OK, Tuesday's presidential "debate" generated plenty of heat and hatred from almost everyone who voiced an opinion on that televised debacle.
Doubt that? Take a look at some of the feedback that came my way:
* No. 1 - "Who the hell would NOT be confused and bumbling with a (Bleeping) maniac next to you saying crazy bull----? Could you think if someone, anyone, much less, the supposed president, was talking constantly right next to you. You try it! 71 interruptions in 90 minutes attributed to Orange Foolious! ... "
OK, thanks - and thank goodness this reader does not do my annual job review.
* No. 2 - "What do you mean Trump lost?!?!?! He crushed that loser Sleepy Joe and you and the lamestream liberal media refuse to ever give him credit for anything he does. I thought you were different but it's typical media (bleep)."
Everyone lost. Everyone. From Joe the Plumber to Joe Biden, from Donald Trump to Donald Duck.
* No. 3 - "Do you get up and try to write this stuff to make people angry and hate you? Is that your goal, because if so your great at it!"
Hey, a compliment. I think. Maybe. Either way, I'll take it.
Suspending free speech
There are a lot of controversial topics that generate head-turning responses that often have caused the responders to suffer from those talks, texts or tweets.
The names are familiar, as too are the situations.
Someone says something. It's offensive to some, be it a few or a few million. That someone apologizes and it starts all over again.
And maybe this one will too, but this one deserves discussion to decide if it's even controversial never mind deserving of a suspension, which is what cycling team Trek-Segafredo handed 2019 junior road race world champion Quinn Simmons this week.
When a Dutch cycling competitor Jose Been tweeted, ""My dear American friends, I hope this horrible presidency ends for you. And for us as (former?) allies too. If you follow me and support Trump, you can go. There is zero excuse to follow or vote for the vile, horrible man." Simmons responded.
"Bye," Simmons replied with an emoji with a hand waving. Simmons responded to a question asking if he was a 'Trump' with "That's right" and an American flag emoji.
Trek-Segafredo released this statement late Wednesday night: "While we support the right to free speech, we will hold people accountable for their words and actions. Regrettably, Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport. In response, he will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice."
So now "Bye"and "That's right" in support of an elected American official are offensive? OK.
More information
We should all be 100 percent behind better policing and doing as much as we possibly can to give the brave people who protect our streets the best training possible to be prepared for everything.
And yes, those thoughts come with the realization to make police departments BETTER means you can't defund them.
Among the changes in practices and procedures should be a thorough examination of controversial "No-Knock warrants" and the dangers they can generate.
This has been a big talking point after the unfortunate tragedy that claimed Breonna Taylor's life.
Now details of the testimony in the court case against the officers involved in Taylor's shooting reveal the police did knock and did identify themselves.
That fact is very important, in my opinion, in this case and the justice it's trying to find and the reactions and overreactions from those upset with the outcome.
But those details should not derail the conversations to make our police force better and safer - for us and for them - as well as the dangers of the no-knock warrants.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.
Jay Greeson