To say it...or not to say it?

NewSouth Books is a book publisher located in Montgomery, AL. They're self-described publishers of "regional books of national interest." This would include Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, which they're publishing as a twin-set edition.

They're also making some edits to those books. Yes--we're back at square one with Mark Twain and bad words. Yup, those words.

One is a derogatory word aimed at African Americans. The other is a word used toward Native Americans. What's curious is that this news story by Yahoo on NewSouth's decision chooses to use the Native American slur word--but only alludes to the African American word. Considering it's a news story, Yahoo should just offend all or offend none. (I choose the "offend none" option here, if only because I don't know where FSU's parameters are on this. I don't need that kind of headache.)

NewSouth claims it's a "bold move compassionately advocated by Twain scholar Dr. Alan Gribben," which they are embracing. Depending on your point of view, Twain was either a 19th century Moses or a creator of minstrel shows.

On the other hand, this could all be a marketing ploy to get people to talk about a book that's been published 27 million times already (rough estimate) and generate sales. In which case, I won't be a part of it. I won't let them...aww, wait a minute...