Editor,
I notice more and more circumlocution, euphemism and plain old jargon in the official news from Washington these days. I believe in the simple, declarative sentence. The more important the information, the simpler and more declarative the sentence should be.
Using plain words in context informs the largest number of readers and listeners about what is happening.
Suggestions for clearer descriptive terms:
Deadly force = Kill
Bring justice to him = Kill without trial
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Biological deterrent = Plague
Nuclear deterrent = Bomb
Lightening strike under cover of darkness = Sneak attack
Broad-based government = Government we can control
Aerial bombing = Bombing (unless the reporter actually saw an anarchist chuck one on the street and is therefore trying to differentiate).
Undetermined number of Taliban forces = More than one guy
Further notes: "Maintain our freedom" is an oxymoron in wartime. "Accomplished our objectives" is best avoided unless somebody will actually tell you what those objectives purport to be.
I am not a pacifist. Calling a spade a spade rather than a double-edged metal shoveling device bolted to a cellulose-based gripping stick is simply easier to understand. So is "kill without trial" and "bomb."
An informed citizenry needs to know exactly what its leaders are doing in its name.
Sharon Karpinski,
BUS student
