[Bikers4Bush]

Common language is not the same as official language.

I want the latter and I want all ballots and government documents printed in nothing but.

[CondorFlight]

OK.
But please don't make a law that says I can't name a business "Taco Tio", or "Copa Cabana"; or that I can't say "Hola!" if I spot a bunch of friends (Hispanic or otherwise)--or even a law
that is simply going to be a gold mine for attorneys
who want to file a zillion cases to determine exactly what
this law means.

[hflynn]

Common language is not the same as official language.

Your absolutely correct. The Senate is also doing everything possible to insure that 20 years from now English will be the Uncommon Language in the Un-United States of American Mexico.

[TexasTaysor]

I want all ballots and government documents printed in nothing but.

I find it quite interesting that a couple of days ago congress voted to maintain the multi language ballots for another 25 years, then voted on the bill to make English the official language. Seems to me they put the cart before the horse.

[untrained skeptic]

Common language is not the same as official language.

Common is weaker than official, but neither means much unless Congress explicitly defines what having an official language means. Without a definition, the executive branch has broad authority to interpret it's meaning, and it wouldn't really change anything.

Even if Congress does define it well, there's still going to be a good chance of it being undermined through judicial review in the name of preventing racism.

It needs to be a made the official language through an Amendment to the US Constitution which defines the scope of the official language as well.