Posted by
peripheral on Friday, June 19, 2009 6:49:20 AM
From
My Perspective - - -
Language is a vital tool for communicating
accurately and clearly with one another. However, it does seem as though some
use language to either blur or obfuscate (to make so confused or opaque as to be
difficult to perceive or understand; to render indistinct or dim; darken). This
can be illustrated by the “mice print” in contracts. It takes considerable
magnification to be discernible and/or readable. The reality is that most do not
take the time, or have the patience to try and read all the “fine print” terms
and conditions. If there is an ultimate lawsuit, it’s amazing how a defendant
can suddenly produce a legible version of the “mice print” that had been
previously used to confuse and/or befuddle the signer of the contract.
We
find parallels to the crafted use or misuse of language in the Government
pronouncements and posture on various matters. This is where the “Mumbo-Jumbo”
enters: “Unintelligible or incomprehensible language; gibberish; language or
ritualistic activity intended to confuse; a complicated or obscure ritual…” Real
Clear Politics published an article yesterday (June 18, 2009) entitled: UNDERSTANDING THE AGE OF OBAMA by Victor
Davis Hanson. The question and premise posed: “Are you confused by all that has
changed since President Barack Obama took office in January? If so, you're not
alone. Perhaps, though, this handy guide to Age of Obama "logic" might be of
some assistance.” He then proceeds to share at least ten (10) areas of Obama
Logic. Some of them are: (1) THE
BUDGET: Wanting to cut $17 billion from the budget is proof of financial
responsibility. Borrowing $1.84 trillion this year for new programs is
"stimulus." The old phrase "out-of-control spending" is inoperative. (2) TERRORISM: Acts of terror disappeared about
six months ago. Thankfully, we live now in an age where there will be…only
occasional "overseas contingency operations" in which we may be forced to hold a
few "detainees." At the same time, ongoing military tribunals, renditions,
wiretaps, phone intercepts and predator-drone assassinations are no longer
threats to the Constitution. And just saying you're going to close the detention
center at Guantanamo Bay is proof that it is almost closed. (3) THE WEST: Western values and history aren't
apparently that special or unique. As President Obama told the world during his
recent speech in Cairo, the Renaissance and Enlightenment were, in fact, fueled
by a brilliant Islamic culture, responsible for landmark discoveries in
mathematics, science and medicine. Slavery in America ended without violence.
Mistreatment of women and religious intolerance in the Middle East have
comparable parallels in America. Read the rest of the article at:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/06/18/obamawo rld_97044.html.
Chameleon Logic is not just limited to politics and contracts (and other
legal matters). Regrettably, Mumbo-Jumbo has infiltrated into many pulpits, as
well as featured Media presentations. In I
CORINTHIANS 14:6-14, the Apostle Paul makes a very compelling point
regarding clear and precise communication: “…in the case of lifeless things that
make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being
played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does
not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless
you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are
saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts
of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning…” In the Sermon
on the Mount, MATTHEW 5:33-37, Jesus
states regarding Oaths: “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No';
anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” These words are repeated in JAMES 5:12, “Above all, my brothers, do not
swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and
your "No," no, or you will be condemned.” A Directive in ZECHARIAH 8:14-17 underscores how we should
communicate: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “…These are the things you
are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in
your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear
falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.” You can make a difference by
clearly communicating truth. Rather than Chameleon Logic and/or Mumbo-Jumbo, you
can be the trumpet that sounds a clear call. Rather than obfuscation, you can be
a champion of openness and clarity. While your Freedom of Speech remains as one
of your Rights, use it wisely and frequently!