I received a robocall today urging me to vote “Yes” on the English First charter amendment. Vote “Yes” the voice tells me … it’s just that simple. But yet, I’m confused. I am an educated citizen, and I have read the exact language that appears on the sample ballot.

See, all along I’ve thought the vote before the people of Nashville is for the “English Only” amendment. In fact, “only” appears three times in the referendum . How often did I read “first”? Not a one.

The advocates of English Only know that the phrase English First is a little more appetizing and perhaps not quite as exclusionary-sounding to the average voter. So, what’s the harm in twisting the semantics a little if it gets you a few votes? But, let’s be clear. The proposed amendment is English Only, and the message that goes with it is not lost. Don’t even think about coming to our city if you speak one of them weird foreign languages. We are not interested in what your mind, your family, your business might have to offer. Remember those water fountains in the 1950s? Yep, I think the signs hanging above them used the word “only” as well.

Of course, English should be the language in which government and business is done in Nashville. And, guess what? It is! The threat of another language eventually taking control is just silly. Every immigrant who comes to our great city desiring a better life wants to learn English. Without a working knowledge of the English language, success in this country is incredibly limited. That’s fine with me. I think that’s how it should be. In fact, I’m glad that Tennessee has already created law that makes English the language of all government functions (including local!). And, with the state law already in place, the English Only charter amendment is just wasteful legislation that plays on ugly emotions and serves as a launching pad for another elected office for its sponsor.

I want my children to grow up in a thriving metropolitan area that embraces all cultures and peoples. I also want them to read their ballots in English the first time they go to vote and be able to speak up in Metro Council meetings that are conducted in English. If English Only fails, as it should, my children will be fine on all counts.