There has been a lot of talk lately about the firing of Don Imus and the limits of free speech. What Mr. Imus said was stupid and extremely derogatory and everyone knew that he was in trouble. His firing has also brought up a lot of concern among other talk radio hosts who's professional career can hinge on a single slip of the tongue. Idon't know if Mr. Imus was thinking that he was being hip or funny by using the vernacular of rap music or if normally uses that kind of derogatory language; but one thing is certain. The culture of political correctness and sensitivity has put a strangle hold on free speech.

We all understand that there are limits to free speech. For instance, the well understood example of shouting fire in a crowded theater is not allowed because it can lead to a panic that could kill people. In the same way speech that promotes violence against a person(s) because they belong to a certain race or religion is prohibited. People understand and accept these limits because of the harm they can cause. However, the biggest threat to free speech lies in the murky gray area of political sensitivity. ThePolitical Correct Police tell us we cannot say X because it might offend Y. This attitude is a real problem when it is applied to political debate, the reason that freedom of speech was included in the Bill of Rights.

A good example of how an honest discussion can lead to trouble happened at an Omaha high school where students published an article about using the n-word. Apparently many people were offended and the article was removed. Later investigation showed that the students took great care to discuss the feelings of both black and white students regarding the use of the word. So how can we as a society discuss and work on importantissue if we are not supposed to talk about them?

The Founding Fathers knew that freedom of speech is an important cornerstone to Democracy. But the Politically Correct Police have effectively stifled public debate. Look at the issue of illegal immigration. If you feel that the countries immigration laws should be enforced and that unchecked immigration is bad for the country, then you are labeled a racist, or a hate monger and your arguments will be shouted down and silenced by the supporters of illegal immigration. Is this kind of reaction good for the country?Orshould we be able to discuss this important issue in an open and civilized way? We don't really know because an honest and open debate is not desired by the people who benefit from the status quo. We all know that there are other instances where debate on serious issue are silenced because they are said to be too sensitive or because they might offend one group or another. We should all understand that if a person or group of people are looking for a reason to be offended, they will find it. Especially if thepretense of being offended can help them to gain access to power or money.

I believe that it important for us as a nation to work together to achieve racial harmony. That is why I believe that a comment like the one Mr. Imus said is unacceptable. But when it comes to political discussions, we need to be more tolerant of opposing views. We need to be able to discuss the important issues without using derogatory names.

We also need to understand that it is mostly the extreme liberal agenda that drives what is considered to be politically correct. It is a vehicle they use to their socialist values on America. Values that the far left has had trouble with at the ballet box. So instead of trying to win over the electorate, they force their values on us through judicial rulings and legal pressure groups. Political Correctness is all about controlling the political agenda in America. The best way for a government to controlit's people, is to control what they see, read, and hear. Hitler knew this, Stalin knew this, Mao Tse-Tung knew this, Michael Moore knows this, and so do all the communist groups in the country.

To preserve our individual freedoms, we must preserve the freedom of speech. There is an old saying that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. I say that the road to an Orwellian society is paved with political correctness.

- Thomas Paine 2

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