The H1-N1 Philosophy

We all know about the swine flu or the H1-N1 virus or whatever its politically correct name is. Right? No. See, we realize, oh, look, something else to be afraid of for a while. But it pretty much stops at our fear (or indifference). We don't see the implications of this whole "offending pig farmers" thing.



I agree. We should not take it out on the pigs. But if I want to call it the swine flu, I'm calling it the swine flu. For those poor ignorant souls who murder innocent pigs in the dead of night so they won't be infected, well... too bad for you and the pigs.



It's like, I say "swine flu" and all of a sudden I've offended all these pig farmers. Let's apply this principle somewhere else, shall we?



"Crime is wrong." Oops, I just offended criminals!



Freedom of speech is there because we all have our opinions and we have a right to express them.



Some will insist that freedom of speech is wrong if it oppresses others. In stating that, however, they have excercised their freedom of speech, so how is freedom of speech wrong? Also, if they say that freedom of speech is wrong if it oppresses others, aren't they oppressing people who want freedom of speech?



People get offended. Anything can be classified as hate speech. "I like black coffee" could be offensive to anyone who doesn't like black coffee. "Want to watch some football?" could be offensive to someone who hates sports.



We were made to have disagreements. There are people who would be disagreeing with this whole entry or this whole blog. Disagreements are necessary. That's how we decide what we believe, how we learn to defend it. Freedom of speech is essential, because it's how we voice our beliefs and disagreements. We need freedom of speech, and I know some people disagree with that.



I'm not saying everyone can just create their own reality. No. There's right and there's wrong. But people, however misguided they may be :-), are entitled to free speech. Why do you think I'm writing this? Just because some people get offended shouldn't stop people from voicing their opinions.



Freedom of speech is an entitlement that all Americans have and it should never be taken away.



Oops, did I just offend people who disagree?