English only?

Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tim James is under fire for a campaign ad wherein he states “...this is Alabama, we speak English…if you want to live here, learn it.” The statement references state driving exams which are available in multiple languages. As governor, James proposes to end this practice.


While smacking of xenophobia and borderline racism, it reminds us that the official language of the United States is not English. On a Federal level, there is no official language. Although English is the de facto national language, there are over 300 languages spoken within the United States and its territories. Some states, including Alabama, have passed legislation making English the official language. It is certainly unlikely, however, that a state would risk losing federal funding by enforcing English-only legislation.

New York does not have English-only legislation. In fact, government documents were written in both English and Dutch through the 1920s. With over 170 different cultures represented in New York City alone, it would be disastrous to even consider a proposition like that of Tim James. In a country of immigrants (James’ family included) it is equally ignorant, arrogant and insulting. He should take a page from his father’s book. The two time governor, Fob James, played football for a French-speaking Canadian team in Montreal. I guess the apple does fall far from the tree.