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!
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!
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