Quote:
Originally posted by Timber Loftis:
Barry, sorry but I generally disagree that words should be stiffled in any way whatsoever. When coupled with actions, or in extreme circumstances (egregious Intentional Infliction of Distress cases), there's a problem. But, generally I think all words should be allowed. If one view "hates" you for this or that, then join the human race -- any view is hated by somebody.
Limiting words results from and exacerbates the wearing of one's feelings on one's sleeve. Children should be told when they are wrong, failing grades should be given when merited, and we should all be willing to take a little flak for who we are without getting our panties in a wad.
[Edit] Y'know I just considered the fact that "panties in a wad" posted in response to a thread about anti-homosexuality may be offensive. And funny. Oh, well, if you read this and I have offended you, flame away. It was a figure of speech and was unintentional. Unlike all the other times when I'm blatantly offensive. 
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Well, my position is that if words harm someone then thats wrong. As far as I'm concerned I could care less about the free speech of bigots. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but you know me - I've never been one for half measures. And personally I find your second point (about wearing intentions on our sleeves) a little bit irrelevant. I was talking about hate being preached against the materially innocent and thus harming them. Its not quite the same thing as telling off a kid with a bad report card, and its not a slippery slope to it either. There is a very real difference between someone who wants to attack a way of life without justification and someone who tells uncomfortable truths. There is no way someone saying gays will go to hell can be considered to be telling uncomfortable truths and therefore merge these two issues. Or at least, not in my mind.
And as for the edit - If you hadn't said something I doubt I would have noticed it! I didn't find it offensive in the slightest... sorry to dissapoint! [img]tongue.gif[/img]
[Edit] For the much more mundane purpose of correcting a spelling mistake.
[ 10-08-2003, 05:41 AM: Message edited by: Barry the Sprout ]
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[img]\"http://img1.ranchoweb.com/images/sproutman/certwist.gif\" alt=\" - \" /><br /><br /><i>\"And the angels all pallid and wan,<br />Uprising, unveiling, affirm,<br />That the play is the tragedy, man,<br />And its hero the Conquerer Worm.\"</i><br /> - Edgar Allan Poe
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