On being politically correct

One of the most destructive movements in this country is political correctness. Everyone is so damned sensitive about what other people say. There's no forgiveness for saying something that someone might find offensive. We've got serious problems to address in this country, and this is what captures headlines.

Take the recent incident with Grey's Anatomy star, Isaiah Washington, a.k.a. Dr. Burke. He called a castmate a "faggot," back stage at the Golden Globes. The other actor, T.R. Knight, a.k.a. George, is indeed gay, but faggot is considered an offensive slang term to describe a gay man. Though like the "n" word, faggot has lost much of its meaning from overuse in our society. It's only offensive when someone decides it is. T.R. Knight decided it was, his perogative, I suppose.

Washington should certainly not have used the term. It was insensitive and in poor taste, and he knows it. But, he has apologized publicy. Shouldn't he be forgiven? If he's ousted from Grey's Anatomy, I might stop watching. I'll go back to ER. In my opinion, Washington is one of the best actors on the show. He made a mistake. He apologized. Let's get over it.

According to the dictionary on Google, a faggot is also a pork meatball. Perhaps, that's what Washington meant. Of course, then he would have offended pigs. Fag or faggot is also British slang for a cigarette.

On the other hand, Hollywood knows full well that it is offending many Americans by pushing the gay lifestyle down our throats. I think there are more gay people on TV and in movies than there are in real life. When are they going to apologize? A subject for another day, perhaps.

Sign the Petition to keep Isaiah Washington on Grey's Anatomy. I did!


American Idol 6
Another season of American Idol is underway. Last year I started watching once the 16 (?) final contestants had been selected. I looked forward to the program every week, sometimes twice a week. My favorite Idol was Elliott Yamin (#3). I'm eagerly awaiting his first CD. I also enjoyed the two country crooners: Kelly Pickler (#6) and Bucky Covington (#8).

This year, I'm watching Idol from the start. People are already complaining that Randy, Paula, and Simon are being too mean to the contestants. Once again, people are being overly-sensitive. As Simon said in a recent interview, nobody pulls the contestants kicking and screaming into the auditions. I enjoy the banter between the three judges and between the judges and the contestants.

Many of the contestants are horrible, and they've got to know it. If I was on American Idol, I would be crucified. Of course, I've been telling myself that even a bad singer could master one song. What kills most contestants is that they are stupid with the songs they pick or the way they act or dress. Would you expect respect if you came in juggling or dressed like Apollo Creed? Most of them deserve what they get, and most of them can give it back. A few are living with serious denial. If they can't handle it, they can always cry on Ryan Seacrest's shoulder. I wouldn't mind doing that.

Keep dishing it out Simon and Randy! I'll keep watching. If you don't like it, don't watch. Without Simon, the show would be nothing.

Big Dog, Little Dog

My niece's dog, a year old Bichon Friese named "Tic Tac" is visiting the Baalands for a month. Tic Tac is a little dog, with little dog ways. Zak is teaching her how to be a big dog. He's got her chewing on hard bones and big Kong toys and playing tug-of-war. Unfortunately, she's too small to drink out of the toilet, although he's trying to teach her. After all, the cat can do it. Big dogs don't get weekly baths. Zak just had his first bath over the holidays. Zak wants Tic Tac to smell and act like a big dog when she goes home.

Max is not happy about having two dogs in the house. But, he's the only one who gets to sleep on the bed and eat on the dining room table. And that seems to satisfy him -- for now.