he doesn't understand that the only way to stop certain behavior is to react strongly and overwelmingly. What pray tell does he expect, a" thank you , I'll have another"?

uncivilized crap -- expect to hear from me.

After all, isn't he the one who gave her her big start?

But his reasoning, or lack of, is always suspect.

Hey Bill, when did cretins get it into their heads they can say anything offensive and not expect people to repsond? Youcan say what you want, don't take away my right to critizcize what you say.

I would like to know who among us are insensitive bigots

What Maher is saying (and I agree) is that we have become obsessed with making people apologize everytime they should say something offensive or stupid. Why?! What is the point? It is not sincere if it is being forced upon you by public pressure or some publicist who is nervous about you losing your corporate sponsors.

Really what it is about is making someone do the Walk of Shame as a form of exorcism. Making your adversary look illegitimate and weak (like Richard Durbin crying on the floor of the Senate). And usually those who are most offended are still not satisfied anyway.

Apologies are for children.

Especially when peoples equal rights are at stake?

Glad to know what corner your in.

things and not call them on it...it's up to them whether they want to apologize or not...

"I'm sorry" is the second most important phrase in any language.

Actions and words have consequences, and that is a good thing.

It's a bit like when Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks criticized then-President George W. Bush. A lot of people (myself and probably most everyone at DU) agreed with her. A lot of people didn't and made a stink about it. That's generally how free speech works. Some people are going to be on your side. Others aren't.

So it has nothing to do with having "the right to never hear anything we don't like." It's just that people are expressing their dislike for public displays of ignorance.

Wonsaponatime, of course, minorities were afraid of saying squat. Things have changed. Bill Maher doesn't like it. Life goes on.

Including stupid shit that is offensive to certain groups.....


BUT, THAT DOES NOT MEAN WHAT EVER BIGOTS SAY SHOULD GO UNCHALLENGED FOR FUCKS SAKES....


Do the Religious Terrorists not respond to what leaders in the Gay community say?


So it's ok for the Religious Terrorists to be intolerant of Gays.... but it's really bad manners for Gays to stand up for themselves....


It's just one more way they try to turn the tables on their hate, and once again silence the Queer community....


Who the fuck do Queers think they are.... talking back to us....


It's a new day fuckers...... times are changing, and the momentum is on the side of Queers.... haters......

If I hear offensive bullshit, I will respond. Don't like that? Then mind your manners.

I'll defend Kirk Cameron's right to believe any silly mythology he wants, and to talk about it in public, but I'll also be first in line to ridicule it and suggest that maybe he's not the best choice of guest for talk shows. Cameron is a silly, silly man.

People to often equate freedom to believe something with freedom to speak something. These two things need to be differentiated.

OF BELIEF

You should be allowed to believe and personally live (as in inside oneself) what ever it is in your heart to think regardless of what it is. No one has the right to tell you that you cannot think or believe as you do SO LONG AS YOU AREN'T HURTING OTHERS. Belief is internal and solely personal and no one has the right to forcibly change your mind.

You should be allowed to say anything that you need to say to defend your ability to have your own opinions. And, no one has the right to tell you that you don't have your opinions.

OF SPEECH

In terms of convincing others of your point of view, you also have every right to do that. However, I believe, with some reasonable limitations. (1) You can't force others to take your point of view by any means including threat, coercion, etc. (2) You do not have the right to lie about your point of view for any reason. (3) You do not have the right to use a privileged position (ie a tv show, radio show, etc.) to further a personal agenda IF it inhibits or in any way excludes others from doing exactly the same thing. (4) You don't have the right to deride or be critical of others points of view, regardless of what they are, even if they are improperly being critical of yours.

Essentially, you have the right to say anything truthful regarding your beliefs in hopes that you may attract people of equal positions to your company using positive, inclusionary language, while allowing for equitable defense of other contradictory positions.