In a nation that claims to have a right to free speech, we sure seem to be ultra sensitive when it comes to the uses of certain words. String some letters together and you will offend someone.

The term “retarded” is now not PC. “Developmentally disabled” is the preferred term. I don’t understand the hubbub. “Retarded” simply means “slow”. What is incorrect, hateful or inappropriate about that? It seems quite benign to me.

I, too, have issues with some words. for example, there are some words the meanings of which have been hijacked. “Gay” used to mean happy and carefree. Now it is almost exclusively used to denote certain members of the LGBT community. LGBT teens and young adults hold one of the highest rates of suicide attempts. That doesn’t seem happy or carefree. The word “queer”, meaning odd or peculiar, is also now relatively specific to members of the LGBT community. Yet, homosexuality is commonplace. The word doesn’t fit. Let’s return these words to their proper usages.

For a term or word to be logically hijacked, it should be precise and fit the mould. Several examples might be: “I must take an enormous Clinton”. Or, “it’s time to drop hillary off at the pool.” ” I have to debbie wasserman-shultz like a Russian racehorse.” “Stepping in barack is considered good luck by some folks.” ” I ate bad seafood last night. So sorry I trumped on your shoe.”

I expect at least one or more of the following words, “Clinton, Hillary, Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, Barack or Trump”, will likely offend someone.