Phew, it took a long time to read this thread!! We live in a very difficult time in terms of diversity, tolerance, and generally getting along. It seems the rules of political correctness change all of the time which baffles the hell out of me. It certainly seems simple to me, treat others as you would have them treat you, be tolerant and accepting of differences between yourself and others, and share those differences in a way that brings you together and not pushes you apart. But this thread has been really enlightening to me and I don't mean just the topic. I have seen the Mudcat Community come together to support against "flamers" and "trolls" before but the attacks in here seemed more towards each other. That, I've never seen before. Whether we like it or not, ANYONE can get to this Forum and there will be opinions and topics that we each may disagree with in a big way. there may be a lot of people who will see the lyrics and say, so what? it's only a song. Clearly there are those who believe the exact opposite. But if someone likes or laughs at this song or even goes out and buys the CD because of this song, does that make him/her a bad person? I don't think so. I don't feel I am in a place to judge anyone but myself. I wouldn't sing the song myself nor would I buy the CD. Would I walk out of a bar or concert based solely on this song? I doubt it. What if someone was to say that he/she was extremely offended to read "Fuck Off" and "Piss up a rope"? I can picture the posts now saying, "Well, don't read the thread then!!" But they were both here in this thread and although I have no problem with the words, I had a problem in how they were presented. I shouldn't have to piss up a rope or fuck off because I disagree with some or all of the posters to a thread. This thread got a little out of control so the poster in another thread that was talking about whether or not The Mudcat was as nice a place as she had heard, definitely had a valid point and concern. If this were the first thread I was exposed to in Mudcat, I doubt I would have come back.

Frank

P.S. For the record, I won't shut up, fuck off, or piss up a rope for anybody whether I agree with them or not.