Daniel Akaka: “I agree that English is the common language of our Nation. Everyone should learn it, just as I believe everyone should…”

“I agree that English is the common language of our Nation. Everyone should learn it, just as I believe everyone should learn other languages and more about the world around them. But I must oppose the Inhofe amendment because it does not merely encourage learning the English language. I am concerned that this amendment will have far- reaching consequences and eliminate the rights of many Americans. First of all, the Inhofe amendment is unnecessary. English is the de facto official language of the United States. In fact, according to the 2000 census, only 9.3 percent of Americans speak both their native language and another language fluently. Second, the Inhofe amendment is divisive. The sponsors of the amendment claim that this is needed to promote national unity. However, our common language is not what unifies this country. It is our common belief in freedom and justice. The first amendment to the Constitution ensures that we have the freedom of speech. We are free to speak in all languages--not just English. For those individuals who do not speak English, this amendment would deny U.S. citizens with limited English proficiency basic rights. For example, our country was founded on the belief that the people of this country hold the power--they are the check on our Government. However, limiting services to the English language could deny people the right to exercise this power and receive essential Government services.…”