Thursday January 15, 2009, 8:15 am
Oh boy! Well, please let me know if I need to post this, will you? Thanks!

Thursday January 15, 2009, 8:39 am
Noted thanks Kat. I hope they work something out.

Thursday January 15, 2009, 8:50 am
This is meant as an insult, however they rationalize it.

And it's absurd. It is a fact that speaking more than one language is not only enriching, but beneficial for the workings of the mind. (The Swiss have several official languages and NO reputation for being dummies.)

Let's speak more languages ! I say, make Cherokee an official language !

Thursday January 15, 2009, 8:57 am
Speaking multiple languages is wonderful - but English is the language of the United States. And any immigrant should learn it posthaste.

And, yes, Pamylle - Switzerland does indeed have multiple official languages and today is an exceptionally peaceful nation. But that is an exception - not the rule. Differing languages are a barrier to understanding and peace within a nation in so many cases.

Immigrants should enjoy and celebrate their own heritage - but when they come here, they should be coming her to become Americans. Which means learning English.

Thursday January 15, 2009, 10:08 am
This has got to be a joke there is NO way this can be done. There will be riots in the streets. I am appalled at the stupidity. Thanks,Kat.

Thursday January 15, 2009, 11:06 am
This is an insult and slap in the face to Native Americans, not immigrants. If anything, we should all be required to learn the languages of the Native Americans and their cultures as the FIRST NATION PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY THAT WAS STOLEN FROM THEM.

Because there are so many languages within the Native American tribes, I suggest Oklahoma drop this assinine bit of racist law they are proposing.

Thursday January 15, 2009, 12:52 pm
noted thank you

Thursday January 15, 2009, 1:57 pm
These lawmakers should try to recall...English wasn't ALWAYS the "official language" spoken in this country....

Thursday January 15, 2009, 3:06 pm
I think langueges are important. But, English should be the official one of our nation. It would unite us more, save billions on printing things in other languages, and make it easier for others to understand us.
This does not mean to forgo your native tongue. Most nations learn more than one languege, and belive it or not ENGLISH IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE.
Look at China, Russia, and so many other countrys that require their students to learn English. Well, we should here also.

Thursday January 15, 2009, 3:58 pm
I live in Los Angeles, in the middle of Korea Town but a largely Hispanic section. All of the stores are in either Korean or Spanish. None of them are in English. I don't mind so much except if I want to shop I have to travel 5 miles and in LA traffic that takes forever!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do - speak Italian. When in France - speak French.

When in America - speak Native American?

Thursday January 15, 2009, 8:16 pm
Thanks Kat

Friday January 16, 2009, 9:14 am
Noted with sadness, thank you for sharing Kat Moasi! Good comment Pamylle! I like it! :)

Friday January 16, 2009, 12:02 pm
I agree with Nick. But everyone should learn more than one language and also ASL.

Friday January 16, 2009, 12:09 pm
That sucks and why should English be the offical language. Thats no different then one of my Indian friends was put in a foster home because his parents didn't speak English. Well maybe everyone be forced to speak a Native language. Their choice. No government tells me or my family or tribe English is first.

Friday January 16, 2009, 1:13 pm
Everyone I have ever met that spoke more than one language was not very good at any of them.
I suppose we should make an exception for native Americans ONLY!
But you don't want to make an exception for the rest of their culture do you?
Most native Americans used marijuana, peyote and psyilocibin in their religions, what do you think they smoked in their peace pipes?
NOW BANNED IN THE USA
Immigrants should be coming her to become Americans. Which means learning English.

Friday January 16, 2009, 2:22 pm
Well said Marion..My Feelings exsactlly!!!This must not happen!!Thanks Kat..

Friday January 16, 2009, 4:29 pm
As a general rule, I don't believe in messing with constitutions and this amendment is no exception. America is made up of people from around the globe. What makes us unique is our ability to co-exist with our differences. Diversity is a strength - to start changing constitutions to dilute that diversity is to start weakening who we are. This is wrong headed. Actually, ridiculous... it would only affect State forms, signs, etc. because Federal law mandates language accomodation (as it should). And, most of those State items would be exempt (commerce, trade, blah, blah were all listed exemptions)! So... why bother? That's where the long-standing, underlying racism enters the picture. I applaude those fighting against this thinly disguised, ridiculous effort to further demote anybody who isn't white. The first Americans that should be consulted and considered are the FIRST Americans.

Friday January 16, 2009, 8:29 pm
To anyone who states or believes the government should mandate that English-speaking Americans learn a second language - why wait for the Feds to force the issue? If you don't already speak a second language - and believe that all Americans should, just take care of the matter yourself. You've got the ability to do that voluntarily.

Saturday January 17, 2009, 7:53 am
I am 1/4 commanche and spent summers in the "nations". I have never met any native american who didnt speak english. They also speak several of the native languages, as well as spanish. We are not ignorant! We have lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers, computer geeks etc. in the tribes. Let em pass the law, maybe the vietnamese, hmong etc, will finally learn to communicate properly.

Saturday January 17, 2009, 7:56 am
I fully agree with you, Linda. Native Americans are certainly as well educated as any other American.

Saturday January 17, 2009, 11:57 am
Prejudice lives! Look around, people, we're all human beings, and it takes more than one language to communicate and develop bonds with one another! Why not go the opposite direction via a Federal mandate? Require all children, beginning pre-K, to master four languages to earn a high school diploma: 1) English, 2 & 3) one language of each of her/his maternal & paternal ancestors and 4) a language of one of the purported 'enemies' of the U.S.: arabic, chinese, korean, etc. Peace is what this world needs, not more mistrust and hate!

Saturday January 17, 2009, 1:51 pm
Great idea, Charles!

Sunday January 18, 2009, 5:55 am
I am a native son born and reared in Oklahoma. Born in Cotton County near to the Reservation at Lawton. I have been around the Indians all of my life. I never heard any of them speak in their native tongue. I believe what is on the agenda in Oklahoma is the politicians there are working toward getting their hands on the dollars the Casinos are making. Our American Indians have never got a good deal from our Federal and State Politicians. LEST us never forget the TRAIL OF TEARS.