Freedom of Speech

I read an interesting Blog today. The Blog concerned leaving obscene comments and using vulgar language on this Blog.

The author of the blog says “Some people get very upset and up in arms about deleting comments but I am of the mind that it’s my blog and if I don’t appreciate the tone I can remove the comment.”

He goes on to say “I certainly don’t mind someone disagreeing with me or having a different opinion. It is those differences that make the Blogosphere great. I just won’t be talked to in that tone in my house.”

I’m a champion of the First Amendment. Particularly Free Speech and a Free Press. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” That is, unless it presents “a clear and present danger” to our American way of life. I’m speaking of sedition or the attempt to overthrow our government. These are the only reasons to limit free speech.

I’m against pornography, yet I believe in the rights to publish pornography!

I was reared in a household where there was little cursing. If there was bad language, it was when my sister and I were not at home or in bed for the night. My parents knew all the words but didn’t use them around their children. After I learned all the words, I never used them at home. I followed my parent’s policy when my children were young.

My point being that, I, like my fellow blogger noted above, will not tolerate obscene or vulgar language to be posted to my Blog. Add an obscene comment to my Blog and I will delete it. This Blog is “my house” and I will not allow that language to be used in my house.

A friend tells me that my Blog occasionally borders on the obscene. I’ll admit that this is true; however, my obscenities are in the form of euphemisms, innuendo and double entendre. My Blog is designed for adult readers, not for the millions of young people that surf the net and read blogs.

In the early 1970’s George Carlin did a bit on the “7 Dirty Words”. We all know those words and whether we use them or not, it is our choice. In my personal life, I do happen to use many of these words. It’s become part of the modern day vernacular. In my public life, I don’t. My public life being the Blogosphere, business relationships and people that really are not are my personal friends. It’s a natural restraint that I had learned in my youth.

The bottom line is that many of us walk to a different drummer. As individuals we must follow that drummer wherever he leads us. But in the interim we should conform to societal norms and mores. Dirty talk (Obscenities) seemingly fits very well into the language of today’s society, and I believe that this is a shame. I’ve heard 8 year old children using the F word. They know not what they are saying, but they are still saying the word. This is a sad commentary.

How did I get on this Bandwagon? Before I get carried away, I’ll get off this topic.

The Beach Bum