Earlier this year, my high school alma mater, Lakeside School--a school that just so happens to be heavily funded by alumnae Bill Gates and Paul Allen (a fact that will become more pertinent in the coming sentences)--made headlines when they rescinded their offer to have controversial author Dinesh D'Souza speak during the school's yearly distinguished lecture series. The decision came as a result of pressure from some students, parents and faculty who felt offended by D'Souza's potential presence on campus. Although he was originally slated to discuss the Iraq War, it was D'Souza's opinions on race that put him in the "unacceptable" category.

[If you've seen it, insert funny reference to Tom Hanks' character in the film, "The Terminal." Otherwise, just keep reading.]

I agree with columnist Robert Jameison, who in his analysis of Lakeside's decision writes:

I'm not a fan of D'Souza by any stretch of my fecund imagination. I am however, a fan of calling to the carpet liberal schools masquerading as open-minded institutions of higher learning. It is hogwash. Unfortunately, I am not yet one of the multi-millionaire boosters who rule private schools so my dear alma mater doesn't really care what I think of their lack of bravery.

Don't worry. One day they will. Until then, I will battle with my blog, dangit.

Do a quick Google News search with the word "offended" and you will find articles across the nation of every day Americans who raised a ruckus, simply because they were offended. Offense is a form of currency in America. It can be used to manipulate people in all sorts of ways. It can also be used to control the way people think.

In his column this week, Doug Patton writes that Christians actually need to be more offended. To some extent, I agree. I'm no fan of whiny "make accommodations for me" behavior. I am in favor of open-marketplace freedom which is usually lopsided when it comes to what's an acceptable offense. To use an example, take Halloween. I personally don't celebrate it because what it represents counters my own personal belief system. In essence, the holiday is offensive to me. However, you will rarely hear employees complaining that the witch hanging from the ceiling is offensive. You will however, be subject to a plethora of ambiguous religiously neutral terms and holidays around Christmas time. Open marketplace would be, "You celebrate your solstice and pagan worship; I'll put up my Christmas tree."

All that said, I still live by my crazy Uncle Phil's motto, "Every day somebody cries. Don't let it be you."