The media circle above the field of fame, hungrily watching and waiting for a notable to falter. At last! Someone says something stupid, or cruel, or just easily misinterpreted. The media swoop in and grab at the phrase, talons ripping it from context, beaks shredding and chewing until nothing recognizable remains. It is sickening to watch.
The degree to which people are made to pay for their verbal slips is enough to scare one into taking a vow of silence.
Do I dare speak?
I do. And I dare you. In the words of Bill Bryson, echoing the sentiments of Voltaire, “Sir, I may not agree with what you say, but I shall defend to the death your right to be a complete asshole.”