Tim James: “This is Alabama, we speak English

Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tim James has a novel idea. Rather than offer the state’s drivers license exam in 12 languages, it should be offered in just one: English. Tim James cites the amount of money that could be saved because of this change. I have no doubt there would be some modest savings in printing costs, but there are even more important reasons to make the change. The most important is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Road signs are written in English. Some signs are easy to recognize, such as stop signs, but what about those that are seen less frequently, such as those related to road construction? How will someone who can’t read English understand warnings and directions?

Individuals can speak any language they wish in their homes and social situations. Is it really too much to ask that when one makes a conscious decision to come to the United States that they be expected to conduct official business in English? I wonder if Japan, Russia, Mexico, Iran, Romania, Pakistan, China, or Germany would offer their drivers license exams in over a dozen languages?