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Below is the letter I sent to Senator Ken Salazar: Dear Senator Salazar: I read with some dismay about your “Spanish language version of the Democrat annual State of the Union preview speech”.
I am a first generation American. My father was born in a German colony in Russia in 1891. My parents spoke German in our home but embraced this beloved country and learned to speak the common language, English. I value my limited knowledge of the German language.
It is my belief that families should celebrate their heritage and this country’s diversity but should embrace with all the fervor of patriots the togetherness that has made the USA the most desired place to live. My family is ethnically diverse in the first, second and third generation (some part black, some part Hispanic, and two adopted Russian children), but we are all Americans.
I have no quarrel with a translator bringing the message of the “preview speech” to those who have not yet become fluent in the common language of the USA. However, I do believe it sends the wrong message for a US senator to fulfill the role of translator. Surely you understand that had you not been fluent in English you would not have achieved what you have. America must maintain its historical common language lest we dissolve into a biblical tower of Babel. Following my freshman year at Colorado School of Mines (1958), I worked in a mine in Eagle Co. Lunch the first day was an interesting experience in that my coworkers spoke only Spanish. They switched to English when I told them that I would like to talk to them too.
The purpose of language is communication and a common language is necessary.
Clarence M. Lederhos
Arvada

This letter has not been edited.