Orrin Woodward Leadership Team :: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

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US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Orrin Woodward on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:00 AM EST | Permanent Link | Cosmos

I just read another incredible article. On June 6, 2007 33 senators voted against the English language being America’s official language. What is up with that? America has for centuries been the melting pot of the world. People from all nations have come to America and learned our culture including our language. Why would so many senators reject something as basic as the English language for the official language of America? Retired US Colonel Harry Riley was extremely upset at the lack of patriotism displayed by these senators and wrote:

Senators:

Your vote against an amendment to the immigration Bill 1348......to make English America's official language is astounding. On D-Day, no less, when we honor those that sacrificed in order to secure the bedrock, character and principles of America.

I can only surmise your vote reflects a loyalty to illegal aliens. I don't much care where you come from. What your religion is. Whether you're black, white, or some other color.....male or female......Democrat, Republican or Independent.

But I do care when you are a United States Senator representing Citizens of America....and Vote against English as the official language of the United States.

Your vote reflects Betrayal. Political Surrender. Violates Your Pledge of Allegiance. Dishonors historical principle. Rejects Patriotism. Borders On traitorous action and, in my opinion, makes you unfit to serve as a United States senator, impeachment... Recall........Or other appropriate action is warranted or worse.

Four of you voting against English as America's Official Language are Presidential Candidates: Senator Biden, Senator Clinton, Senator Dodd and Senator Obama.

Four Senators vying to lead America, but won't or Don' t have the courage to cast a vote in favor of "English" as America's Official Language when 91% of American Citizens want English officially designated as our language.

This is the second time in the last several months this list of Senators have disgraced themselves as "political Hacks", Unworthy as Senators and certainly unqualified to serve as President of the United States.

If America is as angry as I am, you will realize a backlash so stunning it will literally "rock you out of your panties"......... And preferably totally out of the United States Senate.

The entire immigration bill is a farce... Your action only confirms this really isn't about America.....it is about self-serving politics......despicable at best. It has been said:

"Never Argue with an Idiot....They'll drag you down to their level!"

The following Senators voted against making English the official language

Of America:

Akaka (D-HI)

Bayh (D-IN)

Biden (D-DE) (Wants to be President)

Bingaman (D-NM)

Boxer (D-CA)

Cantwell (D-WA)

Clinton (D-NY) (Wants to be President)

Dayton (D-MN)

Dodd (D- MN) (wants to be president)

Domenici (R-NM) coward. Protecting his senate seat

Durbin (D-IL)

Feingold (D-win) - not unusual for him

Feinstein (D-ca)

Harkin (D-IA)

Inouye (D-hi)

Jeffords (I-VT)

Kennedy - (D-ma)

Kerry (D-ma) (tried to be president)

Kohl (D-WI))

Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Leahy (D-VT)

Levin (D-MI)

Lieberman (I-CT) Disappointment here .....

Menendez (D-NJ)

Mikulski (D-MD)

Murray (D-WA)

Obama (D-IL) (Wants to be President)

Reed (D-RI)

Reid (D-NV) Senate Majority Leader

As Lazar (D-CO)

Sarbanes (D-MD)

Schumer (D-NY)

Stabenow (D-M

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or Hanged!!!

Assignment: I am not for hangings, but why do you think so many senators voted against English as the official language of the USA? What do you think of Colonel Riley’s letter? Are some of the leaders of our nation no longer proud of our American heritage?

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Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Dean Clouse on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:05 AM EST | Permanent Link

Give 'em hell Colonel Riley!!!

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Kelly Bacus on Thu 10 Jan 2008 09:32 PM EST | Permanent Link

Dear Orrin-

As a public school teacher of 16 years, mother or three, and newly part of the TEAM I am disappointed and frustrated in what is happening in our nation! We have allowed our nation to become an incredible mixing pot- but our elected officals seem to have lost the spoon! Our nation was founded upon the principles that the TEAM stands for and we as a nation have lost them! What's worse? Our next generation of future leaders is watching everything that is taking place right now. The TEAM needs to reach out to this next generation of leaders and teach them the leadership values, character education and integrity!

