To the editor:

English may soon be the official written language of Kansas? And don’t worry, those of you who are not mother-tongue English, you may still speak your native language. This is just plain silly.

I wasn’t aware that individuals employed by the state of Kansas – from legislators and laborers to teachers, judges and janitors (operative word “employees” includes Gov. Kathleen Sebelius) – were even close to being able to conduct state business in some other common written language. And so why is it being discussed, much less introduced as a bill? Adopting a written language other than English as official would be ridiculous.

Furthermore, immigrant populations in Kansas will speak their language among themselves, as they should, and I don’t imagine a single one thinks they need the blessings of the Kansas Legislature to continue. If our legislators are spending their time in this way, then they need to go home until something important comes up, not invent silly little tasks to keep themselves busy.

Doug Wahl,

Lawrence