"national" language amendment-- Constitutional end run?

As far as I can tell, this is relevant language from the amendment to the Immigration bill that would establish English as the "national" language: "The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States of America. Unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal Government in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.''.


On its face, I don't see that this would prevent a community from offering bi-lingual services. Rather, what it seems to be trying to accomplish is to negate any claim to a "right" to bilingual services. Yet, isn't that really something turns on whether the Constitution is interpreted as requiring that certain services be provided in a language other than English -- for example, it might be argued that it was a denial of Due Process not to provide someone with certain information in a language that they can understand, or that certain other rights and impinged upon absent the provision of information in another language. While I don't necessarily think that there is an automatic right to bilingual services, I also can't rule out the possibility that, in appropriate circumstances, failure to provide non-English information could be inconsistent with the Constitition. So isn't the national language amendment just an attempt to end-run the Constitution?

Thats just it. It doesn't restrict any thing.

other languages, as well. You know, keep the 'wrong types' from voting.

Pay attention to:

English only
prayer in the schools
flag burning
gay marriage

Do not pay attention to:

outsourcing
illegal war based on lies
no-bid contracts
incompetence
cooked intelligence
NSA spying
illegal wiretaps
etc., etc.

It's all a distraction; from what I've heard, it won't affect ballots being printed in other languages, commerce being conducted in other languages, etc. This is just another fig leaf for the Thugs to point to in the midterms, especially if they're perceived as being "soft" on immigration.

That's what I have to say about it. They're blatantly unconcerned for collateral damage when it supports their cause and not when it doesn't. What is this, a hobby for them?

speak English and were denied a translator can no longer be overturned.

It specifically listed a clause to protect translators during court proceedings,

Especially if it is to end or limit terror and unrest.

... the ones we've confined to "reservations" ???

What is the legal situation re indiginous people vs the occupiers?

Mark.

mean anything. It is just posturing and a waste of time - especially when we are "at war."

:hippie:

Give all the English the power to define your
dictionary and come and worship at Cambridge and
Oxford to find out the latest nuances.

Marry the royal familes, let the two princes marry
the two bush daughters and create a unity cretinous
decadent line of imperial kings and queens to preside
over the prison state.

The neo-englishman's burden indeed...

as poor as the majority of Mexicans. Our Senators and Representatives are padding their own pockets because they know they will stay on top of the income pile while we fall.