My husband (A state correction's officer) and I (high school special education teacher) are new to the TEAM but we have found God's purpose for our lives. We want to educate and teach our nation's children about leadership. There has never been a better time than now to launch a leadership revoluation for children. We are working with Brian and Sherry who have been incredible mentors!!!! With their guidance, I have written and shared 6 children's books on leadership, character, and integrity. My goal is to reach a million children within 5 years....this can and will happen. We have Little Leadership Workshops ready to be launched. These workshops can reach and teach children all over the world about the characteristics of a good leader while doing crafts, singing, and showing the principles of integrity!

We owe it to our children to help them become the future leaders they can become. I can't wait to hear from you and learn how we can work together to make this happen.

When our children are seeing our elected leaders vote on issues that should never even be addressed-IT is the time to reclaim our nation by raising a group of leaders that have integrity, character, and leadership.

My parent's guide to teaching leadership to their children is almost completed. It is called, Leadership Matters! Raising Children with Integrity and Character....a teen mannual is soon to be started. Orrin-I have no doubts that we can and will save our future leaders.

Godspeed! Looking forward to impacting millions of children with your help and guidance.

Respectfully,

Kelly Bacus
Team Musketeers
Northern Michigan

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Adam on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:21 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

This seems like a pretty basic thing. If you where to take a poll around the world and ask people "what language do America's speak?" the answer would be obvious. English. This sounds like a classic case of a lack of character, no courage. I can only imagine these senators are making it a complicated matter with some line of reason which really only makes sense to them.
It looks like we have our work cut out for us to spread the word and bring up a new generation of people who can lead. Thanks for your example Orrin.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Larry Herring on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:42 AM EST | Permanent Link

Orrin,

Without a doubt, many US senators AND members of congress are afraid to take a stand on basic issues that the vast majority of Americans support. I agree with the colonel's letter. Interestingly, however, I would argue that those that vote against such a clearly unambiguous issue like that are doing so for one main reason: they are more afraid of the small minority than the vast majority. I believe that this is as much of an indictment on the vast majority as it is on the senators and representatives. When a member of the congress can vote like that and have little to no repercussions from the people, whose fault is it really?

As you have said, Orrin, "Evil prospers when good people sit back and do nothing." America must be awakened and roused by Truth or continue down the path towards dependency and bondage.

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Anonymous on Mon 11 Feb 2008 08:34 PM EST | Permanent Link

English is our official language, unofficially, as far as I'm concerned. I'm reasonably certain, though correct me if I'm wrong, all our elected officials - and that includes members of the senate - speak English. So what is the big deal? Stop whining about the failure, in this case, of the Democrates, to waste an inordinate amount of time deciding what language gets top billing in our country. Shouldn't they be addressing the far more pressing issues we, as a nation, face? You know, the ones that really matter. Get a life, and get a grip on what's really important to Americans - well, to Democrates, anyway - and it doesn't involve war.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by forgiven on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:57 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Orrin, Greetings and God's blessings! I have heard of this before and was absolutley horrfied and the same time did not surprise me when I saw the list. I love Colonel Riley's letter. I think he was holding back a lot more of what he wanted to say. I immigrated from India in 86-87 to come to graduate school. We have 27 official languages there and had it not for the British( yes, I dont like most of what they did there but there are a few blessings that came out of the 200 year rule) we would not have had English. Had it not been English, much of the judicial system, political system and every other "infrstructure" we have there would not exist. I for one would not have gone to excellent schools that we have had the previlege to go to. Mind you all my teachers spoke english when they taught. There were Indian language schools but the atendence and demand for English medium schools will tell the story of why the language schools declined and continue to decline over the years. Had it not been for English, I am not sure India with so many different languages(one language for each state, with multiple dialects in each language) would be united as they are today. Had it not been for English, we would not have had the previlege of so many brilliant qualified professionals in every walk of life embrace every part of the world. Needless to say America would not have been blessed so much talent from India have I and countless others from India did not speak English. I have a special place for India in my heart but I shudder to think, if we continue to breed polititians in this country and not statesman we will end up with provision for all the 27 Indian languages in the US in the name of tolerance and diversity when no one cares for that in India. I think I heard somewhere about the tower of babble. But again, one might wonder if we are speeding up the time of our Lord and saviors return. Had it not been for English, India would not be prospering like they are right now. Had it not been for English, my beautiful blonde wife would not have had the opportunity to communicate with my family from day 1 as they all speak English. I am thankful that I can speak 4 languages, but you take away English, you would not have understood anything I said here. Before my choleric goes overboard, I want to thank you for the platform you have created with this blog. You are awesome! and we will see you in St. Louis. God bless you and keep you.
--thank you
--venkat(means Orrin in Indian...hehe)

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Josh on Thu 10 Jan 2008 02:15 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

I think it's been so long since the beginning of America that the people running it have forgotten how it's supposed to work. Maybe with a large enough community of educated voters, a 3rd party candidate might actually stand a chance in this 2-sided 3-party system. It shouldn't be a popularity contest, and the amount of $$$ the candidates have for their campaigns shouldn't hurt candidates that are at a financial disadvantage. That's the way it seems it's worked with the last few elections.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Ryan Hall on Thu 10 Jan 2008 02:35 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Three Words "Lack of Principles".

