I am as disgusted as breezy is, but I differ in that I don't want to open the doors to censorship on the basis of mere disgust. Clint Keller's statement is very important for me: "freedom of speech isn't just for stuff I like".

It is too important a principle to compromise. Some principles have to be preserved in black and white, because once the grey seeps in, no matter how well intentioned, you can no longer defend the principle and you are on the path to dictatorship.

I don't believe a court of law would find John's use of the words punishable. I cannot then "punish" him, reprimand him or censor him outside the law. If I don't like the law, I strive to change it; until then, I obey it.

But I can say that I find his use of the full word disgusting.