Lynn, no one disputes that English is the official language of the US, I believe the question was about the benefits of learning a SECOND language as early on as possible, no one is talking about replacing or ignoring English. And in my humble opinion respecting each and every American is the best way of demonstating patriotism.

Lynn Summers—Whose patriotism? Is there one and only one definition? I was raised to believe that Catholicism is the ONLY religion and I stopped going to church when I was ten years old because I knew that was wrong. I just knew that with all the other religions in the world who was I to say mine was the only one that counted? If a child can figure that out—well, adults should listen.

Rowdy Flynn: There is no question that our government needs to address issues specific to illegal immigration. I’m hoping our elected officials will figure out equitable reforms in our current policy dealing with the controversial problems implicit in illegal immigration in this country. That said, the focus of my question is based on acceptance of the reality of the huge increase of Hispanic/Latinos in America, and the social and cultural impact this large population has had on our society; specifically the Spanish language. There is no arguing that English is clearly our national language. However, despite the ethnic diversity and other languages in this country, Spanish has emerged as the second most popular language spoken by more Americans (legal or illegal residents) than any other language. Within the last decade, Spanish is now the ‘default’ option (language); when making telephone calls to government agencies, utility companies, financial institutions, etc. Also, a large percentage of the food and household items (cleaners, and some personal care items) we purchase now have Spanish on their labels. Spanish is also on traffic signs, door entrance and exit signs, etc.; especially in states and cities with large Latino/Hispanic populations. Even the instruction manuals, which come in small electronic, and other items I purchase are in Spanish. Yes, America is ethnically diverse. And frankly, I love that there are thriving ethnic centers in America where people of different cultures still cling to their customs and language (Chinatown, Germantown, Cajuns, Little Italy, etc.). Yet, no other ethnic group has outpaced the growth of Hispanic/Latinos. Therefore, it seems ‘practical’ to me that we teach Spanish to our children while they are young so they will be competitive later on in a nation where Spanish has become so prevalent. I know many disagree, arguing that our children should have a choice to select whatever language they prefer to learn particularly when they begin junior high school. I somewhat agree, however I think junior high school is too late for a child to master another language - especially a language they might need to know fluently in whatever their future profession/occupation. And, in America, that language is Spanish. Frankly, I think students would benefit from Latin and at least one other language as a requirement for graduation from high school. This was true when I was going to high school, and I think this might still be true in many school districts in the country. Lastly, I acknowledge that the education system in America is already strapped with awesome challenges to simple teach our children the basic academic fundamentals. However, a child’s mind is like a sponge in their early years, and with the right teacher, and an excellent curriculum in a well-funded school system, I think there is no limit to what the young mind of a (healthy) child can absorb. Certainly, our children can achieve as well as any other child in developing countries the world over. Thus, learning Spanish should be compulsory, not an option.

And so anyone who speak another language besides English is automatically ILLEGAL? Jesus, when did this become a conversation about illegal immigration? We are talking about the merits of learning additional languages. The horrible message we are sending to our children is fostering the kind of ethnocentrism that breeds intolerance.