"Insofar as Carl Paladino's statements can be construed as homophobic, those statements are inappropriate and we condemn them," Mr. Cox said.
When someone makes a statement that can be construed as racist or sexist or homophobic -- that is, directed at an historically mistreated group -- the speaker and his supporters will frequently defend themselves by asserting that they are courageous opponents of political correctness.
The failure of media to scrutinize reports coming out of the State Department, and the media's tendency to accept statements from diplomats at face value can be construed as contributing to the continuing bloodshed in Congo's wars.
He did give a brief statement to Variety in an October cover story, which can be construed as a denial.
The statement "Ireland's economy did not do very well last year" can be construed as an opinion.
"Things can be construed in the wrong way.
It's hard to see how Fox's most recent controversy can be construed as humorous.
Administration officials contend that some phrases can be construed as promoting abortion.
His music, or much of it, can be construed as an inventive response to such questions.
Indeed for some people their lives can be construed as the pursuit of unhappiness.
