It would never be tolerated today. Not in this age of political correctness where truth doesn’t matter.

I was taking a political science course at Carleton University, which even fifty years ago was pretty left-leaning when it came to political thought. Still, it was an era where some vestiges of sanity still remained.

A fellow student came to class wearing a t-shirt expressing his support for the Palestine Liberation Organization. The letters PLO were in bold vertically, with the message reading Peace Loving Organization.

I doubt that triggered anyone. I remember thinking he was entitled to his opinion. I didn’t know him (it was a large class and even back then I rarely talked with those I didn’t know) and felt no need to debate the matter.

As the class started the professor noticed the shirt. Without breaking the cadence of his lecture, he said: “Actually it stands for Punks, Lunatics and Outlaws.” He then continued as if nothing had happened. Half the class probably had no clue what was being referred to. That indeed was the end of the matter.

These days there would be outrage at such a statement. In Canada at least, it is politically incorrect to suggest that Palestinian organizations are less than perfect and that the Palestinian government shares the blame for the plight of the people. If you do, you run the risk of being canceled, or harassed, or charged with hate speech.

Back in the 1970s you could debate those things civilly. You could compare democracy and dictatorship, and no-one would deny your right to have an opinion. You could agree to disagree on any topic. You respected others, even as you disagreed with the views they might hold on certain subjects.

Now it is all about bullying others to force them to accept your views, and if not to remain silent. It is as if it is my way or obliteration. And I would prefer to do obliterate you.

Time changes perspectives. The PLO of the 1970s may have been composed of punks, lunatics and outlaws, but compared to what I have observed from newer Palestinian movements like Hamas, it really was a peace loving organization.

Times have indeed changed.