FREE SPEECH OR HATE SPEECH

The very first amendment to our Constitution guarantees us the freedom of speech. It is not ambiguous. That is the freedom that allows me the opportunity to write this weekly column offering my views on various subjects. And, nowhere in that same Constitution are we guaranteed that we can live our lives free of offense. What may be hate speech to some may well be completely innocent chit chat to another. On a number of college campuses today, there are groups trying to control the speech of others. Their buzz word is "hate speech". 

 

At Colorado State University there is a posted notice that offers victims a place to go and get solace when they have been exposed to speech that offended them. 

 

"Did the big bad man say something that upset you? Did he say we should support the police or the military?" I can see how you would see that as hate speech and how you would need comforting after such exposure. Let's go get some hot chocolate and cookies and let our brains deal with the anguish. It'll be alright tomorrow. We'll just have to figure out a way to stop people who say such evil and uncomfortable things. 

 

This may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is happening. It is amazing what some believe is hate speech. 

 

One of the biggest problems facing CSU and others who purport to save us all from hateful things, is there is no solace for those of us who are offended by the mental midgets who hate America and her traditions. Years ago I wrote a column wherein I said, if you are offended by the presence of police officers, the next time you are in trouble, call a hippie. What is defined as hate speech by some of these snowflakes is really just innocent conversation.

 

The real problem is that eventually these little offended college students have to go out into the real world. In the real world there is no hot chocolate and cookie respite. There instead is competition. There are people trying to succeed. In the real world your success is determined by your effort, your talent, and your intelligence. If reality offends you, you have a bigger problem than I can help you with in a mere column.  

 

In simple terms, suck it up buttercup. Listen to opposing views. You might even learn something. Life has a way of teaching. Gain some experience. Try and fail or try and succeed. 

 

Many years ago I was told the quickest way to become a Republican was to get a wife, a job, and a mortgage. It worked for me. That's when reality really hits home.

 

Ron Scarbro February 2, 2022