Professor Who Joked About 9/11 to Retire

My "The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition" must be faulty. I'll try to get a refund.

You should. This is a fine example of when the true meaning of a word is hijacked to serve a PC purpose. Check out how the dictionary defines homophobia as "discrimination against homosexuals". Dictionaries are quick to add argot.

It doesn't change the fact that a fascist is someone who "supports a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition."

The use of loaded words is a vile rhetorical tactic, too often employed in political discussion. When you call someone a fascist, you are saying that, if Hitler or Mussolini were alive, that person would be an ardent supporter. Were this another age, such an insult could get one called out to defend their assertation, but today people impugn the motives and honor of others without a second thought.

Like every other right, the right of free speech carries with it responsibilities. But no one these days, from the press to the politicians, seem to see any reason to refrain from using the most horrific terms available to smear other people.

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