Okay, let me see if I have this straight:
Lawmakers from the State of Oklahoma — which, I believe, was named using a Native American word for 'land of the Red Man' — want us, the great, God-fearing, general populous to make English our state's "official" language.
Impressive.
Despite the huge number of problems placed on our doorstep, members of the Oklahoma Legislature have, instead, spent the past legislative session trying to establish an official language for us Sooners.
An idea almost as stupid as the need for an "official" state rock-n-roll song.
But, since we're now walking this, we're-official-and-you're-not road, then we should pause, and consider our history.
Because there's official, and then there's historically accurate.
So, jump back with me a few hundred years before the State Capitol building had a dome; back when the wind really did come sweepin' down the plains.
Long before the Sooners and the Boomers.
Long before David L. Payne.
Long before the Run of 89.
Long before the Run of 93.
Long before this vast expanse of Great Plains and Red Dirt was ploughed, perverted, polluted, and paved.
Long Before the French.
Long Before Lewis and Clark.
Back to the land of the real Red Men, the Native Americans.
Now, if my memory serves me correctly, it is these people - the Native Americans - who can truly claim ownership of the 46th state.
Yes, the Native Americans were here before we were. Pretty much from the beginning. Not true, see the note at the end of this piece I'm pretty sure they didn't speak English, Japanese, or even French. Instead, they spoke Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Seminole and Creek or some other Native American language.
So, don't you think it's interesting that now, suddenly, there's a huge need for an "official" language? And, don't you think it's interesting that this call for "official English" is being made in the state which is home to largest collection of Native American tribes in the country?
Go figure.
Despite our diverse, multicultural, many-languaged past, we're being told that we need an "official language."
Sorry, I don't buy it. There is no need for an official language.
Go into any store - and I mean any store - in this state and there, you'll find someone who speaks English. The same is true for any municipal office, state office building or county courthouse.
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
I'm beginning to think that lawmakers don't have enough to do, so one of them decides to formulate legislation like this.
2 - wdufkin
I think the reason this is popular among voters in general is mostly due to fustration and the fear of change. People are afraid of the colonization of America by other countries. They resent 3rd generation immigrants who still do not speak English and also the educational costs to accomodate them.
3 - Cannonshop
Bored Politicians announce cosmetic measure to pander to their constituencies, generate some press, and invent a distraction from serious but intractable issues.
Although, if Oklahoma does so, they might save a few bucks for a year or so by only having to print forms and ballots in one language.
Right up to the point that a Federal court says "no".