The Right to Give Offense

A lot of "Calling On XXXX to resign" going around.

"Leave your job, leave your post, leave the campaign! Right Now!" ...because you offended me, and others who oppose you.

I don't get it. The point is to call it as you see it; and let the other team respond in kind. I mean, this isn't a fist fight, where a certain dignified restraint might be in order. This is politics. The right to give offense -- freely even; is baked in.

I prefer direct arguments about issues, and deem personal attacks just a silly side show. Attacking your opponent's moral character or taste (in art, whiskey, automobiles or entertainment) is as American as -- well America.

Those who feign a thin skin and a damaged self esteem resulting from a furious bout of political name calling strike me as weak -- headed. It's a strategy calculated to create offense in some soon to take up arms third party. It's politics -- but not good politics.

Wade in there and serve it up. Give offense -- Freely!
No foul! Now get over it; and get on with the real discussion.

We've got work to do.