At 03:44 PM 1/26/2001 -0500, Wirt Atmar expounded:
>As to Doug's concerns about children not learning English, no one need worry.
>I -- and a great number of other people -- believe that the entire world will
>speak English before the end of this century, if things continue on as they
>are.
>
>That changeover will not occur because of either English or American
>imperialism. It will occur simply because it is in each individual's best
>interests to do so. Those countries that speak English, even as a second
>language, are part of the modern world -- and are growing rich because of it.
>Those that don't are clearly falling behind.

For a somewhat contrary view, please see
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2000/11/wallraff.htm

in which the author claims that "English isn't managing to sweep all else
before it -- and if it ever does become the universal language, many of
those who speak it won't understand one another"