This is one of those cases in which I could wish that conservatives would stand on their principles.

I'm specifically speaking of the principle that market forces, left alone without undue regulation, will result in the best outcome. Doesn't work all the time, I'm afraid, but I think it will work here.

In a country in which most people speak one language, and in which virtually all serious business is conducted in that language, it's a critical disadvantage for people who want to make their way not to speak that language. Thus, they learn it if they possibly can.

In my experience, which includes working youth programs in inner city neighborhoods of New York City, I noticed that in many cases, parents had a tough time learning English. It's a known fact that as you progress into adulthood, languages become incrementally more difficult. It's not that they didn't learn English; it's just that it took a long time, lots of work, and the results were often imperfect. Add to that the fact that somebody working two jobs doesn't usually have a lot of study time.

But the kids? Within six months, they could get by in English. In a year, they were speaking it. In two, they were, for all intents and purposes, English speakers. I'd hate to tell you how many times I've had a twelve-year-old kid act as interpreter for his parents. And the parents involved were obviously proud of him.

Let the market do its thing. We don't need more regulations.

j