Bill Bennett, Political Correctness and Truth
Let's compare and contrast Bill Bennett's statements with Kanye West's. Both fall into the realm of what is deemed by the mindlessly indoctrinated to be "politically incorrect" speech. When the outright untruth "George Bush hates black people" becomes equivalent the mere discussion of a statistical truth that "aborting all black babies would lower the crime rate," we find ourselves significantly on the down side of the slippery slope slope to oblivion as a civilization. Both West and Bennett have the right in our system to say what they said.
West's diatribe was empirically empty and unprovable within or without its context. Bennett's commentary was statistically accurate and reasonable within its context. I find it repugnant that our president rushed to criticize Bennett because in doing so he reinforced the insidious power that Political Correctness has within our culture. When George Bush gives aid and comfort to the thought police, he's not on the side of truth and honor.
Bill Bennett: Quotes And Statements
Our society needs to come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as "hate speech." There are only differences of opinion, world-view and context that should never become grounds for prosecution. Truth should never be trumped by anyone's "feelings," but PC makes it fashionable. Lies get a pass when PC allows them to become morally equivalent to fact.
Technorati tags: political correctness
West's diatribe was empirically empty and unprovable within or without its context. Bennett's commentary was statistically accurate and reasonable within its context. I find it repugnant that our president rushed to criticize Bennett because in doing so he reinforced the insidious power that Political Correctness has within our culture. When George Bush gives aid and comfort to the thought police, he's not on the side of truth and honor.
Bill Bennett: Quotes And Statements
Bill's right on the money with his response. Please read it.
"'A thought experiment about public policy, on national radio, should not have received the condemnations it has. Anyone paying attention to this debate should be offended by those who have selectively quoted me, distorted my meaning, and taken out of context the dialogue I engaged in this week. Such distortions from 'leaders' of organizations and parties is a disgrace not only to the organizations and institutions they serve, but to the First Amendment. "
Our society needs to come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as "hate speech." There are only differences of opinion, world-view and context that should never become grounds for prosecution. Truth should never be trumped by anyone's "feelings," but PC makes it fashionable. Lies get a pass when PC allows them to become morally equivalent to fact.
Technorati tags: political correctness
