English as the Official Language

Somewhere along the way, English became the official language of the United States. According to the Senate that is.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article548909.ece

While this issue has been on the national back burner for years (other than that one West Wing episode where Josh and Joey Lucas go at it on the language of Shakespeare), how did it just slip between all the news stories? Inofe's amendment is a product of fear and contempt. No one is afraid of the multiple languages. People are afraid of Spanish and punish those who are speaking it.

Spanish At School Translates to Suspension:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/08/AR2005120802122.html

Don't lie Senators, admit that you're afraid of Latinos living our lives as we normally do--in Spanish.

Granted, it's is official documents. Critics will say--it's only the government forms and "official business." This is just symbolic.

Yes, these are just official forms and every law is laced with symbolism. This time, the symbolism is loud and clear.

Why the Republicans shouldn't support the amendment:
1) 47 million Spanish speakers. Yesterday we were smacked in the face. If Latinos find a way to organize, we're not voting for you the next time. (But I never voted for you anyways.)