Interesting how things like books can get banned because of offensive words. Freedom of Speech goes only so far, I guess *shrugs* I hate how any book gets banned at all. Perhaps we should amend Amendment I so that it looks like:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, so long as the above offends no one.
Mind you, we’re not talking about Congress making a law against freedom of speech or press, but people apply the first amendment in general public policy every day. They apply it for grievences about school prayer, certain books (e.g. mwshook pointed out that Mark Twain occupies many banned book lists because of certain offensive language), or perhaps even protests or petitions all because certain people (whether a majority or not) find any or all of them offensive in some way, shape or form.
This country works best when someone is offended; it sparks debate, which usually leads to a consensus. It’s very bad, however, when that consensus leads to the squashing of someone’s freedom to express themselves, just because it may offend the few.
*Steps off of the soap box and goes back to sleep*