Switzerland isn't the only example of European countries that have more than one official language. Luxembourg and Belgium are two more examples. BUT: There is an essential difference between these European examples and the US. The former have long-standing, fairly well-defined cultural / linguistic regions. In its relatively short history, the US has typically been an immigrant, shotgun pattern of intermingled cultures and societies. Usually without well-defined cultural boundaries.
I say "usually" because I'm not counting inner city Ghettos with concentrations of persons of one or the other ethnic or extra national origin. Because these relatively small areas aren't significant enough to warrant official linguistic recognition.
Nor am I counting Indian / First Peoples / Native American reservations which might have some smattering of aboriginal language use, but I'm sure they use English when dealing with the US Government.
Yes, and let us not forget the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites and any other self-isolated (sort of) German speakers. I wonder if they get bilingual ballots?
Oh I don't know. I think it's perfectly fine for people to speak whatever language they want. So long as they don't try to drag me into it. I think Kaiser has gone overboard; every written communication I get from them includes a sheet in the back making me aware that they can accommodate a wide array of foreign tongues, including Lao.
