Bravo to this judge. It's not a question about prejudices. I could care less what language they speak. But this judge is giving them an opportunity to get their lives straight. They would be wise to take him up on it.

Agreed. Though, I'd like to see a study on the recidivism rate for non-English-speaking criminals compared to English-speakers.

And I'm not wholly sold on the "English as the official language" thing. Would that be enforced somehow? Would there be jail-time involved? If so, doesn't that negate the whole reasoning in the first place?

Should Spanish be mandatory in places or states where it's a dominant language? Should it even be left up to the Federal Govt, or instead be a state-legislated issue?

I've actually done a considerable amount of research on "English as the official language" issue. Its goal isn't to make everyone speak English all the time; you can speak whatever language you please. If English were our official language, all official documents would only be printed in English and all government business would be conducted in English. Naturally, there are pros and cons, but the biggest pro is money. Not having to print forms in so many languages is much cheaper. Money saved could go to official English language classes...

I have a couple opinions...
One cannot underestimate the importance of language on culture. America is and has been a largely English speaking nation... There is something to be said for keeping it that way by making English its official language. Also, as a 911 dispatcher, I can personally speak to the safety issue -- it takes longer to get emergency services to someone who doesn't speak and understand English.

But...
Part of our culture is accepting and integrating other cultures. A lot could be lost if we force everyone to speak English. I am (mostly) bilingual and will make sure my children are able to speak at least two languages. It's important for people to look beyond their own borders and culture.

Interesting note: This occurred in Pennsylvania. Not exactly a bordertown. And these guys are citizens. I'm curious if they were born here, and just never had to step out of the Hispanic community, or they are new immigrants, new citizens, who then decided to join a gang.

In most parts of the country not being able to speak English will severely handicap your ability to get work, get an account at a bank, explain to an auto mechanic what is wrong with the car, explain to the EMT exactly what (and how much) your child drank from all those bottles in the laundry room before they started having convulsions.

I know that if I were to permanently move to France, or Germany I would expect to have to be able to get along in the native language. I couldn't imagine demanding that they provide some kind of government support to translate as I interacted with various government entities. And on that note, be aware that California offers their written Drivers test in 32 languages, and 12 languages are supported for the audio test.

And apparently, the government of Hazleton, PA, pays for a court translator.

Also, if English is not our "Official Language", is it not just a matter of time before various areas of the country phase out English as a requirement in school, in favor of the local dialect?

There are already some parts of the country (albeit small) that have already phased out English for the most part, and I guarantee there are some schools in south TX and CA that are teaching primarily in Spanish.

If English were made a governmental mandate as the "official language", then the government would be responsible for enforcing that mandate. That doesn't just mean punishment after the fact, though. It means a capital responsibility to teach it to all US citizens, born or naturalized. That would burden the tax payers and increase spending. How do Republicans justify that when the Democrats are the ones always vilified with the phrase "tax & spend"?

Just for reference, this isn't as non-partisan an issue as it seems. Contrary to their respective parties, Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-IA)pushed for an Official Language law in Iowa and George Bush is, in particular, against making this a mandate. Now some salt must be taken with these as this is more a political football than an actual issue (like driver's licenses in NY, and flag pins on lapels).

OK. I'll say it again...

It's not about punish people for speaking other languages. There doesn't need to be "enforcement" of anything. And again, much of that money will come from the money saved from not having to print forms in so many languages. That really would save a ton of money.

I agree with Toby. I think it would be a good idea to make it official in the sense he's talking about. We're already (theoretically) teaching English in school. This would give people the necessary motivation to learn it.

Here's something else to think about.

What happens when those small parts of the country start sending people to the state and federal legislature that better represent their interests, people who grew up it that community and were able to put together a majority in "little Mexico" or Chinatown, or any of the many ethnic enclaves, and now become state reps who are unable to speak English.

Can these people submit legislation in a language other than English? Does the state have to provide a translator(s)so that they can conduct the business of government? After all, there is no law mandating English.