Progressives and their Orwellian Newspeak
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by James Devere in Political Commentary
Reminiscent of the authoritarian regime in George Orwell’s 1984, the Obama Administration introduced some “newspeak” terms into our political debate earlier this year. The “war on terror” became an “overseas contingency action” and “acts of terrorism” became “man caused disasters.”
Seemingly innocuous changes in statements appeared to do no harm at the time. Now, however, when one looks at the execution of “overseas contingency actions,” the change in semantics reflects a change in urgency. We have seen Obama drag his feet in Afghanistan while our casualties mount. Rather than denounce “acts of terrorism,” we are striving to understand “entering a new era of engagement” with the men who cause “man-caused disasters.”
Regardless of actions, words have meaning and are the most powerful tool in a politician’s war chest. The latest example of Newspeak comes from Nancy Pelosi, who has decided, after months of healthcare wrangling, to refer to the public option as the “consumer option”.
Here are some suggestions for Newspeak terms to be used in the future:
“Cap and Trade” will be called “Profits for Democrat’s Pockets.”
“Healthcare Reform” will be called “The Pay-Now-Heal-Later Initiative.”
“Government Provided Healthcare” will be called “China Provided Healthcare;” after all, that is where we will borrow the money.
“The Fairness Doctrine” will be called “The We Fear the Truth Doctrine.”
“The G20” will be called “Congress.”
“Nuclear Proliferation” will be called “Everyone Except the US has a Right to Clean Efficient Energy…oh, and Bombs.”
“Treason” will be called “The Copenhagen Accord.”
“ACORN” will be called “The DNC.”
“Oposition to ACORN” will be called “Disenfranchising Dead Voters”
“House Healthcare Bill” will be called “Deficit Cutting Measure”
Very well put James! Excellent piece.