Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 9/28

The National Hockey League, which is not usually interesting until March, is bucking trend. Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers has been at the center of two controversies. Simmonds, who is black, was the target of a bigot, or a drunk, who tossed a banana peel onto the ice during an exhibition game in London, Ontario. The young man, who is said to be remorseful (aren't they all once caught? Michael Vick?) has been identified and faces a fine up to $2000 and, possibly, indictment for a hate crime. The latter is ridiculous overkill, but to be expected in an age of selective outrage. Simmonds was a man about it, saying such behavior is to be expected. Life being the fascinating circus it is, Simmonds found himself in trouble a week later when he allegedly berated an opponent with an anti-gay slur, a charge he denies. The PC police have come out in force, demanding an apology and punitive action. The NHL office says the evidence is inconclusive. I guess lip reading is inadmissible in its court. A ban on anti-gay language has been suggested. Okay, ban it and, while you're at it, fine or suspend any player who disparages mothers and sisters and uses any foul language, behavior that has existed forever in the emotional combustion that is sport. Everyone in the world except hip hop artists, who have made millions using the N-word and F_____t, should face fine and or hate crime indictment for uttering those terrible words. The logic of the adherents of political correctness would demand action on the spontaneous speech of some and the ignoring of the premeditated of others. They want semi-free speech. People have a right and a need to vent. A good person will apologize. A bad person is not likely to be changed, more likely to fake contrition. Free speech can be and is a bitch sometimes. It's supposed to be. How often do we get the urge to choke a public figure who makes political comments contrary our own? Good people grin and bear it or offer a civil counter argument. When I worked the commodity pits and podiums, I was occasionally excoriated in the vilest terms by traders, sometimes by people I really liked. It hurt, but it made me a stronger, better person, as all trials do. I was guilty of disgraceful speech there myself at times. Husband and wives say awful things to each other. I flush with shame when I think of some of the things I said to my parents. It's called being human. Legislate this.
I said the b-word and I'm not apologizing. I know you're strong enough to handle it.
Thanks to Cabbie, who bought six thrillers today.
Read Vic's stories, free: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/