Dial 1 For English

       Welcome to October 13th everyone. This is
"English Language Day!" And I'm thinking we
had better celebrate it while it still exists!
       According to the Web site englishproject.org
English is a language that was the tongue of three
tribes 1,500 years ago and is today the language of
nearly two billion people. It has three-times more
non-native speakers than native speakers.
        No other language comes close to matching
that, and it is that that makes English global.
        That said we seem to have a bit of trouble
with the language right here in the good old USA!
        I'm not just writing about the constant
telephone prompts that advise us to "Press 1 for
English, 2 for Spanish" and such. Nor are my
observations directed to the growing number of
billboards along U.S. highways already produced
in the "Dial 2" mode. 
        I strongly support all efforts to make sure those
who call themselves Americans speak the English
Language. But if you support that cause might I
suggest you demonstrate your endorsement by using
the language correctly?
        Everyday on our local television newscasts I
catch "professional" broadcasters saying "Da" rather
than "the." Radio announcers often identify their
station's call letters beginning with "double-yah" instead
of "double-u."
       Somebody supporting the use of English posted a
note on Facebook the other day offering the opinion
that those using Spanish should switch "too" (as
opposed to "to") English.
       Additionally, far too much English has been morphed
into 4 letter words used as substitutes for more eloquent
and descriptive English adjectives that supporters of the
language can't pronounce or just don't understand.
       So if you're going to bat for English, try using it!
       Hope you enjoy English Language Day and that all
your NEWS is good!