April 1 - Madness Day

"Have we become so politically correct, socially sensitive and journalistically wimpy that we can't make, or take, a joke?"

That's what Aly Colon at The Poynter Institute school for journalists asks.

Maybe so. One commenter went ape in response to the satirical post here on Friday about the Florida legislature. That reaction spawned a reply comment making the reader understand that the post was intended to be satire. Our oh so serious society seems to have forgotten that all humor does not have to be the in your face variety. The more subtle humor, in my view, is longer lasting and requires a bit more mindfulness, but the tickle factor is often just as strong.

Of course, some folks take everything they read, especially in the morning, literally. These are usually the ones who had a hard night or need to stay longer. Now, like most journalists, I'm happy when readers hang on every word as if it were iconic, but jeez, gang, by afternoon there comes a time to take a deep breath and lighten up. Just remember, five o'clock lasts most of the day in Key West.