"1984?"

I remember my sophomore English Class as an introduction to some pretty good books. One of my favorites was "1984", written by George Orwell. I found this work fascinating and compelling. It was a study of a totalitarian society; socialist, if you will. The government was controlled by a leader called "Big Brother", whose presence was seemingly everywhere. I believe most of us have heard the term "Big Brother is watching you"; this quote is from the novel and offers a chilling look at a closed society. "Big Brother" stood as the unquestioned leader of the people, followed by the "inner party", then the "outer party" and finally the "Proles" (common citizens). The language of "1984" was "NEWSPEAK", an edited version of English. The logic behind "NEWSPEAK" is that by limiting words, the state limits opposing views and opinions; it limits free expression. The "THINKPOL" (thought police) assisted in the implementation of "NEWSPEAK", by promoting "good think"; thoughts and words which were supportive of "BIG BROTHER". Orwell wrote this book in 1949; it seems oddly appropriate today.

Over the last week, we have seen an unprecedented attack against our first amendment rights because of a false perception that opposing opinion caused a lunatic to act out violently. We have also seen an attempt to edit classic literature. It seems that there is a movement that wants to edit Mark Twain by eliminating or altering words used in "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn". I find this attempt to alter written words very disturbing; these works were a reflection of the times in which they were written and should be preserved to maintain the author's intent. Political correctness has reached absurdity by this ridiculous act of idiocy! We are allowing "Mein Kampf" and the "Communist Manifesto" to sit unedited on our library shelves, but we find Mark Twain offensive! Isn't this the "THINKPOL" in action! Why don't we call for editing of the Quran, as it calls for the death of "infidels". Some people might find those words threatening!

I see a very frightening trend creeping across America. It is becoming unacceptable to have an opposing opinion in today's forum. Questioning is being perceived as disloyalty. We seem to be entering an era of Orwellian values. What will happen next? Will "goodthink" be the new order of the day? Is "BIG BROTHER" starting to dictate what proper speech is?

As Americans, we can't allow this to happen! We must protect the integrity of free thought! Once we allow this "political correctness" to infringe on our right of free expression America will be in a dire situation. Don't participate in "goodthink", continue to "FREETHINK!"