What a very strange nom-de-plume. The implication is that a person with an open mind is never ever offended by anything anyone ever says. Well, I guess that depends on what you mean by “offend.” I understand that the word to mean several different things: to injure, to wrong, to be unjust to, to displease, to anger, to upset, to hurt the feelings of, to annoy, to irritate, to violate moral or legal rules. Do you mean to suggest that open-minded people never have a negative emotional reaction to anything anyone ever says? Seems to me you are erecting a straw man and knocking him down all in one phrase. Actually, because offend has so many meanings, I think the word gets over-used, and creates confusion. One person says “that is offensive” and means “you hurt my feeling when you say that.” Another means “that is unjust and cruel.” A third means “that is contrary my standard of decency.” A fourth means “that makes me angry.” A fifth means “that was intended to harm, injure, anger, or upset.” And a sixth means nothing more than “that is just plain wrong.” Is there anything wrong with being “offended” in some cases? Is it always wrong “offend” others, even purposefully? Sometimes it is necessary to speak the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts or “offends” someone. We should be less concerned with offending, and more concerned with wronging. We should not be offended unless we, or another, is being wronged. And sometimes, while we should not lie, we should withhold the truth, to avoid giving offense, because we should all desire to live in peace with one another, and sometimes restraint is required. There is no need to tell your neighbor’s wife that her baby is ugly, or that her new dress makes her look fat, or tell your child who has just spent a lot of time making a picture for you that he can’t draw worth a damn, or tell your best friend that … well you get the idea.
Having perfect self-control, so that you never have a reaction to people’s attacks or attempts to “push your buttons.” I wish I had it. I can usually avoid saying or doing anything, but I often find my face getting red, my heart beating faster, and I can feel lousy for hours afterward. It may be my choice to react that way, but it sure doesn’t feel that way in the moment. But what about attacks on other people. Do you “not take it personally” and “never get offended” when you witness someone attacking someone else? Just a thought.
William Bednar Premium Member about 10 years ago
After the Brazil debacle the agents have experienced pain in other parts of their bodies, notably the “naughty bits” parts!
ARodney about 10 years ago
Based on what evidence? Oh, I see, just partisan spite. Got it. (Obama does not hire secret service agents.)
Kip W about 10 years ago
It’s just weird. Who goes to Amsterdam and drinks?
echoraven about 10 years ago
Not a fan of Obozo, but why would HE be blamed for something a secret service agent did?
I Play One On TV about 10 years ago
“If my words..’ comment made no sense to me.”
You seem new here. You’ll get used to that in a hurry.
Doughfoot about 10 years ago
What a very strange nom-de-plume. The implication is that a person with an open mind is never ever offended by anything anyone ever says. Well, I guess that depends on what you mean by “offend.” I understand that the word to mean several different things: to injure, to wrong, to be unjust to, to displease, to anger, to upset, to hurt the feelings of, to annoy, to irritate, to violate moral or legal rules. Do you mean to suggest that open-minded people never have a negative emotional reaction to anything anyone ever says? Seems to me you are erecting a straw man and knocking him down all in one phrase. Actually, because offend has so many meanings, I think the word gets over-used, and creates confusion. One person says “that is offensive” and means “you hurt my feeling when you say that.” Another means “that is unjust and cruel.” A third means “that is contrary my standard of decency.” A fourth means “that makes me angry.” A fifth means “that was intended to harm, injure, anger, or upset.” And a sixth means nothing more than “that is just plain wrong.” Is there anything wrong with being “offended” in some cases? Is it always wrong “offend” others, even purposefully? Sometimes it is necessary to speak the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts or “offends” someone. We should be less concerned with offending, and more concerned with wronging. We should not be offended unless we, or another, is being wronged. And sometimes, while we should not lie, we should withhold the truth, to avoid giving offense, because we should all desire to live in peace with one another, and sometimes restraint is required. There is no need to tell your neighbor’s wife that her baby is ugly, or that her new dress makes her look fat, or tell your child who has just spent a lot of time making a picture for you that he can’t draw worth a damn, or tell your best friend that … well you get the idea.
Doughfoot about 10 years ago
Having perfect self-control, so that you never have a reaction to people’s attacks or attempts to “push your buttons.” I wish I had it. I can usually avoid saying or doing anything, but I often find my face getting red, my heart beating faster, and I can feel lousy for hours afterward. It may be my choice to react that way, but it sure doesn’t feel that way in the moment. But what about attacks on other people. Do you “not take it personally” and “never get offended” when you witness someone attacking someone else? Just a thought.