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Need to challenge lazy thinkers, work the mind
The Gazette Opinion Staff
Jan. 17, 2010 11:20 pm
In his famous essay, “Politics and the English Language,” George Orwell lamented the decline he saw in political discussion. He argued that lazy language makes it easier for us to be lazy thinkers, and to entertain foolish thoughts. Too much political discourse, Orwell claimed, is nothing more than empty prefabricated phrases pasted together.
To honor Orwell, I offer this challenge. Let's debate public policy and politics without using lazy, empty words and phrases such as right or left, liberal or conservative, big government, or tax and spend. We need to work our minds harder, restrain our emotions better, and embrace leaders and ideas that encourage us to pull together.
Jeff Klinzman
Coralville
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