CHANGING LANGUAGE

March 8, 2008 Blog

The word "change" is a favorite expression of politicians in this election year, but you have probably noticed that they never tell us what they intend to change. We know that it will involve higher taxation, but if If you pay careful attention to their rhetoric, you will discover that they are changing our English language. Words that have traditional dictionary definitions, suddenly become meaningless when uttered by politicians.

Adequate ("take adequate measures") = means nothing

Timely ("we will address this issue in a timely fashion") = means nothing

Relevant ("relevant to the matter at hand") = means nothing

Even the word, "meaningful" becomes meaningless! Most of us know what this word means. We all desire meaningful relationships and establishing them in a marriage is very simple. The husband puts the toilet seat down after use and the wife cooks her husband's favorite food even if he has high cholesterol.

When a politician uses the word "meaningful," however, it means nothing. They may speak of the "meaningful and significant measures" which they intend to take in order to bring about "far-reaching change," but it simply means that they will do nothing in order to accomplish nothing.

Meaningful = meaningless

Significant  (substantial)= insignificant

Measures = incapable of being measured

Far-reaching = far fetched

Change = same old rhetoric given new or no meaning whatsoever

We would not be very impressed with a politician who promises to do nothing, even though it would be cheaper and probably much better if they did nothing. So they give old words new meanings and hope we don't notice. Judging by the number of kids carrying placards at their rallies, it is working!

Recently, this trend has taken a new twist and entire sentences are being rendered meaningless. Last week Senator Obama made the statement, "Say what you mean and mean what you say."

I recall a statement he made at Drexel University last year. He was blaming Republicans for the high gasoline prices but was forced to concede that the prices had gone back slightly in recent weeks. Then he said, "But just wait! After the election, the prices will go up again!" The audience gave him a standing ovation.

I am rather hesitant to declare that his statement meant nothing. My problem is deciding which interpretation is correct. Either the Democrats are going to lose the election and the Republicans will raise gas prices or the Democrats will win and raise gas prices. Either way, Obama at least said what he meant and meant what he said.