>>Another thing the (enforced) bilingualism does is to add a measure of patience and respect for people that are 'different'.
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>Currently, there is no official language in the United States. Nothing dictates that anything (even the laws written in congress) has to be done in English in this country. Would it be enough if the "state" of Quebec were allowed to keep most of its current provincial laws? Just thinking outloud, but I don't see why anyone would object to this, or how it would be unconstitutional.

Not really 'enough'... our Constitution mandates that French and English are "official" throughout the COUNTRY. The practical effect is that the FEDERAL government MUST supply ITS services everywhere in both official languages but provincial/municipal services can only be 'encouraged' (financially and morally). Only one province, New Brunswick, is officially bilingual at this time though most provinces DO offer many of their services in French where population numbers warrant.
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>Thanks for the justification. Like you, I do not believe assimilating people into the dominant culture is the best answer for peacefully co-existing.