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Then which state are we talking about with this bill? Besides, I'm more into people's rights than state versus federal rights.
Read the 10th Amendment. It says that if something is not in the Constitution, nor prohibited for the states to pass legislation on it, then that power is reserved to the States or to the people. Which means that, since the Constitution didn't specifically authorize the Feds to create an official language, it's something left up to the States or the people in that state can demand such a law be passed, through their representatives.
Just because something is not in the U.S. Constitution, doesn't mean it can't ever be legislated. The states DO NOT derive their authority from the U.S. Constitution. We are a federal republic, the federal government is not on top of the States. Such a system is called a unitary government, and an example of that would be the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we are not.
Read the 10th Amendment. It says that if something is not in the Constitution, nor prohibited for the states to pass legislation on it, then that power is reserved to the States or to the people. Which means that, since the Constitution didn't specifically authorize the Feds to create an official language, it's something left up to the States or the people in that state can demand such a law be passed, through their representatives.
Just because something is not in the U.S. Constitution, doesn't mean it can't ever be legislated. The states DO NOT derive their authority from the U.S. Constitution. We are a federal republic, the federal government is not on top of the States. Such a system is called a unitary government, and an example of that would be the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we are not.
Correct. That was way the founders wanted it, to decentralize.
Read the 10th Amendment. It says that if something is not in the Constitution, nor prohibited for the states to pass legislation on it, then that power is reserved to the States or to the people...
You're missing the point. So I ask again. which state is this bill, that we're talking about, for?
BTW, I think ninth amendment is of some value? Or, must it always be ignored in favor of the tenth?
Read the 10th Amendment. It says that if something is not in the Constitution, nor prohibited for the states to pass legislation on it, then that power is reserved to the States or to the people. Which means that, since the Constitution didn't specifically authorize the Feds to create an official language, it's something left up to the States or the people in that state can demand such a law be passed, through their representatives.
I am confused here. Are you or aren't you saying that Congress can pass a law dictating an official language for the US? I think it's a little bit confusing to refer to the 10th Amendment about states' rights (meaning federal government cannot dictate practices WITHIN states on those matters) and then say that we can ask our representatives to pass the law. For example, states are free to make their own laws about the drinking age or auto insurance, though the federal government can certainly provide "incentives" to make states follow a certain norm.
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Just because something is not in the U.S. Constitution, doesn't mean it can't ever be legislated. The states DO NOT derive their authority from the U.S. Constitution. We are a federal republic, the federal government is not on top of the States.
Huh? What do you mean by "on top"? Certainly federal laws supersede conflicting state laws. That is indeed being "superior" or "on top" of the states. For example, each state cannot make up their own voting laws. When state laws conflict with federal law, then, assuming constitutionality, the federal law wins.
Back on topic, I think it is a perfectly acceptable use of the Interstate Commerce clause that the federal government has the power to legislate an official language. And in fact, I believe that the OVERWHELMING majority of Americans favor an official language (I remember polls of 75-80%). I personally believe language is a unifying of a culture and national identity. That is not the same thing as restricting people's personal languages spoken at home or even within businesses (for example, if a store wants to put signs up in English and Spanish or Chinese, I have no issue with that).
When its a law, it will be a penalty to do it any other way. Laws are meant to be followed
Please understand the post you're addressing, and be coherent in your response. Thank you.
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Originally Posted by All American NYC
English is this countries native language. It was a forefathers language. Original founders of the 13 colonies were English.
So? Did they choose to be authoritarians about it? But even with a poor grasp of English, you made me think about how English would qualify as the native language, when several languages were existing at the time, and as thirteen colonies grew into states and more states joined in. Why should Hawaiians, for example, give up their native language?
But I was speaking of the constitution. Is it there?
Do we use it? Apparently the constitution has been walked on and trample 10xs over
We are supposed to use gold & silver for money
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Section. 10.No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts;
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