More Political Correctness Run Amuck


A little town here in Texas is trying to pass a new ordinance which would prohibit the use of the "N"-word. Oh, sorry, that's "nigger" not "Nancy Pelosi" for some of you. Now before you go and get all bent out of shape and start calling me a racist and all that, I can assure you that I do not advocate the use of the word regardless of the race. Sometimes this is difficult because I do have friends that call black people niggers and it generally offends me.

But I digress. The point of the post is that a town if attempting to pass the ordinance which I think is a pretty clear violation of free speech. At best, it is dubious. There is a Texas statute which prohibits disorderly conduct, but that doesn't incorporate people being offended. The bottom line, to me, is that this is censorship plain and simple. You do NOT have the right to not be offended. It's not in the Constitution. It doesn't exist.

According to the ordinance it would be a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $500.00. Here is the other kicker - it's subjective. If two people are having a conversation and use the word, but neither is offended by it then there is no infraction. However, if a third person overheard this and was offended by it you are now in violation.

I'm not a lawyer and certainly cannot comment on specifics of how all this breaks down, but I did hear at least one person indicate that they thought it likely would not pass. Yet, it is something you should be concerned about. Maybe you are black and you think this is a good thing. But what about when they start telling you that you can't say the word "God" because some people find it offensive? Don't be too surprised. There is a large contingent of people that find the word offensive and have been working dilligently to have it removed. It probably won't be too much longer before they try to pass laws to prevent you from saying it aloud.

These are censorship issues, folks! Freedom of speech is the very cornerstone of our country. Chipping away at it is still chipping away at it.