Letter to the Editor: 'English Only' inconsistent with our liberties

To the Editor:
While I realize it is a fool's errand to respond to a recent letter asserting Congress should make public schools "English Only."
"English Only" laws are inconsistent with both the First Amendment right to communicate with or petition the government, as well as free speech and the right to equality because they bar government employees from providing non-English language assistance and services.
Furthermore, as the writer himself points out, "Local people can and will run our schools better" than the federal government. If he truly believes this, I suggest he refrain from demanding government intervention every time he disagrees with the decisions of others.

Cate St. Clair
Waukon