"I'M OFFENDED!"

Have you ever been offended by a remark made by someone else? I've heard remarks that insult people of Italian heritage, Irish heritage, Jewish heritage, Polish heritage; virtually every race or ethnic group has had its share of insults and aspersions. Most Americans have developed a pretty thick skin over the course of our existence, and we let quite a bit roll off our collective backs. Currently, we are going through a phase called "political correctness", in which every word or phrase we use is examined in order not to offend anyone who may hear our words. Now please don't misunderstand what I'm getting at here; I'm not endorsing racial epithets or ethnic slurs from anybody. I write most of my blogs from a conservative viewpoint, and some folks don't appreciate what my views are, and they could become offended by my words. My answer to those people is "You can stop reading my stuff, or you can give me a cogent argument to change my opinion." I really don't care if my words are offensive to those with whom I disagree; I believe I present my views in a logical and respectful manner. I don't resort to name calling and insult in my blogs; but, at times, they may have a tinge of sarcasm. Freedom needs open speech, without the reigns of unnecessary censorship: after all, the Supreme Court found in favor of Larry Flynt, the well known pornographer. If pornography has the right to be spoken, why should America be so concerned with personal spiritual convictions.

Yesterday, Matt Lauer had an interview with the wife of a Navy Seal who was killed on August 6th. Lauer asked personal questions about how she and her children were handling the loss of her husband: she began her statement with the words "His love for Christ..."and then continued on with some other reflections. Over the course of the day, when this interview was replayed, the words "His love for Christ" were edited from the tapes. The reason given for this editing was that they could be offensive to others. In America, I find this astounding! In a country that was founded on a cornerstone of free speech, what is more offensive, Jesus or pornography?

Oddly, we seem to be bending over backwards not to offend everyone in America other than Christians: you know, those people who believe in the words that say "Love one another", and "Thou shall not kill".

As a Christian, I am totally offended that this honest expression of faith was found to be unfit for consumption by the media. Obviously, NBC has an "axe to grind" against Christians, and I ask all of my Christian friends to make some contact with NBC, and let them know WE ARE OFFENDED! My Lord is a merciful God; my Lord doesn't preach "holy war" and my God says each person can make their own choices. I ask the "Big Shots" at NBC "What is offensive about this?" I'm sure there is an e-mail address we can reach all the "Honchos" from NBC; perhaps they would just edit them out anyway!

(Thank you, Judy!!!)