New Constitutional Amendment Passed; Americans Have the Right Not to Be Offended

(Yes, This is Sarcasm.)

S. M. Bendock
In a landmark event, Congress has unanimously passed a Constitutional Amendment which has also been unanimously ratified by all 52 states. One congressman was quoted as saying, "This amendment protects such an obvious right that we could have passed it in our sleep." It well seems they may have, since no one remembers the vote.

Americans now have the Constitutionally protected right not to be offended. That is correct, ladies and gentlemen, no one is allowed to offend anyone in America. You are now free to enjoy your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness with out fear of being offended.

Capital Hill was in a state of excitement today, with lawmakers congratulating themselves left and right. A senator commented that this occasion has more importance than simply the amendment itself.

Both parties are considering this a sign that they can work together effectively to protect the interests of American citizens. Congress is predicting a time of un-precedented contentment in the country.

As yet, the details on enforcement are a little shaky. For example, Congress has yet to address how a situation will be handled when someone says something (freedom of speech) that is offensive (freedom not to be offended). "All rights guaranteed under the Constitution are equally important, and we will do our best to ensure that none is violated for the sake of another," Congress promised.

People, this hasn't really happened. It can't really happen. There is no way for it to work. In my opinion, it is time for people to grow up and accept that there is (often) a difference between someone being offensive and someone causing harm.

If you're wondering what set me off, it was two recent AC articles: Nursing in Public is Not Offensive: One Mother's Perspective by Amy Weekley and Common Phrase, "That's so Gay", Causes Courtroom Battle by Insomnia Princess.

Please don't hold these women or their articles responsible for my running off on a rant. These are both great articles which actually address valid points and I would recommend them to everyone. I, however, am somewhat of a goof, and am the only responsible for my content. You have my apologies for this torment, assuming you made it this far.

Published by S. M. Bendock

Ah, *stretch*, a life of ease elludes me. I love people, music, reading, writing, football, and nature. I love to debate and can usually see both sides of any topic.  View profile

24 Comments

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  • Michael4/17/2007

    Great article. The right to free speech should actually be rephrased as "you have the right to be offended." Because if the speech wasn't offensive, why need a right to protect it? (Nobody tries to suppress unoffending speech.)

    In my mind, Free Speech is a GARUNTEE that at some point, someone, somewhere will say something that offends you... and that's a good thing.

  • Carol Gilbert4/6/2007

    Brilliant! It would have been such fun if AC had run in April 1.

  • Dana Richardson3/31/2007

    It seems unfortunate to me that we call the Constitution isn't seen as a flexible and changing guide for the future, but rather as a bricked in wall of "rights", which somehow by goverment can be "awarded" or "granted" to folks. My, my, let's let freedom ring- your right to tell me off is important if I need telling off! Your right to tell me to get a grip on issues is important, if the issues need to be surfaced in such a way- wouldn't you agree? But the article is well put, you write with excellent clarity, appreciate that. -Dana

  • Donna Porter3/29/2007

    Great writing and the perspective is right on.

  • Stephen Joltin3/29/2007

    I guess my Axis Of Idiots list may be unconstitutioal :-)

  • jocelyn brady3/29/2007

    Are you sure this is sarcasm? PC - Alert! Thanks for the laughs.

  • Hearten Soul3/24/2007

    I have to confess - I DIGGed this article! Great work - marvelous sense of humor and straight to the heart of the matter.

  • Dina Hollerbach3/20/2007

    Oh wait...that was sarcasm? Thank god, since I just wrote all of my neighbors offensive letters...just kidding.

  • Dina Hollerbach3/20/2007

    This is totally a violation of allowing us freedom of speech...I am disgusted.

  • nyjdmr3/19/2007

    Too cool for AC right here!

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