"If it's not illegal, then it must not be wrong..."

In the midst of Hebrew classes, even taking five minutes to post on the internet or blog is sort of a bad idea. However, I wanted to comment on a recent news story. Evidently, 'comedian' Jeffrey Ross thought it acceptable to make a joke about Joe Paterno - and more significantly, I think, about the mass-shooting in Aurora, Colorado at a recent roast for Roseanne Barr. I'll quote a bit from the article:

Backstage after the taping, Barr was clear with reporters about what she thought of Ross’ ill-received jokes. “That crossed the line,” she said. “But comedy is about moving the line… And where is the line in a country that has freedom of speech? Maybe there isn’t one.”

One thing which the reporter is dead wrong about is the clarity of Barr's comments. On the one hand she says that his jokes crossed a line, and in the next breath she questioned the existence of any line, based on the fact that Ross is legally allowed to say the things that he said. It's the age old error that just because there isn't a law against something, then it must be okay.

I wonder if any mayors will try to stop Mr. Ross if he ever tries to open a chicken stand in their cities. Probably not.