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I was delighted to see the piece pointing out political swearing in the Sept. 30 BDN. I was beginning to think that I was the only one who noticed!
Politicians seem to think that they are promoting “free speech” when they advertise their apparent lack of vocabulary skills by resorting to words and expressions that just a few years ago were considered vulgar and unacceptable on TV or in public speeches and conversations. Word choices and forms of speech reflect the speaker, but using coarse expressions does not make someone strong or tough, it merely showcases someone’s inability to converse on a higher level.
Swearing as a method to show your anger does not make someone a more effective elected official. Tell us how it is going to be fixed, don’t just swear about it!
Many of us use inappropriate words and expressions in the privacy of our own homes or spaces. This is our business. But using public platforms or occasions to expose others to those expressions is rude.
I doubt that world leaders are impressed by the seemingly limited vocabularies of our president and his cronies these days. I sincerely hope that members of all political parties in Maine do not follow their lead. There are enough word choices available that no one should need to resort to the inappropriate ones.
Everything we do and say should be setting a positive example for the young people and children of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Think about it.
Freedom of speech is vital to our democracy, but it isn’t a license to swear.
Sue Shaw
Penobscot
