Offensive language

I have mentioned before that I curse like a sailor and that I do it in front of my kids more than occasionally. I really am not offended by cursing and sometimes, for me, there is just no other way to express my feelings than to say, "Shit" or whatever.

I don't do it front of other people's children, however.

And for the record, in the last few months I have had 2 experiences that make me wish people were tossing off the F-bomb in front of my kids.

One incident was at a local bar and grill type place that my family loves. On a weekend afternoon, during March Madness, I think. A woman at the table next to us came in already drunk and proceeded to tell a bunch of off-color jokes. My kids (and other kids) were at surrounding tables, but she was loud and obnoxious and using phrases that I would prefer not to explain to my kids. Honestly. Start with "blow job" and go from there. You get it.

And THEN. She told a joke that used the "N" word. A word that I find so offensive, so repugnant, that it is NEVER acceptable to use. I wish now that I had said something to her -- it was just so distasteful I could hardly believe it. Thankfully my kids didn't hear it.

And this weekend, at the campground, we were staying near some long-term campers -- they were loud, obnoxious, and generally rude, but I was doing ok ignoring them until 2 of the guys ran past with one calling the other a "faggot."

Again, unacceptable. Period.

So, everybody, I'll make a deal with you: I promise I won't use the F word in front of your kids and you keep your racist, homophobic attitudes to yourself when you're around mine.

Seriously.