This is what the ordinance says: The use of a common language removes barriers of misunderstanding and helps to unify the people of Frederick County, the state and the United States, and helps to enable the full economic and civic participation of all its citizens, regardless of national origin, creed, race or other characteristics, and thus a compelling governmental interest exists in promoting, preserving and strengthening the use of the English language. "This is what the ordinance means: Official county documents and business will be written and conducted in English, but matters of public safety can still be conducted in other languages." Nothing racist about this. Only ignorant people would think this is racist. The United States is suppose to be a "melting pot" in which people "assimilate". Frederick County makes English its official language - Rosenwald, Md. - The Washington Post
What I don't get is that there is probably no actual practical need for it. I mean, how much "official" business was that county really conducting in Spanish/Hindi/German/Mandarin/French/Swahili/etc/etc? I don't see any actual effect here......It really just looks like a political statement made out of irrational fear.
Pretty much. This is why people assume it is racist. It has no other purpose aside from a big "(*)(*)(*)(*) you" to Mexicans.
The government and private business spent Billions of dollars printing things in different languages all over the country. This is just one reason why making English the official language. Now remember to press 1 for English and 2 for Spanish.
I'm not sure how much material was actually printed in a foreign language, but this law explicitly says that some things will still be printed in foreign languages (per the article). It only governs intra-governmental business....
Voters Make English the Official Language of Arizona Passage of Prop. 103 makes Arizona the 28th state with official English November 8, 2006 Arizona voters passed Proposition 103 by a near 3-1 margin yesterday, making the Grand Canyon State the 28th state in the nation to adopt English as its official language. The passage of the ballot initiative marks the eighth time in as many attempts where the voters have enacted English as the official language of the state. On the subject of English, Arizona voters have made it clear that they want the government to lead by example, said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. Their support of Proposition 103 yesterday, following their reform of bilingual education six years ago, shows that Arizonans are calling for assimilation, not separation.
This is a reasonable measure, hopefully it catches on. It wasn't long ago that we saw why there should be a common language when it comes to governmental business, especially where more than one language is spoken. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...a-arizona-city-council-english_n_1254498.html
Private businesses also make tons of money off of people who don't speak English well...or at all. They are going to do this regardless. And, for profit's sake, they want to. In terms of the government, even the politicians that are pushing this kind of legislation are not so hardcore as to ban all foreign language in extra-governmental communications.....which is practical, because everyone needs to understand our laws to comply with them....whether they be someone who lives here or foreign citizens who come here temporarily to work or visit.
There is no government mandate that requires companies to offer services in other languages. Think about that and you'll realize why you will always here the press 1 for English particularly when dealing with large companies that have a broad consumer base.
