In the article,"Should a Hated Word Be Banned?" from Upfront magazine, the author discusses the two contradicting sides of the argument: should the word "Nazi" be banned?

Some lawmakers in Israel believe that the word "Nazi" should be banned. They have given a preliminary approval to a bill that would make it against the law to call someone a Nazi or any other word/ slur associated with the Holocaust, or to use Holocaust- related symbols in a noneducational way. Offenders could be fined as much as $29,000 and up to 6 months in jail. At least 6 European nations have already prohibited the use of Nazi symbols and flags, and even more nations consider it a crime to deny that the Holocaust ever happened. But, none of the other countries are banning the use of the word "Nazi."

Critics say that the law is going against freedom of speech, and many Americans are saying it goes against the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, even if the views are extremely offensive to most people. Israel doesn't have a law protecting freedom of speech, but its Supreme Court aggressively protects it. While Israel is a Jewish state, its also a democratic state, which means free speech and minority views must be protected. By banning certain words, the Israelis would be going against their own views.

I think its awful that the term "Nazi," is used as an insult, but banning the word won't make it any less awful. People should have enough common sense to not use the term "Nazi" lightly, but passing a bill against ever using the word will probably not do any good for anyone. If the term "Nazi" is banned, it will be going against Israel's idea of democracy, and will be violating the protection of freedom of speech.

Sonnet: "I Hate Winter"

It’s snowing now for the thirtieth day

I’m walking to school, slipping on the ice

The cool, white snow has turned to dark and gray

I’m tripping on garbage, this isn’t nice

I’m getting sick of peppermint Starbucks

I’m wearing three pairs of socks and sweaters

Oh God, I hate this, winter really sucks

By now we should be done with this weather

Beaches and the sand, and water so blue

Nothing could be better than the summer

When the sun is hot and the sky is new

But I’m in New York; it’s such a bummer

I’m tired of always being so cold

It’s early March, and this is getting old