Should English Be the Official Language of the U.S.?

Over the holiday, I had to get cash from my bank's ATM, and there was a man in front of me who was very irritated by the language question, English or Spanish. He began telling me how ridiculous he thought it was to have to 'choose' English in this country.

There has been talk over the years about a 'universal language' for everyone in all countries or at least an 'official' language here in the U.S. It is true that ATMs ask you to pick a language, as do other types of service machines. Have you called a customer service line lately?   Same thing.

Also, as of today, undocumented citizens in California can now apply for a California driver's license, which is REALLY going to be a hot button issue in that state that will most likely start with questions about insurance for undocumented residents...can you imagine?

According to recent surveys, 84% of Americans are in favor of English being the official language in the U.S., but we also have a very large immigrant population in this country that began when people started arriving at Ellis Island years ago. Granted, we also have a lot people who are not here legally, and that has been the topic of many discussions over the years, with some asking if it's time for us to close our boarders, but that's not the question here.

It is important to keep in mind that these same barriers also exist outside the United States.  So, this is not a problem unique to us alone. The topic itself does seem to generate some very passionate opinions and ideas on how to best approach this issue.

Let's not forget the contributions that immigrants have made in shaping and building this country over the years.  This issue is certainly not about legal or illegal immigration; that is a separate issue entirely... it's about the best way to communicate and on a level that everyone understands. What do you think?