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This is an example of the kind of problem that is created when the government caters to demands for foreign language translations in public affairs such as elections or any other government function or services. For those who allege it is unfair not to provide translations, you may want to consider the practical implications involved. Or rather the impractical implications of the cost to translate public communications into other languages.

Those supporting English as the official language of the United States are often the target of personal attacks. It is not uncommon to observe the race card or other emotionally charged rhetoric used as the defense of multi-lingual accommodations being provided by the government at taxpayer expense. Yet the same people leveling such allegations rarely note the financial burden of their demand. Likewise for those who possess an interest in US citizenship and for whom English is not their first language the responsibility of speaking English is often overlooked.

If there are in fact significant differences between various foreign languages and English that impact those for whom English is a second language, it is incumbent upon those persons to fulfill their civic duty in mastering English to overcome that problem.

If one accepts the notion that it is the responsibility of government to provide translation of government communications for even one foreign language it would seem to follow all foreign languages should then be translated. The public funding of government cannot possibly absorb the cost of providing translation for all languages and therefore providing it for even one is not proper. Why this continues to be an issue for some is ridiculous. It also serves to support those, like this blog, who maintain the position that one language is the proper answer. That we even need to discuss it after all this time simply proves that too many times in this country the squeaky wheel gets the grease for no better reason than to stop the annoying sound of stupidity.

Americans speak English. If you are interested in being American then speak and understand English. Not speaking and understanding English is an indication you do not want to be an American. If you cannot successfully accomplish this very basic task, don’t expect the government funded by the American people to pay for your failure to meet your responsibility as a citizen of this country.

Making demands and defining them as rights without meeting responsibilities first is equal to demanding pay for work you haven’t done and equally as absurd.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Chinese-Americans Protest Opposition To Phoneticized Ballot

Web Editor: Rhonda Erskine
Last Updated: 7/9/2007 5:23:51 PM

BOSTON (AP) — Chinese Americans in Massachusetts are upset with Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s opposition to using Chinese phonetic translations of candidate names on election ballots.

They say many Chinese-speaking citizens have difficulty reading a ballot, despite being able to speak English.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 at 6:41 am and is filed under Public Affairs, Money Matters, Education, wordpress, election, ethics, America, United States, Public. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.