Just sent the following letter to the Save the Old Dominion group. If they respond, I’ll post it here.
December 19, 2007
Save the Old Dominion
c/o Help Save Manassas
PO BOX 4191
Manassas , VA 20108info@savetheolddominion.org
Sir or Madam:
I read with great interest an article on your coalition’s support of House Bill 55, which would require Virginia ‘s state government to provide services in English only. It would also establish English as the official language of Virginia . This is an important part of your coalition’s larger mission to reduce our state’s illegal immigrant population.
Clearly, it is to one’s economic and social advantage to speak English in America. And I agree with you that current immigration law has significant problems. Immigrants should be here lawfully.
But it is not our place to tell other people what language they shall speak. Likewise, it is a shame that current immigration law makes some people criminals for the heinous crime of choosing to live in America . More restrictive policies would only make matters worse.
People should be free to live where they please, and to speak as they please. I resent to my marrow that you would presume to make those decisions for other people.
Sincerely,
Ryan Young
Arlington , VA
Inertia Wins! 