In addition to trying to re-write history and the US Constitution, Republicans also want to re-write the dictionary, so that their spot on impersonations of the definitions of certain words makes them all pouty and picked on when they’re called on it. To wit –

That’s what the dictionary calls it – Republicans call it “patriotism” and get all bent out of shape when you properly use the English language. It’s a fact avoidance issue. It’s also disgusting and wholly ANTI-American.

Speaking if BIGOTRY – Jason has a little post over at the Sidetrack about that very thing:

Let me first say there were a million reasons for NPR to fire Juan Williams… I’m surprised they waited so long. His comments that he was afraid to fly with Muslims were, sadly, the least of his transgresses against rational thought.  But he’s gone, and the world is a better place for it.  Unless you’re former Utah GOP Vice-chair, and professional hack Todd Weiler.  Weiler tweeted this morning:

Well thanks for adding that “#notabigot” hashtag,Todd, because otherwise this tweet sounds exactly like something you’d hear from a bigot.  I challenged Weiler’s assertion that “everyone” was thinking this by pointing out that really, only morons are thinking this.  Morons, Bill O’Reilly, and Todd Weiler.

The mindlessness of those who espouse this attitude is astounding.  They seem unable to separate the few  involved in the 9/11 attacks with, you know, 1 plus billion inhabitants of the planet (roughly 1/5 of the world’s population).  And even more amazing, people who feel this way aren’t making it up.  They really harbor these fears.  But consider for a second if there is much difference between someone saying “I get nervous when there is a Muslim on the plane with me” and something like “I kept my hand on my wallet because there was a black guy on the bus today.” Yep, no difference.  And you know what?  Thinking that second example would make you… wait for it… a raging bigot.  Not to mention pretty damn stupid.

Imagine if every stupid act carried out by a Christian became a condemnation of Christianity itself. That would be ludicrous, right?  Unfortunately, these fears espoused by so many are real, and every bit as small minded

It’s simple (and alas, all too human): If you are afraid of all Muslims because of what happened to our country on Sept. 11, 2001, you are practicing a form of bigotry, and as NPR CEO Vivian Schiller said when questioned about firing Williams, probably some issues you should take up with your “psychiatrist and publicist.”

[…]

I’ve issued a challenge for Mr. Weiler to accept, in an effort to broaden his horizons and expand his understanding that this a really really big world with a lot of different people in it.  I have invited several people I know working (and owning businesses… gasp!) right here in Utah who happen to be Muslim.  I’m now up to 4 takers on an invitation to have lunch with Todd, and calm some of his irrational fears about Muslims, and airplanes.

Encourage Mr. Weiler to accept. Bigotry is an ugly thing.

… he’s also a pee-his-pants scardy cat.  Neener, neener.