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English Only Language Debate Heats Up

Sep 14, 2006 09:38 PM PDT

Canyon County, Idaho-- As more immigrants enter the U.S. speaking languages other than english... the idea that english needs to be made America's official language is gaining popularity.

One local county has already made the decision to make english it's official language for county documents and two Idaho candidates running for congress have taken a stance on the issue.

Even local parents are finding schools are having to make the call. Several parents in Canyon County say they're angry that when their children go to school the pledge is not only being said in english...it's being said in spanish and french too.

"They can practice lots of different things in spanish. I don't have a problem with them learning spanish but the Pledge Of Allegiance is one of the things we should just leave to english only," said Fred Ellis, a concerned parent.

Parents say they've even formed a group to fight the trend since they say this type of pledge is going on at a number of area schools.

School's say its just a way to teach kids languages that are already in the school's curriculum using phrases they already know.

Canyon County Commissioners have already taken a stance on the issue. They have made english the official language on all county documents.

As commissioner Robert Vasquez puts it, "this is America we all speak english and we have for 220 years. " But, the decision is still a divisive issue between the commissioners.

Commissioner Matt Beebe, who couldn't attend the vote because of other commitments, says he's not sure if the rule is necessary... since most county documents were already mainly in english.

But issues like this one could end up being decided on a federal level. Lawmakers are talking about making english America's official language.

And as the race for congress heats up, candidates like Bill Sali are saying they would vote yes to make english the official language.

His competitor, Larry Grant, says he would vote no. He says not speaking english doesn't make someone a bad citizen.

Local parents say some things like the pledge are sacred, and should be only in english since it's been America's primary language for years.

Iowa congressman, Steve King, has introduced a bill to make english the official language of the U. S.


The legislation's co-sponsors include Idaho representatives Mike Simpson and Butch Otter.