I Find That Offensive

I don't often comment on news stories because let's face it, between television, radio, the Internet, Facebook, and every other blogger out there, most of the time there's not much left to say about anything. But in this case I'll make an exception. A rodeo clown (of all things) has offended the media in this country enough to warrant discussion on the "Today" show. Incidentally, that show should just be called "A Liberal Take on the News Today." I guess the producers got so tired of the anchors interjecting their personal opinions into their "news" stories that now the show has entire segments devoted to these people's opinions of what is going on in the world. I for one am perfectly capable of listening to the facts of a newsworthy story and then forming my own opinion of the information contained in it.
Personally, I'm sick and tired of the media in this country reminding me constantly that I must go out of my way not to offend anyone, while simultaneously attacking my morals, beliefs, and very rights guaranteed to me by the US Constitution on a daily basis. I can't help but notice how many of the groups I fall into are under fire constantly these days. Christians, conservatives, stay at home moms, horse owners, even being a straight, white, married woman - all of these things have caused others to go out of their way to offend me.
Honestly, I can't remember a time that I actually tried to offend someone, and yet there are people out there who get paid to do just that. (My mother often referred to them as "sh*t stirrers.") That's not to say that I haven't ever offended anyone, quite the contrary. I've opened my big mouth and stuck my foot in it up to the ankle...but I didn't do it on purpose. And when given the opportunity, I have apologized, because what else can you do? I don't understand people who seem to take joy in offending others, no matter what their race, religion, or sexual preference.
Speaking of my mother, anyone who ever spent more than a few minutes with her knew that she was a Christian. She didn't try to force her religion on anyone, ever. She shared her beliefs by example. Often it wasn't what she said, it was how she behaved. Now we all know that people get better after they are dead. My mother wasn't a saint. She absolutely made mistakes, lost her temper, and said things that she regretted. But I can guarantee she never went out of her way to offend anyone.
I got a healthy dose of whatever that quality is (my mother-in-law has it too.) More than once I've not gotten what I wanted, just to keep from hurting someone else's feelings. That pretty much comes with the territory when you are a mom. But I just don't understand who decides which groups we must be afraid to offend. Is it only the ones who will fight back? Or is it just the ones who have departed from the morals and values this country was founded on?
The media has convinced my children that if someone looks at them sideways they are being "bullied." Personally, I think the ones who share the beliefs of the people who founded this country are the ones being bullied. Bullied and brainwashed by a media machine that is convinced Americans are too stupid to think for ourselves. Just FYI, I am neither stupid or naive, and neither are the majority of Americans who were blessed with common sense. Now I'm off to be my kids' mom. Thank goodness they don't need the media to tell them what to think and how to feel. They have me - a strong, loving mother who isn't afraid to teach them that doing what is right and standing up for your beliefs is okay, even if it offends someone.