Who's 'RIGHT'(s)?

   I find that one of today's 'hot-button- topics has been the situation with Barilla Pasta, and, the company's President, with respect to his lack of PC, in a world that 'demands' it of us. If we lived in Nirvana, EVERYONE would accept, love, and embrace EVERYONE else; but, we know this is not the world we live in. In so saying, and, going out on a limb, here...'Political-Correctness' has gotten far too out of control, in my opinion. As an independent company, this gentleman has the personal 'right' to do as he chooses. For any of us who find his attitude to be repugnant, his decision feels wrong on so many levels. Yet, I do not feel that it is proper to 'bully' folks into doing the 'right' thing. Political-Correctness acts as 'watch-dog', today; and, essentially, forces individuals to practice it. Like it or not, this man has the right to his business practices, and, his personal-opinion, whether we agree with it, or not. Although, Mr. Barillo made no remarks to defame the 'Gay' community, his lack of regard for them, undoubtedly, feels like a 'slap in the face', and, I understand, to a degree. The 'Gay' community is taking this and running with it. If people wish to take affront to something, which they interpret as a 'DIS', that is their choice. However, there is another piece to this puzzle. There is the reality that when we are MADE to 'respect' the 'rights' of others, it can come at the cost of losing one's own privileges. Is it not our inalienable right to exercise freedom of thought and word? After all, it isn't as if Mr. Barilla made horrible, slanderous, remarks toward the 'gay' populace. He, simply, exercised a right that he has. I'm all for fair treatment of all, equal-rights, and everything that these entail. I, also, support a person's right to free-thinking, and, personal-opinion. Today's 'PC' is mandating how we, ideally, ought feel and express ourselves. In addition, rather than it drawing people closer together, as, ideally, it would, if it worked, it has been responsible for pitting factions of folks against one another; just as in this case. Look at all of the folks who are jumping on the 'HATE-train'. Mr. Barillo has become a person to scorn. To me, this isn't correct, either; not politically, ethically, or, morally. Just Sayin'...