[redwitch]

This is a hot button for many. They see being politically correct as an infringement of free speech. I can't say I'm really PC since I still use male/female descriptive statements. My basic rule is that if something I say will hurt another person, I try not to say it. If that's being PC, then I'll proudly wear that mantle.

I don't take offense when people say they drank the Kool-Aid, it just hurts me. It reminds me of a young man I taught to drive and his death at the hands of his mother in Jonestown. So, yes, I ask that people not use that phrase. Some have understood and don't use it around me. Some think I'm overly sensitive and I should get over it. I just know that if the situation were reversed, I would never use that phrase around that person again.

If I see something hurtful here, I will try to speak up. What others choose to do about my comments is up to them. I'm not trying to shame someone when I make a comment but rather hoping they might see the pain they are causing another and take down or change their wording.

So, be PC or not, but please try to be kind and thoughtful. Whether we like it or not, words hurt, sometimes more than sticks and stones.

And off of this soapbox for now.