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Off-Topic, Expletive Not Deleted

July 4, 2004 By

Is it just me? I’ve been reading for days about Cheney telling Senator Leahy to “Go fuck yourself.” Dozens of commentators have condemned his use of the F-word, many (including Frank Rich again today) mentioning – as though this were relevant – that John Kerry used it publicly last year as well. But not one writer has pointed out what seems painfully obvious – that it’s not the use of the word, but that particular use of it. I can say the word “fuck” in front of my college superiors all I want, without so much as raising an eyebrow. But if I told one of them to go fuck himself, I don’t think even tenure would protect me for long. It’s not the word, it’s the offensive and dismissive aggression of the entire phrase. Obviously. Obviously?

A nice political thought for the Fourth of July.

07/4/04 8:43 AM | filed under: main |

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