We’ve all heard the stories over the years about those “touchy-feely” folks that get offended over just about anything.

Today we’re becoming more and more of a nation that takes offense to something and by golly they’ll do everything in their power to beat you over the head with it until you finally give in and see it their way.

The term “United States of the Offended” was coined by Robert D. Raiford, a self-proclaimed curmudgeon-at-large on the John Boy and Billy Show – a Charlotte based radio program heard weekday mornings at stations all over the South. As Mr. Raiford puts it, “Liberals go out of their way looking for something to offend them, and get their panties in a knot when they find it.”

Year ago, Mr. Raiford pointed out that diversity had finally intruded youth sports. He cited cases where during their post-season awards ceremony, all the players received a participation trophy. The best players were overlooked for their outstanding, season-long performances on the field as there were no MVP, Best Offense, Best Defense trophies awarded because signaling out specific players may offend the others on the team.

On the other end of the spectrum is what happened just this past week in Fresno, California. There, a man and woman went to a Target store and were attempting to walk out with about $200 worth of computer printer ink (without paying) when they were confronted by store security. The male suspect showed security a handgun in his waistband asking, “do you want to get shot?” Both then fled in a Mercedes SUV. (Why do you need to steal printer ink when you can afford a “ride” like that?)

Anyway, about two hours later, the male suspect called the same store he just stole the items from and expressed his frustration over being stopped and treated like a common criminal. Yep, that’s right…he did that!

But this story has a fantastic ending. As a result of the call, the store security was able to get the male suspect’s cell number, which allowed police to identify him. They have a warrant out for his arrest.

Perhaps the best “offended” story of them all is that of Roy Stewart Moore, former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

In 2003, during Moore’s first term as Chief Justice, he refused to remove a monument of the Ten Commandments (which he had commissioned) from the Alabama Judicial Building despite orders to do so from a federal judge. Later that year, the Alabama Court of the Judiciary unanimously removed Moore from his post as Chief Justice.

Not only did Judge Moore lose that prestigious job due to fighting over something he strongly defended, he also faced a battle to maintain his right to practice law in Alabama.

But the old Judge wasn’t going to be outdone as he penned the following poem that has strengthened his notoriety:

America the Beautiful, or so you used to be. Land of the Pilgrims’ pride I’m glad they’ll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters, abortion on demand; oh, sweet land of liberty; your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly, poisoned by cocaine; choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away from the teaching of God’s love and a need to always pray.

We’ve voted in a government that’s rotting at the core, appointing Godless Judges; who throw reason out the door. Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb, but brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.

You think that God’s not angry, that our land’s a moral slum? How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God, from Whom we cannot hide? What then is left for us to do, but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children will humbly turn and pray; seek His holy face and mend our evil way.

Then God will hear from Heaven; and forgive us of our sins; He’ll heal our sickly land and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful, if you don’t – then you will see,

a sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.

 

Cal Bryant is the Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. He can be contacted at cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or 332-7207.