[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.

[Bikers4Bush]

I don't care about business names, I don't even care what people speak to each other on their own time or outside of the workplace. I do, however, care about what language is printed on government documents and spoken at government offices.

I also think employers should have a right to demand that employees speak english while on the job and/or their employers grounds. That would include during breaks.

[Turbo Pig]

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 sounds like something a liberal would say. No one has even intimated that the above would be the case. Only a complete moron would actually believe something like that is how this is intended.

[dawn53]

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

Hadn't thought about that. As Glenn Beck said on his TV show last night..."Lawyers are the scurvy on the ship that is America."

[GAB-1955]

What this means is that the business of the United States Government must be conducted in English. The several states can conduct their business in any language they choose; indeed, New Mexico, since statehood in 1912, has had two official languages, English and Spanish. It also does not mean the United States government can't provide translations as needed; but it does mean the official documentation, such as tax forms and Social Security applications, will be in English.

The First Amendment clearly states that private citizens may speak as they wish in whatever tongue they wish. I have no desire to repeat the folly of Quebec's Loi 101 and the volunteer "tongue troopers" who try to enforce its primacy despite the Canadian Supreme Court's rulings. Quebec has served us well as a Bad Example of Language Policy.

[GAB-1955]

What this means is that the business of the United States Government must be conducted in English. The several states can conduct their business in any language they choose; indeed, New Mexico, since statehood in 1912, has had two official languages, English and Spanish. It also does not mean the United States government can't provide translations as needed; but it does mean the official documentation, such as tax forms and Social Security applications, will be in English.

The First Amendment clearly states that private citizens may speak as they wish in whatever tongue they wish. I have no desire to repeat the folly of Quebec's Loi 101 and the volunteer "tongue troopers" who try to enforce its primacy despite the Canadian Supreme Court's rulings. Quebec has served us well as a Bad Example of Language Policy.