Yes,
We must speak out for the freedom of speech. I have, though, learned with whom we can engage in discussion and with whom we can't; and the "new age" rules which cover all verbal discourse. I have (only with age) learned there are some subjects which can not be broached and some which can entered into with greatest of care.
I have also learned that there are certain "hot button" words which may almost never be used! Often today the mere presence of these words(due mainly to the efforts of the thought police and P.C. movement) will be misused out of context against the author. In addition the most basic tenets of the discussion will become distorted, blurred, masked, or tossed out in entirety due to the simple use of these terms. Therefore, the words to be used by any author must be chosen with the upmost of care, or that person will risk censure and or out-of-hand dismissal of his(her) basic premise, without a fair and just hearing.
Concerning this concept most careful and creative use of words, I was lucky enough to witness the inverse from the floor of Congress (via C-Span) on 10-14. As the use certain "hot button" words can assure the defeat of any concept, the use of certain terms can assure a win.
Congressman Bob Schaffer (R) of Colorado crafted a bill in such a way to (almost) negate the Democratic opposition to allow the use of motor vehicles in wilderness areas. This bill was crafted to allow motor vehicle use in wilderness areas under Americans with Disabilities Act vs the wilderness act. He was wise enough to know, that no elected official dare even appear to be against any "protected" group. Funny? Only one Congressman dared even speak out against the proposed bill.
To close,
On this brave new electronic frontier, we are each authors. With this new found power and freedom(as with all power and freedom), come responsibilities. In conjunction with the responsibilities there has been included a new set of rules. Whether or not we agree the the new book of rules, we must admit the existence of the book.
Here, as in the old west, we could do well to remember the old quote
"Smile when you say that stranger"!
richard
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