From: English First
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PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR and Ask Them to Support the ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNITY ACT

As Americans have witnessed in recent days, there are bills brought before the Congress that attempt to hide their true intent. Their authors try to conceal the worst elements by making their bills thousands of pages long and full of cryptic and ambiguous language. But there are also bills written by authors who are proud of their work and wish their bills to be understood by all. They write their bills using exacting language so the law that follows will leave little room for litigation.

Such is the case for S.991, the English Language Unity Act sponsored by Senator James Inhofe. In a mere four pages this bill accomplishes much. While it recognizes the rich cultural diversity of our population, it points out that "the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the English language."

S.991 declares English the official language of the United States and then requires the Federal Government to conduct its operations, including all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies, only in English.

It establishes a uniform language testing standard that requires anyone seeking citizenship to be "able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States made in pursuance of the Constitution." And, of course, it requires that "All naturalization ceremonies shall be conducted in English."

The bill is specific and self-executing, meaning that it even explains when and how it will commence. In short, S.991, the English Language Unity Act of 2009, is perfect and stands in sharp contrast to the cumbersome, unintelligible bills brought forth by some legislators. Having reviewed this bill many times, I cannot imagine why any U.S. Senator wouldn't jump at the opportunity of adding his or her name as a cosponsor of this remarkable bill.

The positive effects of this bill are enormous. The establishment of a real language standard for naturalization could have a positive impact as well. Future applicants would actually have to learn about our laws and our Constitution. Non-English speakers would have to decide if they are willing to make the commitment to learn our language in order to become American citizens.

If our government doesn't take citizenship seriously, why should the applicant? Will you help me push this important bill? Will you help me persuade your Senators to become cosponsors or explain to us why not? This is the moment. Even though the Democrats are in control of both chambers of Congress and control the White House, this is the moment. Why?

Because most incumbents, Republican and Democrat, are scared to death about the next election. The anger and frustration across the nation is alarming to them. They are wondering what they can do to appease the angry voters.

They can vote for America by passing the English Language Unity Act, S.991. And they will if you let them know how important this bill is to you. Please click here to send an email to your Senators. There is no cost to send an email using this system.
http://www.rallycongress.com/english-first/3223/s991a/

If we all do our part, we can get it done.

Sincerely,
Frank McGlynn
Executive Director

Received by email
Title: [English First] Please Contact your senator and ask the (sic) to support the English Language Unity Act
Date: 5/17/2010 12:27:48 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time