I had mono several times in my teens. I was burning the candle at both ends, attending school, working 30+ hours a week and well being a teenager. I got very little sleep. The doctor didn't tell me to take any vitamins but he did get on me to get 8 hours of sleep a night. He said being tired and run down made me more likely to get it.

Kate feel free to click the link and see that the USA is a republic. :D

Anne, I'll be totally honest here and give it to you bluntly: My position is basically that people can say what they want, as long as the "owner" of whatever space they're speaking in agrees that what they've said is acceptable. However, that means that others are also free to make their own comments about the original speech. As the cartoon says, "The 1st Amendment doesn't shield you from criticism or consequences." (Boldface mine.) So while someone may feel comfortable speaking their mind, it's ridiculous for them to get up in arms if other people come along and say "I think that's a dumb/wrong/offensive thing to say."

Personally, I have no problem with people speaking their minds (although others may disagree.) I may have some criticism of their comments, but unless their speech is outrageously inflammatory in some way (racist, inciting to violence, etc.) that doesn't generally change my opinion of a person or my willingness to continue dialog with them. I think many people have learned that I'm a big fan of being civil in terms of online discourse, so I don't care for those who immediately jump to take offense when someone criticizes their statements, but that doesn't mean I think they're horrible people. I simply try to treat (almost) everyone with respect in my statements and ask the same of them.

I hope that answers your question.

Thank you Cunning_Pam, I ran into one here last night.

It disgusts and saddens me more than I can say. I guess I had convinced myself that our society had moved forward. But it really hasn't.