Just like in the book Centurion Principles when it references a story of a United States President ( I wont say who *cough* she is a presidential candidate and this is her husband) who took a flight over a town severly damaged by a tornado. The story was taken from the pilots point of view who was honored to have the privilege to fly the president around the damage swept town. The way the pilot described it was he was ASTONISHED to see that the president as soon as they took off from the ground whipped out some cards and started playing hearts with barely one glance out the window of the helicopter. How crazy is that? This president then after the helicopter lands uses water from a glass to wet his eyes, and feint the crowd of teary eyed heart broken people into thinking he actually was touched and cared.

This is the problem with politics these days it is the lack of moral depth in our political leaders who are as shallow as a puddle when they should be as deep as an OCEAN (George Washington and many other fine fine presidents represent the depth of what political leaders SHOULD be).

What does it mean to be an American?
What does it mean to be a Citizen of the United States?

Throughout America today there are concessions made to illegal aliens as well as those who don't speak english.
--The educational system in the United States instead of teaching english to students just bandaids the situation by hiring paras to translate, and having classes that are in a different language.
--The work force makes no enforcement of the language of those that they hire, and hires illegal aliens.
--Politicians love the idea of illegal-aliens because of the amount of voting power that they get out of supporting the issue. An example of this is the amount of support a bill that was created for illegal immigrants got from politicians "A key feature of CIRA is that most immigrants identified as “temporary” are, in fact, given convertible status with a virtually unrestricted opportunity to become legal permanent residents and then citizens."(sited at bottom)

The question must arise (it did in my mind) in other countries do they make these concessions?

Absolutely not! So why does the U.S.? Because politicians who are not founded on absolute truths who have no morals or integrity look at it as the greatest opportunity to get the position they want.

Yes, in effect we as U.S. citizens who speak english (and the U.S. senators with clear agendas) are allowing the culture of the U.S. to be changed.

How long will America stand if all politicians fail to start developing a level of character that is vital for the position they hold, and will hold?

Conversly,

How long will the issue of English being the national language stand if we as Leaders take a stand?

Ryan Hall
Team OF Excellence

Info from:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Immigration/wm1076.cfm

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Apprentice on Thu 10 Jan 2008 02:37 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Good morning Orrin,
Grace and peace, (Galatians 1:3-5; Jude 2).

You stated/asked, "I am not for hangings, but why do you think so many senators voted against English as the official language of the USA?"
I'm no expert, however, it's been my observation that politicians are looking for votes. Could it be possible that they are garnering the attention of the immigrant? Perhaps appealing to the glut of Muslims that are flooding the country. Seems to me they are stacking their numbers for the future jihad they intend to fight on American soil.

It's my opinion that God can and will use whatever and whomever He wishes to accomplish His will. There are many accounts of that in the bible, of which one that comes to mind first were the Babylonians. brutal people that brought judgement on those who turned away from God. Ring a bell? Is God going to allow a Muslim uprisal, perhaps utilizing them for a time of judgement?

"What do you think of Colonel Riley’s letter?"
I think it is well founded and believe the candidates for President should be disqualified to run, and all of them lose their positions as Senators. Ridiculous. Perhaps they prefer Farsee or some other Middle Eastern tongue. I sometimes wonder what they are thinking. It's obvious they're not.

I appreciated the Colonel's comments: "If America is as angry as I am, you will realize a backlash so stunning it will literally "rock you out of your panties"......... And preferably totally out of the United States Senate." (Amen)

He continues, "The entire immigration bill is a farce... Your action only confirms this really isn't about America.....it is about self-serving politics......despicable at best."
"It has been said: "Never Argue with an Idiot....They'll drag you down to their level!""

I appreciate his passion and candor.

