(Rockville, MD) - Up to now, I have seen no reason to have a "one language" policy in the United States. Now, it has become all too clear that there needs to be one, NOW. A child was raped. A CHILD! And a Maryland Circuit court judge has dismissed the case because an attempt to get a translator for the accused (there are witnesses to the repeated crime). An apology for the judge's decision may be found here.

I was aware that a person who is a legal visitor or immigrant is afforded the courtesy of an interpreter in our courts. That's to insure a similar arrangement for our people in foreign courts. But it is a courtesy, and the sentiment, though fair, is not a right which can block prosecution if the accused can actually understand what is being said. A conversation with a FOX News producer convinced the newsman the accused could, indeed, understand English WELL.

As surely as the judge was trying to keep from being reversed, the need for a one language policy is now pathetically obvious. When the language is official, such cases cannot be treated in the current manner. The imperative to understand the language shifts from the realm of courtesy and international niceties to the shoulders of the participants in the society. A law which stipulates that you cannot be in a country without a language speaking sponsor (which could be hired for money but could also be a personal acquaintance) would then be possible. The only battle then would be who tries the miscreant - La Migre or the Justice Dept. Translation would become the unalterable responsibility of the accused.

Still, after all is said and done, the accused was witnessed repeatedly doing that of which he was accused. His only card to play was his language. A seven year old girl has been repeatedly raped and molested. This must end. There must be one language in the United States.

- Dick Anderson