Do you think its right that Soda Head allows some one to post a question with Tea baggers in the question??? its a very vulgar term!!

You have framed your argument into the arbitrary rules of a debate class. I agree that within that framework I cannot argue with what you wrote. I also agree that even in the larger framework ouside of a debate class the choice people make with language does show character, but I hold that it does not lessen ones command of the English language, diminish the credibility of an argument, or reflect a lack of intellect. Those are judgements being made against an individual that are not necessarily true, rather they are based on an individuals opinions of such things. The individual is free to use those judgements, but they are opinion, not fact.

In my opinion it is the one who casts a judgement without really listening that is in the wrong and is diminishing any argument they could have made. Just because someone frames their ideas in ways that are not necessarily appealing to everyone does not lessen those ideas.

I am also of the opinion that more can be learned from discussing things with those who do not share your opinions and worldviews than can be from sticking to what is familiar and safe. I often liken that to verbal masturbation, where people only discuss things with people they know share similar belief structures in order to keep themselves from being challenged.

Granted, you may be talking about harassing language, or angry language, where the intent and tone is to anger or hurt. I'm just talking about not arbitrarily censoring oneself because society tells me it's wrong to use certain words, themes or gestures and to try listening to others without judgement.

Also, I have to admit that I am guilty of this same mindset when it comes to the written word. I can't stand to see textspeak, leetspeak, or horribly misspelled and grammatically incorrect text. While I think that speaks to ones laziness in typing, and makes it difficult to communicate, all the points I've made above should apply to that as well. I guess I'll have to keep trying. At the very least this conversation has allowed me to point that out to myself, so thanks for that. :)