"Are some of the leaders of our nation no longer proud of our American heritage?"
It would appear that they have forgotten our heritage. I must say that joining Team has been quite the blessing and I appreciate that one of the teachings styles is through our nations history. It's seems as if they are trying to re-write our history and/or turn their backs on it. There is much I have learned and have been reminded of in regard to history from LLR and the writings on this and Chris' blog and am grateful to God for raising up the men and women that took a stand that forged our nations future and our existence.

Perhaps these Senators need to spend some time elsewhere... Afghanistan? Saudi Arabia? Iraq? Go and live as a regular "Joe" and see just how wonderful a time they'll have when the comforts they have become used to and have obviously taken for granted are no longer available. Perhaps a triple grande strained camel machiato, no whip, might some day be palatable. It would definitely be an acquired taste.

I'm sure most of these, if not all, are ignorant to the fact that God is the one who allowed them to even get into office. And this is how they serve. (They need LLR and the Team system!) :)

Counting down for St. Louis! Will be our first Major! Looking forward to meeting you brother!

Take care and God bless!,
Apprentice
Psalms 34:1-4

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Herbert S. Wagner on Thu 10 Jan 2008 02:38 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

IF YOU PAY THE PRICE YOU WILL GET THE PRIZE!

Orrin,

If you don’t mind I would like to use my own, personal life story to respond to some of the issues that where brought up in your last two articles. It is dear to my heart to point out that it is not my intention to brag about the way my wife and I handled the challenges that confronted us.

In 1991 my wife and I as well as our 8 month old daughter left Germany to start a new episode in our life here in the US. My wife’s Dad was American citizen and at the time was willing to support us. We left the land of familiar and all the dream steelers behind us.

We didn’t decide to come here because the potatoes might have been more expensive than in Germany. No, we came as so many others did, to take advantage of the opportunities that this great country had to offer. THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY was calling. At the time I was familiar with the English language as much as a British School English had taught. I was at least able to get along. My wife on the other hand didn’t speak any English at all. Within the first six month after our arrival we both joined Community College Classes in the evenings that were offered “for free”! We increased our English language knowledge. My wife got pregnant with our second child but continued to join those classes all during her time of pregnancy.

Due to the fact that our immigration process was not finalized, we were not allowed to work for any employer. This did not stop us. My wife and I started our own business in the construction industry. We paid our taxes every year (without having a working permit). We did pay the price and knew that it was only fair. Years went by and we finally got the permanent residency for the US. The family grew and our third daughter was born in 1994. We were raising American Citizens!

What I personally experienced throughout these years was patriotism in this country that I was not used to when I grew up in Germany. I learned more about the history of this great nation. Its founding fathers and the biblical principles embedded in the constitution.There was obviously a foundation established on which a great future could be build.

Years later we got introduced to the TEAM. Through the personal development and value system provided by TEAM, I experienced a tremendous calling. Never before in my life did I feel a stronger desire to be part of something. It was almost like my life was carefully planed that way from the beginning. My wife and I decided to become US citizens. And we are proud to be! We have talked about this many times. We had only one answer: It was meant to be.

Looking back we know that there was a reason why today we feel so tremendously blessed. Because we were willing to pay the price by exposing us to the history of this nation and the language and the culture of its people we were blessed by the experience of it. We were the once that got enriched because we gave in first.

For all out there that came to this country I have just one question: What price are you willing to pay to receive your prize? What is your contribution to this nation.

And for those that voted against English being the official language in the United States:
My wife and I once decided to move into a free country were we thought its citizens respected their history. No it’s our history too. And we will not move one inch away from it.

With respect, Herbert S. Wagner

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Matt Franks on Thu 10 Jan 2008 11:19 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Herbert,

I just want to say that I was very impressed and inspired with your story! You should submit your story to those wacky Senators and the ACLU as an example of why the bar should not be lowered and foundational principles should not be compromised! Lowering standards and principles by default robs people of their sense of achievement! Thanks for leading and choosing the high road!

