Our friend Mike has sent us a comment that presents an amusing set of terms by which to understand contemporary politics and political analyses. It’s good for a laugh, so I append it here, with gratitude to Mike for sending it.
Mike writes:
On a lighter note: Since this is the beginning of the latest political season, it might be instructive if we keep everything in perspective and respond in proportion to the provocation. To that end, here are some "measures" by which to judge the candidates and their pronouncements (from Willard R. Espy’s AN ALMANAC OF WORDS AT PLAY, 1975, page 130, attributed to Joe Ecclesine):
POLITICAL OPPONENT’S MEASURE
2 nincompoops = 1 fathead
2 fatheads = 1 incompetent
3 incompetents = 1 opportunist
2 opportunists = 1 machiavelliIf everything goes swimmingly, then we apply the
APPLAUSE SCALE
2 salvos = 1 accolade
2 accolades = 1 triumph
3 triumphs = 1 ovation (sitting)
4 ovations = 1 lionization
2 lionizations = 1 outtasightIf, however, the debate deteriorates, then we must apply the
ALTERCATION SCALE
2 tussles = 1 fray
3 frays = 1 fracas
2 fracases = 1 skirmish
2 skirmishes = 1 fightBut if you’re like me and your eyes rapidly glaze over during debate (due to the poor forensics skills of the candidates), then it’s time to apply
THE I-DON’T-CARE SCALE
2 jots = 1 tittle
3 tittles = 1 continental
2 continentals = 1 tinker’s dam
4 tinker’s dams = 1 damn
how can intellectuals help in building a conducive environment in the third world.