Word Choices

I find it interesting to listen to how people phrase things to their advantage - sometimes to the detriment of others. Of course, this is especially apparent in politics.

"This President" - This is the phrase I have noticed more and more over the last few years. It ties in with the widespread hatred of President Bush, primarily among liberals. They are very careful not to address him as "President Bush" or even "The President". They use the phrase "this President". Example: "This President decided to take us into a war for oil under false pretenses." This phrase seems to somehow emaciate the President - implying, among other things, that he does not have the support of the people. It reminds me of one parent saying to another "hey, your son just hit that boy over there".

"Democrat": In the interest of balance, here is a phrase the conservatives have started using when describing the Democratic party ("Democrat party"). They claim it is an unintentional shortening of "Democratic", but it hardly seems as innocent as they make it sound. And in response, I have recently heard democrats referring to the "Republic party". All very childish indeed.

I am reminded of pledging a fraternity. One of the early things they teach you is never to use the word "frat", always "fraternity". Even to this day, it is easy for me to hear the sense of disdain or superiority that is usually implied when people choose the word "frat".