Cord Byrd: “it seems that concern with so-called ``political correctness'' has been elevated to a near religion in recent years. I…”

“it seems that concern with so-called ``political correctness'' has been elevated to a near religion in recent years. I thought it might be well to speak on this subject this afternoon when we are not overly busy with other matters. I am sure it is a subject on which not everyone will agree with me. But that doesn't necessarily concern me. I feel that I have something to say, and I am going to say it at this point. It seems, I say, that concern with so-called ``political correctness'' has been elevated to a near religion in recent years. Well, I have long been puzzled by the doctrine, if it may be termed as such, the doctrine of political correctness. When it comes to benefits of this overtly patronizing assault on thought patterns and contemporary speech, I have to admit that I guess I just don't get it. It has always seemed to me that one of the intrinsically valuable things about America is its ``melting pot'' aspect. I heard about the melting pot when I was a boy, and there have been many, many, many valuable aspects of the melting-pot policy. The phenomenon of American life and culture has been its uncanny ability to absorb a reasonable number of people from all around the globe of different races, religions, nationalities, abilities and talents, and inspire them to embrace the ideals of freedom, and work toward the common good of the Republic, without destroying their individuality.”