The Right to Offend

This WaPo op-ed contains some very strong, very worthy, language regarding the importance of free speech - near absolute free speech - not, whatever the current Congress deems appropriate.

This op-ed rails on the Rethugs for trying to pass this piece of shit as an amendment to the Constitution. Here's the part I like:

The other effect would be to water down one of the most profound principles that the Constitution articulates: that Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech. The great power of this principle is that it admits no exception: not for the most odious racism or Holocaust denial, not for the most insulting criticisms of those in high office, not for cone-shaped white hoods or hammers and sickles, and not for burning or otherwise defiling the Stars and Stripes. Passing this amendment probably wouldn't create a great substantive shift in the general scope of the First Amendment's protection, but it would sap it of the idea that gives it its power: that American government does not punish even the most offensive ideas. Congress does the flag no service with such protection.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.