Monday, May 19, 2008

Some Helpful Definitions

There seems to be some confusion. Like the difference between "affect" and "effect" or between "lay" and "lie," it's important to make a distinction.

The first word seems to be a really, really hard one because it's not been used much in the last 7 years. It's what strong countries do to solidify their place in the world.

Main Entry: di·plo·ma·cy
Pronunciation: \də-ˈplō-mə-\
Function: noun
Date: 1796


1 : the art and practice of conducting negotiations between
nations

2 : skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility
:
tact

While President Rain Man has been in charge diplomacy has fallen by the wayside. See the reference to the synonym "tact" and you'll understand the deficiency of this administration. Also see the definition's specific reference to taking care of things without arousing hostility. Bush has shown the diplomatic skills of a porcupine on crystal meth.

The other word, one which has found much favor of late among people who don't know what it means is "appeasement."

Main Entry: ap·pease
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈpēz\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ap·peased; ap·peas·ing
Etymology: Middle English appesen, from Anglo-French apeser,
apaiser, from a- (from Latin ad-) + pais peace — more at
peace
Date: 14th century


1: to bring to a state of peace or quiet : calm
2: to cause to subside : allay
3: pacify, conciliate; especially : to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles

Why would this just now be coming into play? Is it because some natterers can't listen? Or is it because they hope to point attention away from their own candidate's foreign policy flaws? Or is it just the same chickenhawks trying to make sure no one sees the fallacy of their own failed policies?

I votes for Number 3.



You know, he was so good on King of Queens. I wonder when he got stupid.

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