Here in the United States, free speech is protected by an absolutist constitutional First Amendment. We might find someone’s speech repugnant, etc. and wish it would “go away” but as much as it might rub us the wrong way we acknowledge free speech is a fundamental right unless it crosses the line in the narrow categories of expression that cause direct, immediate harm, illegal acts, or fraud.

In a 1974 Yale Law Journal, law professor William L. Cary popularized an economic and legal concept originally coined by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. Cary coined the phrase: “racing to the bottom.” Wikipedia describes the expression’s popular use: “Over the late 20th and early 2011s, the phrase crossed over from academic economics and corporate law into the sociopolitical lexicon. In discussions of public decorum, it applies the same structural logic: a negative feedback loop where competing entities (such as politicians, media outlets, or public figures) realize they can gain short-term attention or advantage by abandoning traditional standards, insulting rivals, and lowering the bar of civility. Because one side lowers their standards, the other feels compelled to match them to stay relevant, driving a collective descent into vulgarity or hostility.”

Not sure of the pathway in the Ohio race for Governor, but the recent ad by the Republican candidate’s campaign seems to have entered the race.  One can’t help considering that in the context of this morning’s first reading: “Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love as Christ loved us…” (Eph 4:32 – 5:1)

It is always good to check yourself. Are you following St. Paul’s advice, staying on the path of love, or are you straying afield and racing to the bottom.