In a direct assault on free speech, the FCC is considering punishing reporters and TV and radio stations from saying the word “Redskins” when referring to the Washington football team.

They are also considering revoking broadcasting licenses of radio and TV stations who say the “offensive” word. This stems from a complaint filed with the Federal Communications Commission from a legal activist saying the word “Redskins” is offensive to Native Americans and therefore should be banned from airwaves.

This is very dangerous territory.

If the FCC puts the ban into effect, say goodbye to the First Amendment. With nearly 320 million Americans in this country — all with different backgrounds and sensitivities — you can find tens of thousands of words that offend somebody.

Will our government be banning them all?

If so, then Democrats who have called Republicans “arsonists, terrorists, jihadists, murderers, hostage-takers, squealing political pigs and saboteurs” should be banned from speaking on the Senate floor. These offenders include U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama — just to name a few.

Next up, let’s ban all members of the Democratic National Committee, reporters, liberal politicians and pundits from saying the GOP is waging a “War on Women.” There is no war. Last time I checked, war meant dropping bombs on foreign countries. Or deploying tanks and ground troops. Disagreeing over mandated birth control or abortion isn’t war.

If the FCC bans one word or phrase that one person or group find offensive, we will soon be living under a police state when it comes to expressing ourselves. Musicians will be censored, fined or banned. Have you ever listened to an Eminem song? Or Rihanna for that matter? Their 2010 hit, “Love the Way You Lie,” had the lyric, “If she ever tries to (expletive) leave again, I’m gonna tie her to the bed and set this house on fire.”

You know what? As much as I like Rihanna and Eminem’s music, imprisoning women and then setting them on fire … offends me.

If society caves into the treacherous follies of “political correctness,” say goodbye to the First Amendment. Because once that train leaves the station … there’s no turning back.

Adriana Cohen is a Herald columnist and Herald Radio host. Visit adrianacohen.com or follow her on Twitter @AdrianaCohen16.