On being precise

Posted by Lex, on August 14, 2006

Fidel Castro either did or did not turn 80 yesterday, depending of course on whether or not he’s either 1) alive, or 2) in hell. At this point the evidence is inconclusive.

The rumors of his imminent demise have had the effect of bringing into the spotlight those who secretly get the vapors in the presence of the right brand of tyranny. Also, in what may constitute double counting, certain newspeople.

But I rather wish that everyone would get their language right. First, too many news articles point out almost gushingly that Castro has lasted longer than 9 US presidents. Which for a dictator has to be faint praise, considering that the 22ndAmendment to the US Constitution makes that, you know: Nearly inevitable, at least for those tyrants who do not choose the retirement plan.

Also, that earlier BBC link mentions that Castro is the world’s longest-serving leader, which is neither true (Taranto points out that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth superannuates him – the BBC can google her, if they need help) nor precise: Over the course of 50 years of despotic power, hasn’t served anybody but himself.

Is this a British thing?

”When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.”

“The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.”

“The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master—that’s all.”

–Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Gl

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Credo

"Sign on, young man, and sail with me. The stature of our homeland is no more than the measure of ourselves. Our job is to keep her free. Our will is to keep the torch of freedom burning for all. To this solemn purpose we call on the young, the brave, the strong, and the free. Heed my call, Come to the sea. Come Sail with me."

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"Pardon him, Theodotus; he is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature"

— George Bernard Shaw, Caesar and Cleopatra

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"A kind Providence has placed in our breasts a hatred of the unjust and cruel, in order that we may preserve ourselves from cruelty and injustice. They who bear cruelty, are accomplices in it. The pretended gentleness which excludes that charitable rancour, produces an indifference which is half an approbation. They never will love where they ought to love, who do not hate where they ought to hate."

— Edmund Burke

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