Not all that long ago, I took the position that I wasn't going to get too exercised about people using "nigger". As Clinton pointed out, it is a word that is often used by Africa Americans among themselves.

I was having this exchange on a bulletin board and I made what I thought was a reasoned and articulate defense against the "word police". Then someone made the simple point that racial epithets made the people being referred to uncomfortable so why, he asked, would I want to insist on doing that. There is enough lack of civility in discussions without inserting needless discomforts. Did I have a reason that was worth making people uncomfortable? Was there a point I was trying to make that was worth sacrificing their comfort for?

I didn't and there wasn't so I changed my mind. Perhaps some others will change their minds, too.

Sourdough