History has blessed us with all the freedom and advantages of multiculturalism. But it has also blessed us, because of the accident of our origins, with the linguistic unity that brings a critically needed cohesion to a nation as diverse, multiracial and multiethnic as America. Why gratuitously throw away that priceless asset? How mindless to call the desire to retain it 'racist.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the importance of linguistic unity in a multicultural society and critiques the view that prioritizing language retention is racist.
In this quote, Charles Krauthammer emphasizes the value of linguistic unity as a crucial element for cohesion in a diverse nation like America. He argues that while multiculturalism offers numerous freedoms and advantages, the shared language serves as a vital asset that should be cherished and preserved, rather than dismissed as a form of racism. This reflection on the intersection of culture and language prompts a reevaluation of how society approaches the preservation of its linguistic heritage amidst increasing diversity.
In practice
In a debate about immigration policy, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of preserving the English language.
If you get a call to go to a certain place in the middle of the night to pick up stolen goods, and it turns out the stolen goods don't show up but the cops show up, I think you're going to have a very weak story saying, 'Well, I got swindled here.'
I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking.
The joy of losing consists in this: Where there are no expectations, there is no disappointment.
You're betraying your whole life if you don't say what you think - and you don't say it honestly and bluntly.
When a party is in opposition, it opposes. That's its job. But when it comes to power, it must govern. Easy rhetoric is over, the press of reality becomes irresistible. By necessity, it adopts some of the policies it had once denounced. And a new national consensus is born.
Sometimes it's easy to go where the wind blows, but those that stand firmly planted are forces to be reckoned with.
The word of the oldest of the old of our peoples didn't stop. It spoke the truth, saying that our feet couldn't walk alone, that our history of pain and shame was repeated and multiplied in the flesh and blood of the brothers and sisters of other lands and skies.
All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones. In my opinion, there never was a good war or a bad peace. When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?
One life; a little gleam of Time between two Eternities; no second chance to us for evermore!
People learn to shop for churches; there is no loyalty to the church. They're consumers being attracted to one product or another. I think it's sacrilege, to tell you the truth, it really is.
We ought to see the face of God every morning before we see the face of man.
The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.
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