[magprob]

I don't care who I piss off. As long as I am not vulgar, I say what I think. When they throw me in jail for that then I will know exactly how far gone this country is. Then it will be time for drastic measures. I do know that day is coming sooner or later.
PC is just another way the American government is whittling away personal freedom of thought. It is all a big mind screw for those that will fall for it.

[frangipanis]

Not all interest groups are to be deplored since without a few notable examples such as the women's movement, changes we take for granted today would never have happened. And without consistent pressure from a concerned Australian public, there would have been no legitimate democratic prompt to shift our foreign policy in favour of a withdrawal of Australian troupes from Iraq.
It's time to leave Iraq: Houston - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

[Stringer]

not all interest groups are to be deplored since without a few notable examples such as the womens movement, changes we take for granted today would never have happened. And without consistent pressure from a concerned Australian public, there would have been no legitimate democratic prompt to shift our foreign policy in favour of a withdrawal of Australian troupes from Iraq.
It's time to leave Iraq: Houston - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Yes, good examples of authentic progress and in my opinion prime examples of what he said in his speech frangipanis. Perhaps "progress" needs a separate definition? I have no problem (like Mag) in standing up to correct what is wrong in our societies. Nor do I complain when asked to participate in doing my "duty." It is the extremes by some of the examples given that I have a problem with.

71 degrees today here in Chicago... finally.

Stringer

[frangipanis]

Understood... :)

71 degrees... nice weather you're having..

[JimGunther]

I get angry every time I heard the words "political correctness" which to me means that you can't say anything that offends anyone.

It is blatantly obvious to me that such thinking flies squarely in the face of the freedom of speech we hold so dear to our hearts in this country. I learned in law school that "harmful or offensive" touching is the definition of a commn law battery, or as the layman would say it, an assault. But offensive speech is as a general rule protected by the First Amendment. We have a "dumbing down" problem in the educational system in this country which seems to have lead to such misunderstandings about what you can and cannot say.

[frangipanis]

Here's a definition of political correctness that shows there's a lot of room for confusion about p c:
Political correctness - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm sure it can be naïve and even dangerous to attribute only positive motives and characteristics to a race and/or sub-culture or individual --- at the same time, I'm wondering if being insulting or accusatory towards someone because of their racial origins just to get across a political point, is likely to bring about the changes you want.

Wouldn't inviting representatives from conflicting groups to talk in a hostile free atmosphere, or educating people with facts about an issue in ways that show a variety of attitudes and actions within a group a better option? I'm wondering what's to be gained by pointing the finger - unless you've given up on achieving a peaceful outcome.

I guess I tend to prefer to appeal to what people have in common to broaden the moderate thinker base, rather than using the tactic of shouting down the opposition.

[excon]

Hello f:

You presume everybody wants to get along and sing coom-by-ya around the fire. I don't make that presumption.

Although I find it personally despicable, in this great country of ours, one is free to hate. Therefore, according to the First Amendment to the Constitution, one ought to be able to say so, and in no uncertain terms.

excon

[NeedKarma]

I don't like fat people.

[magprob]

Canadians are gay

[magprob]

... and happy, carefree people. :)

[NeedKarma]

LOL! Yes, we are a gay lot.

[frangipanis]

You presume everybody wants to get along and sing coom-by-ya around the fire. I don't make that presumption.[/QUOTE]

It may seem that way, when in fact I don't start with that premise at all. I assume there will always be people who love to war monger and love to hate ~ anything ! I'd like to minimise the damage they cause, that's all.

I personally hate walking into a house full of dirty dishes...

[frangipanis]

Lol!. In my case I know who's leaving the dishes for me to do, and they certainly aren't fairies... or angels.