ENGLISH SHOULD BE OUR `OFFICIAL' LANGUAGE

Legislators from this region are taking a leading role at the state and national levels to designate English as Americans' "official language." Some may view the measure as irrelevant; those who don't might regard it as discriminatory. In fact, the measures being offered in the Missouri General Assembly and the U.S. Congress show foresight and good reasoning, providing a means to head off a problem before it exists. The measures are worthy of consideration.

Lawmakers handling these bills in Jefferson City are from nearby districts, Danny Staples of Eminence on the Senate side and Larry Thomason of Kennett in the House. Congressman Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau is a driving force for the Language of Government Act in the U.S. House. Emerson's explanation of what the act would say to all who live in America is a succinct one: "English is the language of the U.S. government. You may live in the United States without knowing English, but to participate fully in the political, social and economic benefits that our country offers, you should learn the English language."

Is this necessary? Eighteen other states have thought so. Missouri, with its limited population of persons with other languages, is being forced by no crisis to make a decision ... which is all the more reason to go ahead and make one. At this point, emotions should not stand in the way of a reasoned discussion of the issue.

The cries that will rise in opposition to this issue will no doubt accuse the lawmakers of provincialism, insisting that America is trying to shirk its fundamental commitment to cultural diversity. It has been misrepresented in some circles as the "English-only initiative." The arguments won't fly. It is precisely because of the diverse cultures embraced by our nation that a common bond, a link of language, is needed. How else can disparate ideas be exchanged?

Making English the official language of the United States, and of Missouri, will in no way alter bilingual instruction or foreign language instruction, nor would it impede any citizen's right to an interpreter in criminal court, nor would it add restrictions to immigration laws, nor would it imply that multilingualism is wrong. It would simply specify English as the official language of government, as opposed to no law and a growing field of other languages.

Within the borders of this nation, there are said to be 150 languages spoken. In California alone, it is said there are 90 languages. If we take a lesson from the Canadian province of Quebec, which has had French and English influences tug apart its government for years, then it stands to reason that the United States should have a pre-eminent, unifying language. English is the common tongue. The law should say that.