Try the language of common sense

Re “Senate Backs Role of English,” May 19

If the intention of the bill to declare English the “national language” is to motivate immigrants to acquire English, it is unnecessary. English already is the de facto language of the U.S., and nearly all immigrants are highly motivated to acquire English.

According to the 2000 census, only 1.5% of the U.S. population cannot speak English. There is also evidence that many illegal immigrants make rapid progress in acquiring English, despite little education and the pressures of daily life. Politicians should spend their time with legislation that serves the public interest, not with “feel-good” proposals that do nothing.

STEPHEN KRASHEN

Professor of Education, USC

Los Angeles

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So the Senate has proclaimed that English is our national language. Well, duh! Maybe next they can waste a whole day to debate a proclamation that we should breathe air! Would someone tell them we have troops dying daily in a war we were lied into, we are in debt to China up to our eyeballs and the entire world hates us? If they’re only going to meet 90 days a year, can’t they discuss something of substance?

STEVE VELASCO

Costa Mesa