Lew:  That those impeding the royal procession had also “used profanity” — thus elevating their would-be “offense” — brings to mind an important 1975 article by David Paletz and William Harris, titled “Four-Letter Threats to Authority.”  In it, they demonstrate how the use of profanity diminishes the respect and majesty of those who enjoy power over others; that if you can speak of politicians, for example, in coarse four-letter terms, they will no longer enjoy the reverence so essential to their authority.  This is why I have long considered Lenny Bruce to be one of the most important influences in the cause of liberty.

The Best of Butler Shaffer