For a long time, there has been a controversy brewing in America over whether or not to make English our official language.  The arguments in favor seem overwhelmingly compelling to me.  Doesn’t it seem absurd that when so many people living in foreign countries see obvious advantages in learning English, that millions of those who actually reside here, who make their livings and raise their children here, and who vote in our elections, can neither read nor write the language?

Yet, most Democratic politicians and even some Republicans balk at the idea.  All this time, I have assumed that their objection was predicated on their fear of being labeled racists, and worried that it might cost them votes in future elections.  But I am beginning to wonder if their reluctance isn’t based on the fact that for so many of those in public life, basic English skills are simply beyond them. [more]

I have a confession to make.  On many occasions, I have been one of those people who have ridiculed people for no other reason than that they’ve been lawyers.  I have generalized about them as if they were all a pack of ambulance chasers or, worse yet, politicians -- or, worst of all, ambulance-chasing politicians such as John Edwards.

But, it’s just not fair and I apologize.  After all, many lawyers serve a useful function as they go about drawing up contracts and wills.  However, that being said, I wouldn’t want any of you to assume that this is to be taken as my mea culpa to the entire legal profession.  There are still any number of law school grads who could teach snakes how to crawl.  There are still criminal defense attorneys who, while paying lip service to the notion that everyone deserves the best defense money can buy, will devote their lives to bamboozling juries into letting rapists, pedophiles and serial killers, go free. [more]