Letter: English proficiency essential for future

Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.

In reference to Wednesday's article, "Students told to hold (native) tongue," the ACLU and the parents involved all need to take a deep breath. Why jump to the conclusion that anyone wants to discriminate against or suppress the rights of Spanish-speaking students?

The principal is clearly trying to assist these kids. Their careers and financial futures in our English-speaking business culture will be deeply affected by their ability to speak, read and write in English.

I've traveled to 25 other countries on business and I was always able to do business in English. I recently taught a three-day seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that was attended by businesspeople from India, Japan, Korea, Russia, China and the Philippines. When on coffee breaks or at dinner, English was always the language in use because it provided a common bridge.

In many countries in Europe, young people learn English in high school or before. When a native English speaker like me shows up, they want to take advantage of the opportunity to speak in English so they can "practice" their English skills.

The kids in Esmeralda County might do well to take advantage of this same opportunity to practice. I applaud the superintendent, Mr. Aumagher, for taking a position that is clearly in the long-term best interests of his students. Let's back off and let a professional educator do his job.

David P. Crowell, Henderson