Re: [Leica] Freedom of speech and political correctness (off topic)

[Bud Cook <budcook@ibm.net>]

Nice post Walt.  I also hate where we are with PC and frivolous law suits.

BTW, everytime you come along with an outragous post that appears to be
trolling, you match it with reasoned posts like this.

I guess when we go off the deep end, you can blame it on the 100 degree
summers you had in Texas and I can blame it on the minus 50 wind chills that
are just outside my window here in Minnesota :-)

Bud

Walter S Delesandri wrote:

> Hello, Mikiro (pardon spelling if I messed up)
>
> I hope you don't have the wrong impression of the US....
>
> There is a difference in courtesy/consideration of others and
> "political correctness".  I live in a state that is the butt of
> many jokes, as are some surrounding states.  If you came to
> Denton, Tx.,  I feel sure that you'd be treated with consideration
> and respect, just as you have in Europe, and just as I'd expect
> if I went to Asia.  BY MOST PEOPLE.
>
> "Political Correctness" is a much abused term (by me/others)....
> When a local entity (city, state, employer, school) tries to
> limit speech/thought that is considered "offensive", it limits
> the free exchange of ideas.  Even though the offending thought/speech
> may be "wrong", by your standards and mine, the freedom to express
> such thoughts is guaranteed by an amendment to our national
> constitution.  Such guarantees are not universal around the world.
>
> There are limitation on free speech.  Speech that provokes an
> immediate danger to others (such as advocating violence or a riot)
> is not guaranteed.  As many have stated before, yelling "fire" in
> a crowded building is NOT free speech, as other may be immediately
> injured by the chaos that results from such action.  Other than
> such irresponsible actions, tho, freedom of speech/expression is
> pretty much guaranteed.
>
> In the late l970s thru 90s, there has been a trend in this country
> for local entities (local governments, schools, employers, media
> providors) to impose restrictions on speech (spoken/written) and
> behavior (smoking, wearing certain types of clothing) that it deems
> "unacceptable".  This is usually NOT by the passing of laws, as
> such laws are sure to be deemed unconstitutional, but by coming down
> hard on people who express "unsatisfactory" speech/behavior.  By
> threatening people with disciplinary action, one can alter behavior
> that isn't actually illegal.
>
> While one can defend the restriction of "unacceptable" behaviors,
> who's to say what is offensive?   If I'm a vegetarian, your eating
> of a hamburger might be offensive to me.  If I'm deaf, your
> having a conversation that I can't understand might offend me. (not
> true of a very fine friend of mine who is also deaf).  It simply
> becomes ridiculous.  We all are "offended" by something, and
> tolerance of such things is what makes us human.
>
> Add to this fiasco the fact that trial attorneys in our country
> are anxious to take on lawsuits anytime there is money to be made,
> and you have a very dangerous situation.
>
> I think you'd find people in the U.S. or Texas to be about as
> friendly as where you live, if not more so.  If you're assaulted,
> we'll be there to defend you.  If someone steals your things,
> we'll help you find them, if possible.  If I'm dining, sit at
> my table and I'll feed you.  But if the asshole at the corner
> shouts something offensive, ignore it an walk on.  I do.
>
> Human consideration for each other knows few limits, if left
> alone.  99% of us will take you in and teach you and learn from
> you.  But deny the 1% their right to free expression, and we'll
> all chew on your ass.  That's what "freedom" means to us.
>
> This group represents a TINY minority of folks in this fine country, and
> they are not as "representative" as they'd like to think.  They
> are better educated, better mannered, and in a higher income group
> than "average".  They'll blast me for this one, but it's true.
> (to fend of the deluge of posts, do not respond to this unless
> you post you gross l998 income -- $25,700 BTW)
>
> But the guarantee of free speech ALSO extends to the garbage man
> and the guy at the corner store with the sixth-grade education.
> (he's my brother :)-)
>
> If you don't believe P.C. exists, ask the guy who was fired or
> has a lawsuit against him because of his words -- NOT his actions.
> Shouldn't be hard to find one.  (but don't look in the white house
> :)
>
> Sincerely,
> Walt