In a rare display of a clear, non-prejudicial statement, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, on the forefront of the "Kramer" controversy, is calling upon all people, not just whites, to stop using the "n" word.  In that, he is entirely correct, and I started to stand and cheer as he raced down the sidelines to what seemed to be a sure winning touchdown.

But like the buffoon he is, Jackson forgot to score before celebrating, and instead spiked the ball on the one yard line with his other comment:

Asked about free-speech issues, Jackson said the word is "unprotected."

No, Jesse.  It is not unprotected!  And you could not be more wrong!  For while the word is abhorant to most civilized people, banning a word is another step down the slippery slope to New Speak.  We can agree that the "n" word is not a nice word, and yes very perjorative, but as a nation dedicated to the concept of Freedom of Speech, no words can be unprotected.  For to start that process we only enslave ourselves to the whims and fashions of a new master - the word police.

Our ancestors fought hard for this land to be a free country where all men can speak as they see fit.  A lot of blood was shed first to rid ourselves of the yoke of imperialism, and then the tyranny of slavery.  To start unprotecting speech, no matter how noble the starting goal is, will only make us slaves to new masters.  And I for one will fight you every inch of the way to avoid that from happening.