SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- "It gives the idea that any other language is excluded," stated Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain in reaction to a recently passed amendment that would make English the "national language of the United States."
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada labeled the amendment "racist." Both characterizations have a measure of truth. If the amendment becomes law, it will have the same minor effect we have seen in the 27 American states that have already passed laws declaring English the official language.
Generally, declarations of English as the official language occur because of rising immigration and concern that new arrivals don't want to learn English.