Some of you may have noticed a slight problem last issue.

Okay - besides the point that it was 18 pages, and no one ever expects that from a school newspaper, let alone a paper in a school where people barely put forth the effort to read a book cover-to-cover.

No - that wasn't the problem. Actually, that was a plus. But what some people soon noticed after opening their papers to this page was unlike anything they had seen before.

It was odd. It was unsightly. It was obnoxious. It was on every single paper.

It was a sharpie marker.

Whoops - our bad.

That little black mark, whose sole job in life was to cover three simple letters, apparently even stirred up some conversation that day, stopping class for a few minutes, and causing a few students to question the laws of ethics.

Boo-yah. Mission: Accomplished.

I know some of you at this point are going, "Dave - how can you be happy about that?" While others may pose the question, "Dave - What in the money-driven world are you talking about?"

For those of you who need the refresher: Last issue my column ran on this very page, but many readers noticed a slight "blotch" perfectly centered over a certain word at the beginning of a sentence.

That phase was "God."

"Woah! Dave - you just said it!" one might say right now.

Very good - you're quick.

See the problem was that of the context in which the word was used. In this case, it went before "I miss Powderpuff."

I really do miss it - let me tell you. But regardless of my athletic preferences, the phrase managed to make its way from the very keyboard I'm using right now, all the way to the newsprint.

Did we do this on purpose?

Nope. In actuality, the column, as with any other story, goes through the editor(s) who sit above me. To prove this very point, I'll ask Allison Rahrig, the wonderful Editor-in-Chief of this fine paper, to say hello in the following brackets. [Okay, Dave, I've said hello. Don't ever ask me to do this again. ]

Okay - now I just made the other ones mad. I better get back to work. [Yes, you should, Dave.]

See we do edit the paper, and we did edit the column before it hit the press. That phrase existed in a different form on the copies of the file we had.

The problem was, somehow the saved changes were not reflected when this page was printed at our printing company. (This isn't their fault; It's actually just one of those modern technology marvels.)

When the paper returned the following Friday morning (the same day the papers came out), the phrase was found, and some quick action was taken.

Yeah - we busted out the sharpies and ballpoint pens!

To keep from offending people, it was decided that the word "God" would be completely blotched out in every issue.

This is where conversation arose: Should it have "bleeped," or not?

If we would have left it as was, I still maintain that it would have at least provided for a slightly less controversial afternoon, or in our staff's case, day. But we didn't, and that is okay. The blotch just got some more attention then it really needed.

Personally, I still do not regret what I said, and I undoubtedly never will.

Why?

Simply put: I don't care.

Every issue I manage to make X amount of people happy, and y amount of people mad. This was no different.

Sure - some people consider the context I used the word in something "vain," or derogatory, but that was not its intention.

I know in this day and age it seems challenging - but it is possible for some people in this community to take the phrase completely wrong.

Big surprise.

More importantly, on this side of the city, the word "sue" is a part of every child's vocabulary by second grade. (Just like "credit card," "ATM," and "doctor.")

Although some may have called this censorship, I cannot call it such. Let it be publicly said as well, that I do not hold anything against our advisor or our editorial board.

What does upset me is that we have people out there that won't respect my use of the term, although I have to respect theirs. For what it is worth - I'm confirmed Catholic, so I've got as much right to use it as the next person. And from those grounds, he can be my savior, too! Let's not be selfish and start hogging him!

For another example, take the infamous "N" word; should it be said if not everyone can say it? No. But if a selected group wants to say it, be prepared for everyone else to. It is only fair; otherwise that selected group is enforcing segregation upon themselves.

Of course - then it all hits me: Wait - I don't want people to talk about that! The whole point of the column was to stand up for the painted boys!

This brings me to the joy in my reasoning. (Yay.) In essence, the goal behind my writing of Bewildered Society was met last issue: It turned some heads and got the conversation rolling. Despite what others may say or think, this is really my intention of writing.

Yes, it might be funny, but the fact of the matter is, I want people to derive from this (humor) column their own opinions and, furthermore, actions.

Allow me to tease your mind with fact and pleasure as you read. In the end, though, it is my hope that when issues do arise (be it administration crack-downs, or fighting a food disorder) at least one person will walk away with a new perspective on things. And perhaps that one perspective will be the key they need to make a better decision, or that one final straw to push someone to fight for what they believe in.

Sure, many people talk as if they stand up for the sake of their beliefs.

No, I'm not talking about those "wiggers" who think they can rule girls, drive pimp 0rides, and attempt to beat up anything within a 10-yard radius.

Please neglect the fact that most of them don't even know what a radius is.

And for those who won't stand up for their beliefs, for those who don't have the time, and for those who fear the backlash of ridiculous rumors from the remainder of the school?

Well - You've got me.