying, whether they might be ridiculing me, and I feel compromised and uncertain. For me, the problem no longer exists. I do my own nails, thank you very much.

Or the new Asian fresh foods store that recently opened near my house. Not a single sign is in English. Both my family and I love Asian food of all types, and we regularly try new dishes. When I go into a store, I would like to know what I am buying. But, here is the former USA, I cannot.

Back to the bills. There were actually two of them. One is Salazar Amdt. No. 4073 - "To declare that English is the common and unifying language of the United States, and to preserve and enhance the role of the English language." While the title is rather clear, the purpose is not. How will this bill be implemented? How will it be monitored? How will infractions be adjudicated?

The second bill is Inhofe Amdt. No. 4064 - "To amend title 4 United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the United States and to promote the patriotic integration of prospective US citizens."It appears that some people now support a national language in addition to a common and unifying language. I have the same questions with this as I do with 4073 - How will this bill be implemented? How will it be monitored? How will infractions be adjudicated?

I have the unsettling feeling that I have just been patted on the head and told to go off to sleep.

Perhaps Harry should engage in closer examination of what We The People have had to agree to in the name of non-racism. There are probably better examples of racism to be found, and found without looking too hard. Harry might do well to look for these examples. Perhaps then he could realize how inept he truly sounds.

Here's one already! Buttons & badges, while seemingly innocent, now will have a new meaning. And time, it seems, is now going backward! Remember those lovely yellow stars that Jews in Nazi Germany had to wear? Well, they're back! Who would have known! Remember, it always pays to keep your old things.

Are you listening and watching Harry? Try focusing on something that is actually REAL.