The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

Discussion

August 18, 2010

‘English only’ is no solution

Enid News and Eagle

We know there is a lot of emotion surrounding the issue of illegal immigration, but a state question on the ballot this November really does nothing but cause more divisiveness on this issue.

State Question 751 calls for the approval or disapproval to add a new article to Oklahoma’s Constitution that would mandate only English used in official state actions when there is an option to do so.

This question plays on the emotions of the illegal immigration debate. Many people are under the impression the state is having to spend a great deal of tax dollars on making sure state documents are printed in Spanish as well as English.

The state question does not specify how the language requirements would be implemented or enforced. Instead, it allows the Legislature to pass laws determining the “applications of the language requirements.”

Huh?

Seriously, the ambiguity of exactly how this question actually would affect state documents is reason enough to defeat it. However, there is another good reason this question should be defeated.

It is really not needed and not that important of an issue in Oklahoma. It will yield minimal savings to the state in terms of less printing, signage or translators. And it will really do nothing to break down barriers that already impede cultural understanding and development.

About the only thing an “English only” question does is add fuel to unconstructive political rhetoric. It doesn’t solve any problems associated with illegal immigration.

We encourage voters to reject this State Question 751 in November.

Text Only
Opinion