No need for an apology. For me, costs and benefits of anonymity balance out.

You wrote: “Correct me if I wrong, but I think that most opponents of the Ohio bill recognize that the bill–with all of its exceptions–won’t have much practical impact (at least not in the foreseeable future). I therefore think that much (most?) of the opposition is really motivated by opposition to the perceived anti-immigrant intent.”

Even if this is true, flip it around: if the bill won’t have much practical impact, then the proponents are really motivated by…what exactly? See my point?

I think proponents of the bill have three categories of motivation: practical, symbolic, and political. I’ve already said that I think the practical impact of the bill will be minimal, although I’m sure at least some proponents would argue that the bill will encourage immigrants to learn English. (The bill also requires a line item in government budgets for monies spent providing services in languages other than English.)

With respect to symbolic motivations, the legislator who introduced the bill said, “This bill also has an important symbolic function because it sends a clear and concise signal to all those who want to participate in our State as citizens that there are responsibilities as well as benefits. [...] Our immigrant forefathers were expected to learn English and our expectations for this generation of immigrants should be the same.” Had I introduced the legislation, I would have also included a statement to the effect that the legislation was symbolic of the importance placed on national unity and improved communication fostered by a common language.

With respect to political motivations, the poll I quoted (85% of Ohioans approving of official English) suggests why a politician would introduce the legislation. There is nothing inherently wrong in introducing popular legislation–politicians on both sides of the aisle do it. It would, of course, be inappropriate to respond to the popular will if that will represented malign intent or ignorance of probable negative consequences of the legislation. I’m unaware of any evidence that either condition holds.

I’ll use the “even if this is true” tactic again: there is still no imperative in this line of argument, Anon. Nothing is imminent and yet here in Ohio we have SO.MANY.MORE.IMMINENT. threats to the well-being of this state and the people who live here. Again, the use of time by an elected official who is paid by taxpayer dollars is a complete and utter waste given the lack of need and the lack of urgency.

Ideally the Ohio General Assembly would deal with the most urgent problems first. However, the reality is that many bills are introduced to address problems that are not of immediate or general import. Here are some bills introduced during the current session of the Assembly:
- HB 18: College/professional sports – allow brought-in liquor
- HB 210: Tomato – adopt as state fruit
- HB 353: Ladybug license plates
While none of these seems important to me, they are obviously important to someone.

Finally, you wrote, “I would, however, like to draw your attention to a June 4 Quinnipiac poll that found “Ohio voters support 85 – 12 percent a proposal to make English the state’s official language.” What do you think that response says about Ohioans?”

I’d prefer to look at the breakdown and see more about that but I will admit that I won’t be taking the time to do so this morning.

The relevant question in the poll is number 21. The support-oppose percentages are: for Republicans, 93%-6%; for Democrats, 81%-15%; for Independents, 86%-11%. For men, women, white born-again/ evangelicals, and six geographic areas of the state, support is in the range of 81%-89% and opposition is in the range 8%-13%.

My first reaction was, a lot of people supported Hitler too and that turned out to be pretty wrong.

What do you think the response says about Ohioans?

Support for English as Ohio’s official language hardly seems comparable to support for Hitler. (Hmmm, I wonder if it would be appropriate to cite Godwin’s Law here? .)

And support for an official language isn’t exactly some Ohio anomaly. According to U.S. English:
- 29 states (including California in its constitution) already have English as the official language (link);
- “More than 90 percent (177) of the world’s nations have enacted an official language” (link).

While there is undoubtedly some anti-immigrant sentiment in Ohio, I think the poll response primarily says that Ohioans believe it would be a good idea for immigrants to learn English.

(I’m going to be short of time for the next few days, so I probably won’t respond to anything posted in response to this very long comment. Please feel free to have the last word(s) in this exchange.)

Can you imagine the uproar if our local baseball team changed its name to the Kleveland Kikes and they had a chasid shuckling every time the Kikes hit a home run?

B’shalom,

Jeff

In any case, the fact that they aren’t saying, we didn’t realize how it affects people, we’ll drop it, is telling, IMO.

And this just in from the makers of the sockobama:

To Those with Heartfelt Queries,

We chose twenty-two customer queries today that we believe merit a response. You touched us with either your concern, intelligence, humor, sensitivity, and/or your thoughtfulness. We thank you. There are other queries we received today as well that we chose not to respond to, because of their spewing of venom and their aimlessness.

We at TheSockObama Co. are saddened that some individuals have chosen to misinterpret our plush toy. It is not, nor has it ever been our objective to hurt, dismay or anger anyone. We guess there is an element of naviete on our part, in that we don’t think in terms of myths, fables, fairy tales and folklore. We simply made a casual and affectionate observation one night, and a charming association between a candidate and a toy we had when we were little. We wonder now if this might be a great opportunity to take this moment to really try and transcend still existing racial biases.

We think that if we can do this together, maybe it will behoove us a nation and maybe we’ll even begin to truly communicate with one another more tenderly, more real even. This is only our introductory plush toy. If we choose to move forward with a Republican candidate, we’ll begin with an elongated and slightly lumpy, fuzzy Idaho potato. Had a different Democratic candidate won the nomination, we were prepared to move forward with the cutest, fluffiest 12″ chestnut and golden-haired squirrel, with a short Farrah-like do in a brown pantsuit and call her Squirellary. In earnest folks, we’re so sorry we offended anybody.

I’m not buying it. Anyone?

B’shalom,

Jeff

Silence is a wonderful virtue. We don’t experience enough external silence in our lives, let alone internal silence.

Want to spot the wisest person in a room? Look for the one who could be speaking (is known to not be shy) but isn’t.

B’shalom,

Jeff

I’ve heard about Franklin’s list before but never looked at it. I particularly like the inclusion of “silence” because I think silence gets a very bad rap. It really depends on the context.

Hands down, this is the best post, maybe the best anything, you’ve ever written.

Passion is a wonderful thing, even if some ill-informed people consider it a sin.

As for virtues, I prefer Franklin’s list.

B’shalom,

Jeff