Best,
Matt

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Ian from Texas on Thu 10 Jan 2008 07:37 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Orrin,
One year ago in October, I traveled to Antwerp, Belgium for my current job for some training. I consider myself a Southern Gentleman who has grown up in a melting pot here on the gulf coast. Although I have know a racist idiot bigot or two during my lifetime, everyone down here lives in relative harmony and friendship as compared to what someone may see in the media, or some people's stereotypes. My trip to Europe was my first overseas, and frankly I was shocked by how we were treated initially. Due to the main sources of information being BBC or CNN, the perception that people had of Americans was severely slanted to the liberal side. However, once people got to know me I was able to develop some deep, lasting friendships with many people I met, and still keep contact via email. I made an effort to speak some Flemish and Dutch while over there and could tell this greatly pleased those I befriended while there. A co-worker (engineer) lived there for 3 years and became fluent in the local language despite many people speaking English in Antwerp. After experiencing a socialist democracy, speaking to locals about the extreme taxation they feel is "normal", hearing stories of the wonders of socialized medicine (sarcasm added), in addition to the 23% national sales tax, I was so grateful to return home. It also alarmed me to the agenda of those on your list in this post and others like them who continually and insidiously continue to attempt to drag our country down the path of socialism. I believe that is what is happening. To make a complex issue as simple as possible, the media is trying to distract and dumb down the American people while socialist liberals in every level and branch of government assault the will of the majority at every turn.
Chip, chip, chipping away at the very soul of America one little piece and issue at a time. That is why the 30 listed in your post voted the way they did, and this is only one of so many important issues they are attacking. Where are the Leaders like Colonel Riley?
Is he the only one who will stand up and be counted? Is everyone going to sit around watching Desperate Housewives or playing their XBOX until they wake up and don't have America anymore?
I am learning as fast as I can. I hope the rest of you on the Team are too. If we don't stand up and protect what our Founders fought and died for, we didn't deserve to have it anyway. I have absolutely no problem for people from anywhere wanting to come here for the American Dream. However, I don't want my country and culture sold down the river by anyone coming here with other intentions.
God Bless you Orrin.
God Bless you Team
God Bless the USA
Ian from Texas
Wow, I think I just channeled Ronald Reagan or something.
:)

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by DaveC on Thu 10 Jan 2008 08:37 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Orrin,
I have one question: how many, if any, of the senators who voted against making English the official language of the United States are fluent in any language besides English? Can you say "hypocricy"? By the way, I think that we really speak American or at least American English, just as our friends down under speak Australian or Australian English. Even though we can understand each other they are really distinct languages. Maybe if we call our language American or American English then there will be more of a sense of national pride to make it our official language. Just a thought!
DaveC

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Shari on Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:11 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

ORRIN FOR PRESIDENT...ORRIN FOR PRESIDENT...ORRIN FOR PRESIDENT...ORRIN FOR PRESIDENT...ORRIN FOR PRESIDENT...!!!
God bless this country, the Team and all of the leaders on the Team for helping to change the world!!
I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Dean Clouse on Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:14 PM EST | Permanent Link

I want you to notice two things with this list. One, Kerry voted (what a change). Ok, so he voted wrongly, but he actually voted. No that he is doing his job, lets see if we can get him to do his job properly. And two, Edwards is not on this list. The guy who always speaks of "two Americas" did not vote against making English the official language of this country. That is because he did not vote. He claims he is going to do the work of America, but he rarely votes. And, when asked, he will tell you that he would have voted against it. Yes, the man who argues against having the "two Americas" would have voted against a bill to make America one. Confused? So am I.

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Tom on Thu 10 Jan 2008 03:56 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Hi Orrin,
I say this is a dark day in America to read this info. First off this info is out there somewhere but where I don't know as I am ignorant to it's content. It almost seems they want to keep it hidden as not to rile up anybody else. Secondly kudos to Col. Riley for speaking up about this injustice as he put his life on the line to SERVE and protect this country only to have it denegrated by it's own politicians. The obvious writing is there this is strictly for the votes they can get. I am utterly disgusted about what is going on, you find it hard to know who to believe or trust anymore. I'm not going to degrade these political positions as I believe one day in the near future we will have of character & integrity that are worried about running a country and bringing the U.S. back to where the Founding Fathers brought it up to originally. I don't think I know these positions will be held by future leaders of this TEAM leadership system, for now we need to continue to bring our children up under the principles of faith based leadership, truth, character and integrity as they are the future leaders of this great country the United States of America!!!
May God go with us on this journey,
Tom

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Phil on Thu 10 Jan 2008 04:20 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

John Edwards is not a current senator, that is why he did not vote. He probably would have voted no as well though.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Phill on Thu 10 Jan 2008 01:58 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

I have some concerns here...#1 I am guessing there is a lot more to this than seems to meet the eye...is this on an entire immigration bill? Is this a small piece of an entire bill? #2 A retired Colonel making idle threats such as the backlash of America will rock you out of your panties and the Senate...doesn't help a whole lot, does he have influence with the Democrats voting here? Without influence there is no leadership, right? #3 While sheep always follow the leader and that isn't good if the leader isn't good (my favorite quote is by a God led man who says, "I would rather serve a group of leaders than lead a group of followers") there is something to be said for a unified group of people making a statement for something they believe in...whether I agree with that statement or not people should stand up and do something about what they believe.

