Remember the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me"? It appears a few Kentucky state senators never heard that one.
Makes you wonder who raised them, doesn't it?
These poorly parented snowflakes in Frankfort were so traumatized by the sight of black people protesting and chanting in Louisville last summer they're determined to do something. And that something is to give police the protection from name calling they've needed for so long.
Yes, they have bullet proof vests but who's protecting their feelings?
"That would be me," says state senator Danny Carroll, a Republican representing some of the western-most counties in the state. Atlanta, Columbus, and Nashville are all closer to Pikeville than Mr. Carroll's home near Paducah. Not that it matters. Our own Senator Wheeler supports it.
A spokesman for the senator who wanted to remain nameless said Senator Carroll was "sick and tired of hearing our police officers disrespected when they're out busting heads. It's time these people learn to respect their authority or else!"
His Senate Bill 211 makes it illegal to insult or taunt a police officer "with words that would provoke a violent response from a reasonable or prudent person," makes it harder for municipalities to defund police, and makes it illegal to 'assist' protesters with food, water or medical supplies.
Those of us who grew up with the "sticks and stones" message are still trying to figure out what reasonable and prudent person would respond violently to taunts but that question seems to go over Senator Carroll's head. Many also point to that obscure amendment in the Constitution that mentions freedom of speech. Carroll does have an answer to that one according to his nameless spokesman.
"Real Americans know there's only one amendment that counts and that's the one with the 2 in the front of it. First amendment? Outdated passage that only pertains to pretend billionaires and other white people. Definitely not those marchers in Louisville!"
"Besides," claimed the spokesman, "godless liberals say this is a bill to penalize innocent protesters. Not true, this bill is to protect good police officers. Lawbreakers have to be stopped no matter what. This bill gives cops all the cover they need to start shooting. What about THEIR feelings?"
Unfortunately for the bill--but not for Kentuckians--enough Rs in the legislature have read Amendment Numero Uno and/or were raised right to make it doubtful the bill becomes law. But that won't discourage the senator from trying again next time with different language.
Running around calling people names and shouting insults isn't the best way to get results in life. It's one of the many reasons the last governor and the last president have ex- in front of their titles. It reveals more about the speaker than the person it's aimed at.
But we all have the right to speak our mind, even if it's stupid.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me is a lesson you once learned in kindergarten. It makes free speech easier to handle.
It's not too late for remedial starting with a few senators.