John.
Perhaps you might be right.
For some reason it hurt though.
I’ve been called a lot worse since to be honest and I can’t remember most of them.

And Frank kindly re-opened the thread.
Thanks…..:)

Andy as long as you don’t mention the Pope!:)

It’s a funny old World innit??
I’ve complained to the moderator in question.
Perhaps it’s the fact I don’t like politicians……:):):)

The best book I’ve read in the last twelve months is this…

http://www.gasolinegypsy.co.uk/

Peggy Iris Thomas rode around Canada, the United States and Mexico on her 125cc BSA Bantam in 1951.
Peggy, an ex-WW2 WREN took her dog Matelot along too, for the ride. He rode in a box on the back.
Peggy was the genuine article. This isn’t one of those travel books where the author didn’t leave West London.
Indomitably cheerful and resourceful, she was brilliant.

A.

Andy
I didn’t say or imply we had lost it. But I did say it the subject can easily be used to smother it.

It seems to me that in this country at least in general we’ve got the balance about right.
Sadly in the workplace we seem to have lost direction somewhat.
The fact that the debate seems to go on is to me at least a sign that not too much is being smothered.

For once I’m mildly optimistic. :):)

Andy

Well Charlie.
What exactly is this freedom of speech we’ve supposedly lost?
There is now a racially agravated aspect to certain crimes now.
So, if I punched you in the face and called you something nasty at the same time–that is now a more serious crime than just assaulting you.
That sort of assumes that I’m assaulting you to start with.
I still find I can say almost anything I want–and often do.

But then can it be the fault of the innocent? If one innocently offends what is one guilty of? Stupidity?

Yes but are they innocent of offending by ignorance?
My guess is that many know exactly what they are saying–possibly including the example I quoted above. She may not have known the exact definition of the word but she still knew it was derogatory. So why do people need to prove a point..??
That’s not the fault of the victim–the offenders weaknesses.

My view anyway.
A.

and all the other claptrap so beloved of the disciples of Marx?

John, you have read Marx–haven’t you??

Spot on and largely what I was trying to say . Does that mean you’re out of synch too?

Derek my boy, I’m out of sync with humanity at large. It’s been that way for a long time now….:);):)

Charlie.
I accept your point, but it’s hardly the fault of the victim/recipient that the other person is lacking in brain, education or just thick–is it??
Isn’t that slightly how the Amritsar massacre came about??
Someone with limited ability couldn’t, wouldn’t understand another group.
It’s not the fault of the victim–how can it be??