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Only English? BAD Idea. [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-07-14
EOL Now—English as the Only Language
As of today, thanks to Executive Order No. 14224, English is the official language of the United States. The Trump administration rolled it out with all the subtlety of a marching band in a library. The Justice Department’s new guidance tells federal agencies to dial down multilingual services and double down on English-only everything—from paperwork to public outreach.
Multilingual America? Not Anymore
Before English ever showed up, this land was buzzing with hundreds of Indigenous languages. Navajo alone still has over 200,000 speakers. But sure, let’s pretend English was always the default and ignore the fact that this country’s linguistic roots go way deeper than colonial imports.
California: A Case Study in Linguistic Whiplash
California’s been through more language shifts than a teenager changing majors. Spanish ruled for centuries, Indigenous tongues thrived before that, and now English gets the crown. The state’s history is a multilingual mixtape, not a single-track anthem.
The Melting Pot Myth
We love to say America’s a melting pot. But this executive order seems to think it’s more of a pressure cooker—boil off the flavor, leave only the bland. Immigrants didn’t just learn English; they brought their languages, their stories, their spice. Assimilation isn’t supposed to mean cultural amnesia.
Why This Move Is a Mess
Exclusion on tap: Cutting back on multilingual services means millions could lose access to vital info—healthcare, voting, education. But hey, at least the DMV will be faster, right?
Redundant much? English already dominates. Making it “official” is like declaring water wet—except this time, it comes with a side of xenophobia.
Freedom? Optional. Language is expression. Forcing one tongue over all others doesn’t unify—it muzzles.
Global facepalm: In a world where bilingualism boosts brains and business, we’re choosing tunnel vision. Great strategy if your goal is “irrelevance.”
Stew, Not Sludge
America works best when it’s a stew—distinct ingredients, bold flavors, all simmering together. This order wants puree. But we don’t need to blend everyone into beige. We need to let people bring their own heat.
Final Thought
Declaring English “official” doesn’t make us stronger. It makes us smaller. If unity means erasing voices, maybe it’s time to rethink what we’re trying to unify.
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