All in an effort to pander to a minority of lawmakers.

Should the Salvation Army be able to require its employees to speak English? You wouldn't think that's controversial. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding up a $53 billion appropriations bill funding the FBI, NASA and Justice Department solely to block an attached amendment, passed by both the Senate and House, that protects the charity and other employers from federal lawsuits over their English-only policies.

The U.S. used to welcome immigrants while at the same time encouraging assimilation. Since 1906, for example, new citizens have had to show "the ability to read, write and speak ordinary English." A century later, this preference for assimilation is still overwhelmingly popular. A new Rasmussen poll finds that 87% of voters think it "very important" that people speak English in the U.S., with four out of five Hispanics agreeing. And 77% support the right of employers to have English-only policies, while only 14% are opposed.

So the policy she is blocking is overwhelmingly supported by most Americans, including most Hispanic Americans. But Nancy needs teh support of a few key legislators to impose her partisan agenda, and they don't care what the American people want. As a result, a measure with bipartisan support may not be enacted -- and with it, funds for crucial programs are being delayed.

I'm curious -- what does Slick Nick Lampson have to say about this mess -- he of the strongly pro-Pelosi voting record despite representing a strongly Republican district? And what does prominent local blogger and NASA employee John Cobarruvias have to say? Or will they remain mute, continuing to be partisan yap dogs doing the bidding of their mistress?

Posted by: Greg at 11:34 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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