During his visit to Austin on Wednesday, former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson touched on many interesting subjects. One of the subjects was how political correctness is becoming the ruin of America.

The former governor's point was that "PC" is stifling opinion. Under today's political correctness, all understand that offering opinions that may come across as racist, or sexist, or anti-gay will be met with a swift outcry. Those that may harbor such opinions simply remain quiet because they understand they will be shouted down.

The former governor didn't suggest he would agree with someone making racist or sexist comments, only that people holding such opinions have the right to voice their opinion.

He's right.

If the United States is to remain an evolving democratic society, citizens need to stop wanting everything to be perfect and pristine. This notion that everyone needs to win and no one's feelings ever should be hurt is resulting in the development of a mediocre society.

This nation was founded on the healthy exchange of ideas and one of the most basic rights granted to its people is the freedom of speech and expression -- no matter how offensive, or how idiotic the thought maybe.

Yet this environment of political correctness is choosing every day -- throughout the country and the world -- what is the right opinion before individuals have a chance to determine for themselves.

Austin is currently struggling with political correctness issues of its own. Some residents don't like the fact the immigrant population of the community is growing. Still others believe that business, both big and small, has too much control over the decisions elected bodies make. I'm not agreeing with those that may hold such opinions, but those clamoring for such opinions to be stifled are plain wrong.

The "politically correct" crowd is, in essence, attempting to choose for all which opinion is right. Whether an opinion is right or wrong, or simply just is, is a choice for individuals to make. It's not something that should, or can, be told to someone.

In recent weeks, I've heard on more than one occasion the comment that opinions not meeting the political correctness standards of Austin are not constructive. Says who?

In fact, I'd argue the stifling of opinion, no matter how obnoxious, how offensive or how idiotic, is more destructive than everyone walking around pretending to agree with everything.

Simply because all in our community do not see things eye-to-eye, doesn't mean we're a bad community. It doesn't mean outsiders will think twice about moving here. It doesn't mean one side is good and the opposite bad.

Rather, the existence of differing opinions, and the tolerance of all opinion, demonstrates we're a progressive community willing to face in the light of day the ugly things we'd rather sweep under the bed. There's a lot to be said for a community that is courageous enough to listen to its detractors and then chooses either to respond or ignore.

Yes, the opinions of some can cut deep, but not allowing someone an opinion hurts even more.

A copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America sits in my desk drawer. I turn to it on occasion as a reminder of where we came from, who we are and the morals this great nation was built on.

The First Amendment of the Constitution reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

I wonder now if political correctness is taking away our rights guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution, not because the government has passed any laws but because it has acquiesced to political correctness.

Neal Ronquist can be reached at 434-2201 or by e-mail at :mailto:neal.ronquist@austindailyherald.com