by David Puckett

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: February 01, 2009

Rosie drives home the necessity of the need for a new generation definition of "politically correct". It's time to see this phrase for the oxymoron that it is. The sad truth is that there is not much correct about politics and to be politically correct goes against the freedoms our forefathers envisioned for the future residents of this miraculous country.

We should hold Rosie to no different standard than we should a parade of protesting KKK members. Depending on who you are, you may find them equally pathetic and loathsome. One major difference between the two is that Rosie makes for better ratings. When Rosie fails to be a ratings draw, she will draw as much major media attention as that parade of marching hatred. I am in no way putting Rosie's comments on the same level as the KKK, but more trying to drive home the fact that they share equal importance in the arena of free speech.

An argument could be made that Rosie is purposely controversial to remain in that A-list status of warranting media coverage. Rosie is enjoying a very extended 15 minutes of fame and using that to her advantage to get her personal thoughts to the masses. Rosie needs to simply show up at an event and that event will be greeted with a far larger amount of press than if she, and those sharing her celebrity status, didn't connect with the event. Case in point would be Ben Affleck letting his face bring far greater press to the plight in the Congo or (on the dark side of celebrity) being paid $100,000.00 to appear at a night club to aid in that club becoming the new "place to be seen".

Another way to view this would be that if we didn't enjoy such freedom of speech, we might not know what we should be in fear of. I think it far better to see the KKK parade with their signs and chants than them having to fester their hate in quiet anonymity. Maybe as long as they can openly display their views and believe they are recruiting new souls they might not find it necessary to do it by flaming crosses burning on front lawns. I understand once again I have drawn probably the most severe comparison, but I think it makes the clearest point.

Long article short, Rosie reminds us of the importance of preserving the right to express our personal thoughts and beliefs. It would never be a good thing to stifle free thought and control the level of correctness by politics. Whether Rosie expressions are proper will be dictated by her motivations. It is my belief that if she finds herself with less face time, she is like to change course accordingly anyway.

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