LIBERADIO(!)

Right now, you probably have visions of sugar plums, peppermint mochas, or Cranberry Cosmos dancing around in your head. Yeah, it’s that time of year. But see if you can fit a little participatory democracy in there as well because come January 2, 2009, we’ll be hauling our butts back into the voting booth to vote against the Metro Charter Amendment that would force all Metro Government communications and publications to be in English only.

Today, a broad coalition of Nashville’s citizens, community leaders, and business owners launched NashvilleForAllofUs.org, the beginning of the movement to urge the residents of Davidson County to vote against the English-only Metro Charter amendment. At NashvilleForAllofUs.org you can find out more information about the coalition, sign up to volunteer and spread the word, and contribute to their work to defeat this referendum.

Liberadio(!) is part of the coalition, and on Monday we had a lengthy discussion with one of our regular listeners who thought the “English-Only” Charter Amendment was a good idea [Listen]. We, obviously, do not.

Here is what the amendment proposes:

English is the official language of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. Official actions which bind or commit the government shall be taken only in the English language, and all official government communications and publications shall be in English. No person shall have a right to government services in any other language. All meetings of the Metro Council, Boards, and Commissions of the Metropolitan Government shall be conducted in English. The Metro Council may make specific exceptions to protect public health and safety. Nothing in this measure shall be interpreted to conflict with federal or state law.

The amendment, which is clearly “English-only” and not “English-first,” is excessive, inefficient, and dangerous.

Excessive because Tennessee state law already codifies English as the “official and legal language” of our state. Inefficient because the translation of essential documents by Metro agencies makes the bureaucracy run more smoothly for all residents. Dangerous because the ability of Nashville government to communicate with all city residents, especially those who might have important information to share with government officials, is essential for public safety.

Nashville has always been known to business leaders, students, and the many visitors that our tourism industry relies on as an inclusive community. This amendment will discriminate against all foreign-born people who visit or come to live or study here, including refugees who have come to this country to escape discrimination. Ironic, ain’t it?

Some important facts:

• On August 7 , 2008, the Metro Council voted 25-8 urging voters to oppose an English-only charter amendment. Mayor Dean himself addressed the council: “I wanted to take this time, this opportunity to make sure my voice, as mayor of this city, is heard on this issue, and to assure that everyone fully understands the consequences of passing a law that will tie our hands in the global economy, that will detract from our appeal as an international tourist destination, and that will damage our reputation as a welcoming and friendly city.”
• According to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Japanese investment alone in Tennessee exceeded $9.4 billion in 2004, creating over 40,000 jobs.
• Research indicates that 98% of Latinos think it is “essential” that their children learn English. In fact, 80% of foreign-born children from Mexico learn English “well” or “very well,” and 92 percent of second-generation Latinos are fully fluent in English. By the third generation, only 28% of Latinos are still proficient in Spanish. (Migration Policy Institute).
• Immigrants are required to learn English before they become U.S. citizens (exceptions include older immigrants). While they are learning English and going through the long citizenship process, they must still interact with government agencies.
• There are over 45,000 foreign-born individuals in Davidson County who are still working towards their citizenship.
• According to the Davidson County Election Commission, January’s special election to decide the fate of this ballot initiative will cost Nashville taxpayers approximately $350,000 to $500,000. This during a time when Metro is being forced to take a good, hard, long look at our budget and make necessary cuts.

So in the midst of all that Holiday cheer you’ll be spreading with your giftees and your parties, think about what makes Nashville unique as a city in Tennessee and what we’ll lose if this amendment passes. And then take the time to tell your friends – in between cups of holiday cheer, of course – to get out and vote.

Vote against the “English-Only” referendum on January 22, 2009. Early voting begins on January 2, 2009. Last day to register to vote in this election is December 23, 2008. Call the Davidson County Election Commission for more information at 615-862-8800.

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