Lamar Alexander: English language 'unifies' nation

Lamar Alexander: English language 'unifies' nation

A Tennessee senator argues making English the official language of the United States would have "unifying" effect on the country.

Lost in the news media's coverage of the so-called "comprehensive immigration reform" bill was that the Senate overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the measure that would make English the national language of the U.S. The amendment passed 64-33 just one day before the immigration bill stalled in the Senate.

The amendment, sponsored by Senator Jim Inhofe of (R-Oklahoma), declares that there is no affirmative right to receive services in languages other than English, except where required by federal law.

During a speech on the Senate floor, Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) dismissed critics who say encouraging people to speak English is divisive.

"It unifies us to have a common language. It unifies us for us to know the rule of law and equal opportunity are common principles," said Lamar. "We debate what they mean and often they collide and conflict, and we have to work that out as legislators; but we all agree in the same common principles, and we enjoy the fact that we have a common language."

During the recent presidential debates in New Hampshire, seven of the eight Democratic candidates for the White House said they opposed making English the official language of the U.S. All ten Republican candidates said they backed English as the national language.