Letters
Letters to the editor
Highlands Today
Published: March 7, 2013
Politically correctPublished: March 7, 2013
Being a senior citizen, I can readily remember when the term "political correctness" was first introduced and subsequently earnestly accepted by virtually all segments of our society including the government, religion, the media, education, etc. And even though there was then serious concern among some that the very fabric of the existing U.S. culture might be fundamentally transformed by allowing such a practice to continue, the movement progressed.
However, before focusing upon some of the consequences of this phenomenon, let's take a closer look at what this P.C. ideology implies.
P.C. proponents believe that any public statements or actions that offend, in any way, another person or group of persons are not P.C. As such, these statements or actions must be strongly condemned and the responsible individual(s) must apologize and reintroduce an acceptable P.C. version or be publicly disgraced.
Obviously, it is extremely difficult to present a point of view in public without offending at least someone in attendance. In particular, it is now virtually impossible to express any opinion regarding politics, religion, education, etc. that is considered P.C., regardless of whether it might be true.
One can now see why this ideology was named P.C. since it is so often used for political purposes. Through its application, those in control soon discovered they could often silence a majority view by simply claiming that the view was not P.C. By doing so, those holding that view were immediately placed on the defensive and would often retract those "offensive" parts rather than face up to the public shame of probably losing the argument to what was usually a formidable and substantially more powerful opposition.
Has the U.S. culture of our parents been fundamentally transformed with the help of P.C.? Consider the following and decide for yourself.
Traditional marriage is now virtually equivalent to same-sex marriage.
Energy independence is possible without developing U.S. resources.
Christmas trees are no longer Christmas trees in Rhode Island.
Driving under the influence of pot in Colorado is not a fineable offense.
Add a few of your own.
Ray Stebbins
Avon Park
Secure borders
The president, Homeland Security and the attorney general should all be held accountable for Fast and Furious and our "open border" with Mexico. They should all be tried for treason against the American people for the complete disregard for our Constitution and the violation of our immigration laws by a rogue government.
The violation of our immigration laws is the No. 1 problem in America today, not the Second Amendment of these United States, the right of every American to own and bear arms.
The Spanish language should not be legal in the workplace – neither should the illegal worker be allowed to work in our nation.
We have close to 30 million Americans unemployed and this fall, it will top 50 million. We have a rogue political system that is promoting an illegal Spanish-speaking workforce to replace the American worker.
The rogue politicians have also failed to control our southern border with Mexico and have promoted the flow of millions of illegals to take our millions of American jobs.
To protect our laws, we must demand term limits for all elected officials in future elections. These term limits should affect local, state and federal office holders. All Americans should demand control of our southern border with Mexico by the military. Our elected officials have failed for over 50 years.
I would hope that American news media stop promoting an invading Spanish-speaking illegal workforce. NBC is on its way to the bottom in news reporting. It is not the job of news media to make the news; it is their job to report the news.
Billie E. Jewett
Sebring