Here are some thoughts before I am the token target for all of you to throw some darts at:
#1 I am not a democrat
#2 I am an American
#3 I am from Wisconsin and both our Senators are on the list (Kohl and Feingold)
#4 I am strongly in favor of English being the National Language
#5 (and I could go on with many more) I have traveled outside of this country into Africa and SE Asia and seen some of what is out there in the world and I have never felt more patriotic than the day I returned from Africa and we landed safely at O'Hare after they caught a bunch of terrorists in London planning to blow up 20 planes over the Atlantic using energy drinks (ironic isnt it)...when we walked off the plane there was a policeman and 2 National Guard people with a great big German Shepherd...they said, "Welcome Home" Ahhh, my sweet America! I love this country!

I have read this and these posts all morning, Today I also received some nasty email about Obama that says it is true from "snopes.com" when in fact much of it was false or mistaken...the deal is this: if people get the right information and stand up for what they believe by acting and not sitting by and doing nothing things get better. As far as I see it, its my responsibility to get more people the right information and in order to do that I personally need to improve my leadership, by working on my self and increasing my influence with those I know and increasing my reach of people by getting out there and meeting more people. I view this as my fault and as my battle to fight...God willing we will win it together

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Paul on Thu 10 Jan 2008 03:02 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

Exihibit A...our political system in motion...;o)

At the risk of looking like I might be defending them (which, if anyone reads any of my previous posts, they'll see that's not going to happen) let me ask one simple question...

Did any of you actually research the bill? Here's a link to the Library of Congress which has the bill in it's entirety...
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_1348.html#toc0

Here's the deal...I think it hilarious and a shame they need a bill with 800 some-odd sections to pass English as a national language. With that said, the dandies listed will simply say "I had philosophical differences with parts of the bill" in their pontificating, self-elevating tone.

This is not simply a bill to pass English as our National language. It's a grossly far reaching bill that deals with national security, border patrol, immigration, etc.

Ughhhhhh! Does anybody ever get the idea we could possibly do a better job?? :o)

At the end of the day, we're incorrectly making judgements based on what we think is a simple decision, but, in reality (and in our corrupt political law system) wasn't a simple decision (but undeniably should be very simple, and we all assume it should be simple).

True, the political system is broken and ineffective. But we have to be accurate in our criticisms so we don't come off looking foolish. As Christians, we have a huge responsibility there! Let's make sure we all do our research!!

Blessings...

Paul

P.S. -- I hope that didn't come off as excusing their ineptness and disrespect for the people. I love this country and especially those who have given to preserve it! God bless them.

Re: Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Bert on Thu 10 Jan 2008 11:00 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

You're absolutly right about that bill. I looked it up and from what I could tell it was in some form of English that I don't understand. Bureaucratese!!

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Jeremy on Thu 10 Jan 2008 03:04 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

I have to also say Orrin for president. its a sham that some of the people running for president do not have even some of the same features that you Orrin have.
I presonly have many troubles with this subject. I do beleave that americas language should be the English language. I beleave that the senators that voted againest the English language being the offical language are holding back so that they can say anything that they want until they get into office or hold onto there office. Idea maybe we should send them all a cd from Larry - wolfs, sheep and sheep dogs.
i have to thank all of me mentors of the team for everything that they to help my team and I.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Bert on Thu 10 Jan 2008 06:35 PM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

So far it looks like I may be the only voice of disagreement on this one. In nearly 232 years this country has done without a national language and I don't see any reason to change that. First of all I am a little foggy on the intent of an official language in the first place. Does it only pertain to the government or would it make it illegal for business to have signs in any language other than English? Or, does it mean that the government must provide English classes for legal immigrants? The latter doesn't sound very small government conservative to me. I'd like to share a few passages of a book call "What Would The Founders Do?" by Richard Brookhiser that pertain to this subject.

