An Official Language: Racist?

Source: englishfirst

As American towns seek to make English their official language the usual race baiters have assured us that an official language of any sort would be racist.

Well, if that's true...

Texas town makes Spanish official, stirs war of words
By Lynda Gorov, Globe Staff, 08/28/99

‘’I understand it is the United States, but what happens if people want to know what is going on?'’ said Mayor Rafael Rodriguez, elected in November along with the two city commissioners. ‘’I don’t want to create problems with the federal government, because we have enough problems. But this is right for our community. It will give people more confidence and help them communicate if they can do it in Spanish.'’

Even before this month’s vote, Spanish was the language of El Cenizo, a smattering of ramshackle houses and dusty roads about 15 miles downriver from Laredo. Many of its 7,800 residents speak little or no English, among them the mayor, who concedes he crossed the border illegally 20 years ago and has since become a naturalized citizen. Children often translate for parents, and locals who are bilingual tend to prefer Spanish among themselves.

To them, the new policy makes perfect sense, as does another designating El Cenizo a ‘’safe haven'’ for undocumented immigrants who make their way to the town.

Um, heh?

H/T Dusty Inman

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