Elizabeth Hunt ("Students need to think before using certain words" Fri., Nov. 19) needs to recognize that there will be individuals offended by what others say. It is impossible for everyone to speak in a manner that will please every single race, minority, sexual preference, religion, etc. Language, and the colorful slang contained in it, is meant to be expressive. If you cannot use language to express yourself, why use it? The mentality that a person can decide what another can say, and when it is appropriate to say it, is the truly offensive part of her column. People need to realize that freedom of speech means you are free to express yourself at any time -- not just when others will not take offense. If this were the not the case, how would anyone be able to express what he or she wants to say? Hunt has the right to express herself in her column just as we have the right to express ourselves.