By VictorM: Conservatives have perfected the use of language for political gain. We all know about catch phrases like "tax relief" to mean "tax cuts", "fair and balanced" to mean "our view of the world", "no spin zone" for "any lies necessary", etc.

The latest one I detected is the use of the word "encouraging" to reflect their assessment of the "surge" in Iraq (examples here, here, and here). "Encouraging" is a good word because it promises nothing, delivers nothing, but can't be easily disputed. So, how do we in the real world know what that means? Let me explain with an example.

I want to be a billionaire. That's right, a BILLIONAIRE. Two weeks ago, after I paid all my bills, I had $347.25 cents in my checking account. Yesterday I got my paycheck, and after I paid my bills, I now have $375.32 in that account. Relative to my goal of becoming a billionaire, conservatives would define my financial situation as "encouraging" (totally disregarding the fact that my variable rate mortgage has now increased my monthly payment by around $300 and I won't be able to keep my house).

(Note: No real dollars were harmed and no one of my family will be living on the streets as a result of this made-up scenario)

Labels: encouraging, framing, surge