LIGHTENING UP

As society continues to move toward a more politically correct version of its former self, I feel we are beginning to lose a small, but important, part of our collective soul.

Take this chart on the chemical composition and properties of the female of our species. A tad sexist? Sure. Hilarious? You betcha.

We have to be able to laugh at ourselves and our differences or we're going to turn into a bunch of frightened, opinionless North Koreans - praising our "Great Leader" and singing songs about his majesty's supreme benevolence.

By its very nature, free speech is going to create offense because it promotes variety in point-of-view. But it also promotes discussion, understanding, empathy, and compromise. I personally don't like to see us becoming so sensitive about everything - like we can't take a joke. And there's mounting evidence of this trend every day. If you don't like what someone says, don't give them an audience. Or, better, let them know why you don't like what they say in a thoughtful and considerate way. But don't ask the government to step in and censor their right to free speech. That's not in liberty's best interest.

Sometimes I feel like America is turning into that friend you used to love being around...until they quit drinking - and now all they do is complain all the time and want to leave the party early. Let's quit taking ourselves so seriously and loosen up a little bit.

Our blood pressure could use a break.