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You Kiss Your Mom With That Mouth? CA Considers No Cussing Week

By Tanya Roth, Esq. | Last updated on

What the h-e-double hockey sticks is going on? The Golden State, reportedly known for an abiding commitment to clean air and clean water, now wants to be known for clean language. Can the state legislature really pass a law that would clean up Ari Gold's potty mouth? Spurred on by a kid on a mission, they are going to try.

As MSNBC reports, last Thursday, the California Assembly passed a resolution calling for a state-wide "Cuss Free Week," to occur annually during the first week of March. The resolution goes to the state Senate for a final vote Today. Sponsor Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) was evidently inspired by a South Pasadena teenager, McKay Hatch, who founded the No Cussing Club at his junior high school in 2007.

Hatch started his club based on his belief that there is a link between bad words and bad behavior such as drug use and bullying. While his behavioral theories might be a bit misplaced, his ideals are in right spot. "I want to bring as much awareness as I can to people about their language and how they're speaking to each other," Hatch told the Associated Press. "We need to stop tearing people down and uplift them instead." The 16 year-old's Club website now has over 20,000 members.

Before the free-speech advocates among us are tempted to let loose a profanity laced opinion regarding the feasibility of this project, vis-a-vis the First Amendment, Assemblyman Portiantino would like to reassure all Californians that the measure is merely a guideline, a reminder to "act like you're at your grandma's house." There will be no fines or other penalties for slips of the tongue during the first week of March.

If the Assebmly takes this resolution to heart, this could be the first step toward the new civility in politics that our President is pushing for. But would this fly anywhere else in the country? Should we ask a New York cabbie what he thinks? 

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