Here's a rule of thumb I use whenever something is deemed offensive: Would you feel that way if the roles were reversed?
It's not a perfect system, but it does inspire reflection and consideration, qualities usually in short supply in cultural and political debates.
The latest outrage is conservatives bewailing that University of Michigan Professor Susan Douglas wrote a column declaring, "I hate Republicans."
Would they be similarly incensed if a conservative prof penned an "I hate Democrats" column? Please.