"The founders learned foreign languages to stretch their minds: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson corresponded about the classics; Gouverneur Morris wrote little poems in French and German for his cosmopolitan friends. They used foreign languages when it suited their political or commercial interest: Benjamin Franklin, for all his Germanophobia, published the 'Philadelphische Zeitung', America's first German-language newspaper, because he hoped it would make money." pages 178-179

If the English-only movement is to make it illegal to speak another language in public, have signs in forgeign languages or to prohibit the publication of foreign language magazines, newspapers, and television channels it does nothing to preserve the American ideals this country was founded on. In reality it destroys them.

History shows that legislation like this creates more legislation down the road. For Example, in the 1980's people would think that a smoking ban in bars and restaurants would be preposterous. In the 90's that took effect in California and since has been seen throughout the country and the rest of the world. In the 90's one would say that is was okay to prohibit it in bars and restaurants but it would never go farther than that. Last year two towns in California passed ordinances prohibiting smoking in your own home if it is adjoined to another, whether you "own" it or not. Not to mention the current trends to ban trans-fats in restaurant foods and a multitude of other nanny state regulation. I say all that to make the point that legislation like this tends to compound on top of itself and make what would seem ridiculous a reality. I now present this point. If English were the national language, would we one day be arresting Amish for speaking German? Would we be closing down store fronts in Chinatown and Little Havana if they failed to comply? What dialect of English would be the right one? I admit that, coming from Ohio, I don't really understand a lot of what people from Louisianna say. Does that make them wrong? Does it make me wrong?

Finally, as far as Col. Riley's letter goes, I thought it was severely insulting. To call anyone who disagrees with him Un-American is absurd. I can only pray that he becomes a more tolerant, or at the very least, a more educated man.

Sincerely,
Bert

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Scott Schroeder on Sun 13 Jan 2008 07:31 AM EST | Profile | Permanent Link

I honestly do not believe that the Senators that voted for this honestly desire to produce any change.

I honestly believe that they feel comfortable voting this way knowing that ultimately the vote would fail, and then they believe that they can claim that they are sympathetic towards a block of people that they would like to have voting for them. Doing so probably won't hurt them, since the vote was done far enough in advance that the average person will not remember on election day.

I also believe that both political parties are doing this more and more often. Rather than gaining my vote by actually acting towards change, lip service is given from time to time, and perhaps a meaningless vote held, in order to somehow encourage people to come out and vote for their party to give them a further political advantage to obtain the change. Yet, if they are ineffective, who would want to increase their influence? As examples, I believe that the attempts to advance amendments to the constitution for such issues as protecting the American flag and Marriage. I even believe that the issue of abortion is used in such a way.

I also believe that the political upheaval we have recently witnessed in our country from the last election and the coming election is in part due to the fact that our leaders will not lead because of such behavior. The politicians would rather own an issue, rather than solve it.

Here is a bit of information for anyone looking for my vote. If as a candidate you claim to support the pursuit of abolishing abortion and protecting the American Family, then do it. You will continue to get my support by doing so.

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Richard Chasse on Sun 13 Jan 2008 10:20 PM EST | Permanent Link

From a different perspective:

Is it possible, from the farthest depths of consideration, that the US Congressional Leadership voted against "English" and our national language because they are waiting for the bill to read "American" as our official language?

Orrin, keep the information (from a correct source) flowing. Thanks.

Richard Chassé
Phoenix

Re: US Senators Vote Against English as America's Official Language!

by Anonymous on Tue 15 Jan 2008 09:46 PM EST | Permanent Link

Orrin,

Thank you so much for this forum in which to read, learn, and share comments. You are SPOT ON with teaching leadership principles based in Christian values...for IT IS exactly how this nation was formed!! I am born and raised on the West Coast. English IS the official language of The United States of America.
If these Senators are voting in this direction, and we do not like it, then I strongly urge those who feel the same way to contact your Senator and express tactfully, but firmly, your disregard for such action! The only way they will understand the message is to have a multitude of people contact them individually, or as a group with individual signatures, etc.
As we take that action, we will continue to teach all with whom we come in contact, especially our children!!, these leadership principles. I believe it is one of the BEST actions we can take for our posteritys' future!
LET"S TEACH AND TURN THE TIDE TOGETHER!!

Sincerely,

Matt M.
Washington State

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