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The United States would realize many benefits from the establishment of a national language. Among the many advantages would be a reduction in cultural tensions, an improvement in national pride, and a reduction in the costs incurred during the voting process. I do not have a preference as to which language is selected, but English appears to be the most logical choice.

Cultural tension is a growing problem in the United States. As more and more people come here seeking the freedom that has made this country great the ancestry of our citizenship diversifies. Diversity is a wonderful thing, but it can lead to conflict. People of different cultural backgrounds often do not understand their neighbors. Misunderstanding can lead to animosity. Verbal communication could go a long way toward clearing up misunderstandings before they become conflicts. A national language would encourage the citizens to communicate with each other.

National Pride in America seems to move up and down with the frequency of the tides. After the attack on the World Trade Center the nation embraced itself like I had never seen before. Patriotism was alive and kicking and there was a palpable feeling that we were all in it together. Slowly that feeling eroded and people went back to focusing on their own situation. I recently witnessed a similar occurrence during the Summer Olympics. I saw people that rarely watch sports rooting openly for U. S. participants. I saw my aunt and mother watching together. It offered them a chance to be a part of something positive with their fellow countrymen, and I believe a national language could do the same. Whatever language is chosen becomes a source of national pride because it belongs to us.

The final benefit I would like to mention is also the one that makes the most sense to me. The United States is a country of opportunity because of the guarantee to representation that its citizens enjoy. As long as you vote you have a say in who speaks for you. I love the election process in this country, but it is not cheap. It is even more expensive when you have to print ballots in two languages. And if you are offering ballots in two languages, why not offer them in many others? The simple truth is that ballots are paid for by the taxpayers, and it is a waste of money to print them in multiple languages. A national language would eliminate this wasteful practice and might even save a few trees.

A national language has been needed for a long time. It is an important issue, and not one without its detractors. I believe the positives significantly outweigh the negatives and I am not alone. Senator James Inhofe of the great state of Oklahoma recently sponsored a bill that is making its way through Washington. The bill would alter the U.S. Code and declare English as the national language. Hopefully it will be passed and signed into law so the nation can enjoy the many benefits I have outlined above.

Learn more about this author, Thomas Edens.
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