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Year after year, the unity that this nation derives from its common language continues to erode. Sometimes it seems as if very few Congressmen really care or even recognize that English has been the glue that has held this nation together for more than 200 years. In fact, the word “unity” is seldom even mentioned in the halls of Congress, having been replaced by the new popular buzzword, “diversity.” That’s why I was so excited when, a few weeks ago, Georgia Congressman Paul Broun introduced a bill that could reverse this gradual trend to divide our nation and our people through multilingualism. Congressman Broun’s bill, H.R. 1621 would withhold Federal funds from schools that permit or require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem in any language other than English. It’s a sad commentary that such a law even needs to be passed. The fact is that the recitation of our “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag is an officially recognized national ritual. It is nothing to be taken lightly. In 1942, the United States Congress recognized the Pledge of Allegiance by making it part of our body of laws, adding it to the United States Code, Section 4 of Title 4. By doing this, the Congress prescribed certain methods for reciting and recognizing the Pledge of Allegiance in English.
Another officially recognized national unity ritual is the recitation or singing of our National Anthem. Inspired by the sight of the American flag still waving at Fort McHenry after 25 hours of continual bombardment by British forces, Francis Scott Key wrote the words of the Star-Spangled Banner in English back in 1814. And, once again, Congress officially declared that the Star-Spangled Banner was the National Anthem of the United States under Section 301 of Title 36 of the United States Code. Clearly, both the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem are significantly more than quaint historic references. They are central to our national unity; they are part of what it means to be an American; and they are part of the body of laws that govern our republic. As a consequence, they are not to be trifled with, nor may they to be altered in any way other than through action by the federal government. And that means they must be spoken or sung in English! The United States Code contains all the laws governing our country. And under Sections 1423 and 1448, it states that, to become a citizen of the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States must, among other requirements, renounce allegiance to their country of origin, swear allegiance to the laws and Constitution of the United States, and demonstrate an understanding of the English language. So, when a school chooses to conduct a Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, or if a Federal agency conducts an immigration service in Chinese, they are violating the U.S. Code or, in plain English, they are breaking the law and should be held accountable for their actions. I was delighted to read in Congressman Broun’s bill the often overlooked, but essential observation that “The people of the United States are united, not by race, ancestry, or origin, but by a common language--English--and by a common belief and allegiance to democratic principles prescribed by the founding documents of the Nation.” Those are powerful and important words because they recognize that, unlike so many countries whose people have a common bond based on race, ancestry or origin, America is a very diverse nation where people of all races, colors, creeds and national origins are able to live and work together, in peace and harmony, thanks to our common language and ideals, which are the bond that holds us together. Our government has both the right and the responsibility to uphold and defend the U.S. Code. H.R.1621 does just that by punishing those who would undercut our national unity. The purpose of H.R.1621 is, in fact, to protect and to preserve national unity by restricting Federal funds from being used to undercut national unity. In particular, this Act withholds Federal funds from schools that permit or require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem in any language other than English. I like this bill, not just for what it does, but for the statement it makes. A favorite expression of a long-time supporter of English First is that “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.” Why has it taken so long for our elected officials to stand up for something as important as defending our nation’s symbols of unity and allegiance to country against those who either have no respect for America’s culture and traditions, or are too ignorant to understand their importance to our society? Congressman Broun deserves our thanks for his efforts and our support. Please consider sending an email to your Representative inviting him or her to join Rep. Broun and other patriotic Congressmen who want to strengthen this nation’s unity and honor our National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance by ensuring they will be sung or recited in the language they were intended for – English . CLICK HERE TO ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO CO-SPONSOR H.R. 1621 Will you help me preserve these important traditions by sending your email today? And will you also consider sending a contribution, in whatever amount you can afford, so that English First can continue to be your strong voice in Washington and in state capitals throughout the nation, working for the day when English becomes America’s official language? I hope so because America needs its common language and national unity now more than ever before. Please try to be as generous as you can so that we can be ready to fend off the many challenges we face on a daily basis, ranging from stopping bilingual ballots to restoring English in the workplace. You may send your donation online by clicking here. Thank you for your continued action and support. |
