The End Of The Direct Answer
Posted: Friday, January 30, 2009
by Michael Ramzy
delusionthread.com
It's funny how quickly we get used to the things we see and hear on television and radio. We as a society have rigged ourselves to be too busy to notice a lot of things we really should be noticing. Most of us still find time to pay attention, though. Don't we?
The way people speak on television is a great example, specifically politicians. I hear these employees of ours make beautiful, flowing speeches full of rhetoric and little substance, and we applaud them to the stars and cheer ourselves silly.
We then hear these same politicians and newsmakers answering questions and we let it slide when we hear nothing but more rhetoric and little substance. We let it slide so much we end up blaming the media for asking the question.
The favorite word of many politicians is 'but'. This little word is used as a qualifier, an escape hatch to be used by the politician at a later date. When listening to politicians, remember this simple rule:
Everything said before the 'but' means nothing.
I know, I know, it sounds absolute, and of course it is. Why? You either like something or you don't. You either love someone or you don't. For politicians, you either said something or you didn't.
Sometimes people use the 'but' to change the subject. Works wonderfully for children and the above-mentioned politicians. For example, look at this exchange: "That's not the issue."
"It actually is the issue."
"Maybe it is, but you are a moron."But wait, you say. It's not that easy.
Sure it is. Think about it.
Using that one word, but, qualifies the answer, doesn't it? Of course it does.
Try this at home while watching a political employee on television, specifically wait for these comments:
"I did say that, but . . ."
"I agree, but . . ."
"Of course the law should be enforced, but . . ."
We as a society have rigged ourselves to be too busy to notice a lot of things we really should be noticing, but most of us still pay attention.
Do we really?
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