TomFODW
Mon, 04 Aug 2003 05:34:38 -0700
> Display and interpret any symbol the way > you wish to. If others get offended, it is their problem, not yours. >
As long as *all* they do is feel offended. There have been reports, for example, of Jews in some European countries being attacked for wearing kippot, stars of David, and other Jewish symbols. My rabbi, when he was in Germany, was warned not to wear his kippah on the street. There is no such thing as a "right not to be offended" or anything like that. The antidote to offensive speech is MORE speech, not less. I think sometimes people misinterpret politeness and civility as silence. Although I agree people should not go out of their way to offend, I also think they should not have to hold back lest they offend. As long as we ascribe honorable motives to each other and a presumption of sincerity, we should be able to say and respond to anything here without fear of being branded with calumny and excoriation. Disagree with me, however vigorously - as long as you let me disagree with you. (Although I hope we will all consider what everyone else is saying before reflexively disagreeing.) Tom Beck www.prydonians.org www.mercerjewishsingles.org "I always knew I'd see the first man on the Moon. I never dreamed I'd see the last." - Dr Jerry Pournelle _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l