Speech

   I have been writing and posting this blogs for 15 years now. There are few topics I haven't touched upon at least a few times. I'd say a good number of them are social commentary. I'm just giving my opinion on that. One of those topics has been something I call, polite company. It is somewhat of a recurring theme. I expect that is simply because it is at the core of my demeanor. It's how I was taught to "act right" or "straighten up and fly right" as my father would often say. There are certain words, phrases and tones in your voice that you do not use in a public setting, when in polite company. I'm reminded of that as the battle for "free speech" rages on with some insisting they can say anything they like without repercussions. They stand behind the first amendment right to do so. They're not wrong, just terribly misguided.

  What were the things I was taught to not say in polite company? The simplest answer would be, anything that might offend those you're speaking to. To start with, select your choice of words carefully. Who are you talking to. Why are you talking to them? If you are there, talking, to be cordial, one should be polite as well. If you are there to motivate the team, your language may be adjusted accordingly. The real measure being, what do those listening want to hear? Are they there to listen to your opinion or just to share theirs? Unfortunately it seems that today the primary mission is to disprove whatever the other person is saying. You had better be prepared to take up arms against the enemy, join the mob. There is no room for discussion! 

  Civil discourse is another term for polite company. You might say it's the ten dollar version. The intent is the same. You share your ideas, thoughts and beliefs with others in a non-threatening manner. A guarded exchange with the objective to simply share those ideas, not impose them upon others. That's why you don't use aggressive language and launch a verbal assault whenever you disagree with the message. People will respond accordingly. Launch an assault and a counterstrike will be the result. Happens every time. Temperance is another word that comes to mind. Temperance is self control. Wasn't aware of it at the time, but that is why I would be admonished with temper, temper. 

  I've been seeing this meme of Facebook that makes me smile. The citations vary as to who conducted this "study" but the claim is, people with higher intelligence swear more often and are more likely to be liberals. Ok; then when I was in the Navy I was surrounded by geniuses! Liberals? Well, I wouldn't say they were liberals except when it came to abandoning moral behaviors, they did quite well. The officers that I interacted with did use profane language, at least not in my company thy didn't, and they all have college degrees. That doesn't seem consistent with this study. 

  General George S Patton was famous for his speeches to the troops. Profanity laced they were intended to motivate, to inspire. The language was carefully chosen. He wanted to sound like, one of the guys! He knew exactly what "company" he was talking to and what they would respond to. They left there ready for a fight! Same thing happens today when those in position to express their opinions use similar language and intent. They don't have to be leading an army into combat to do that. All those "peaceful protests" started in that way. Riots start that way. Truth often arrives in whispers. Battles always begin with a shout! You can say whatever you like, a right guaranteed under that first amendment, but you have to choose the correct words and venue. Failure to recognize or respect that, and you should expect repercussions. Clothes are said to make the man. I'd suggest it is our words that define us.  

                                                                 

                                                              General George S Patton.