The PC Culture of Censorship

You know the world has taken a turn for the absurd when I agree with George Will on anything other than baseball.  In today's Washington Post, Will opines on the death of free speech in this age of "sensitivity" and "diversity". As is his wont, Mr. Will blames the academic liberal elite for much of the problem and cites anecdotal evidence that would make any self-respecting liberal cringe.  I totally agree with the idea that, as a people, we should be sensitive to other people's feelings and that embracing diversity in our culture is a truly noble and valuable thing.

The problem is that we've seem to gone over the edge to embrace hyper-sensitivity.  It's one thing to use the "n" word or other other epithets that promote hate and violence against any group of people. But it's entirely another thing when you can be sued for looking at someone in a way that they "perceive" to be offensive. Let's say I'm at my desk at work listening to a Slayer cd on my headphones.  I have the cd case next to me, and a co-worker walks by, sees the cd cover, and, for whatever reason is offended by it. Should I be sanctioned by my employer?  If I'm on the bus reading William Shirer's, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, should I have to be worried I might offend someone because there's a swastika on the cover of the book? Where does it end?

Free speech is one of the cornerstones of American society. I disagree with everything that bloviating buffoon Rush Limbaugh has to say, but I don't deny his right to say it. The fact is that some folks out there simply need to grow a spine.  Peace, love, and harmony would be great, but the world is an ugly place. There are people out there who are going to say and do things you don't like but are within their rights to do so. Deal with it!




This song is 30 years old and still as relevant now as then.

Dead Kennedys

"California Uber Alles"

I am Governor Jerry Brown

My aura smiles

And never frowns

Soon I will be president...

Carter Power will soon go away

I will be Fuhrer one day

I will command all of you

Your kids will meditate in school

Your kids will meditate in school!

[Chorus:]

California Uber Alles

California Uber Alles

Uber Alles California

Uber Alles California

Zen fascists will control you

100% natural

You will jog for the master race

And always wear the happy face

Close your eyes, can't happen here

Big Bro' on white horse is near

The hippies won't come back you say

Mellow out or you will pay

Mellow out or you will pay!

[Chorus]

Now it is 1984

Knock-knock at your front door

It's the suede/denim secret police

They have come for your uncool niece

Come quietly to the camp

You'd look nice as a drawstring lamp

Don't you worry, it's only a shower

For your clothes here's a pretty flower.

DIE on organic poison gas

Serpent's egg's already hatched

You will croak, you little clown

When you mess with President Brown

When you mess with President Brown

[Chorus]