Keller @ Large: Don't Tolerate Casual Vulgarity
BOSTON (CBS) - No one likes violent Islamic fanatics, but it's never a good idea to compare anything with Nazi Germany, as former Red Sox great Curt Schilling learned Tuesday, when he was punished by his ESPN bosses for re-tweeting some internet garbage that drew that comparison.
After his admirable battle last winter against creeps on Twitter who were cyber-bullying his daughter, Schilling really should have known better. Whatever the passion behind your opinions, it's best to at least strive for some moderation and courtesy in your public comments.
But that's a lesson many of us could benefit from, isn't it?
Donald Trump may be exciting a minority of Republicans with his penchant for gratuitous insults, including the retweeting Monday night of sexist slurs against Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. But the fact that 70-percent of Republicans seem immune to Trump's charm suggests plenty of people don't like that kind of talk.
I'm all for sharp-edged commentary, and for occasionally calling out an idiot if they prove they've earned the adjective. And I'm not a fan of harsh political correctness that stifles legitimate debate.
But a legitimate presidential candidate shouldn't – and wouldn't – endorse the word "bimbo" to describe an accomplished broadcaster. And a grown man like Schilling doesn't need to invoke Nazis to express his displeasure with Islamic terrorists.
When we tolerate casual vulgarity like this, we diminish our culture and ourselves.
Curt Schilling took the fall and apologized.
Don't hold your breath waiting for Trump to show similar class.
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