WERDS

Some of us are obsessive about words. Or obsessive compulsive. That's  fine, delusion is over-used by those who overuse words, why should we not be obsessive or compulsive  about words? The definition of any word is agreed to mean something. Some of us challenge those rules, as we should; it is how we strengthen the boring rules of lexicographers. And we can be criticized for the content of our words. Cynics and humorists need to stretch truths the same way they stretch credulity. Lawyers and politicians must hue closely to those boring lexicographers definition of words. They are either prosecuting, or defending people who have no respect for what those truths represent, or who were prosecuted by elected people who have no respect in those words. And then you know you're screwed. A sign of a healthy polity, is not having to concern yourself with how narrowly the controlling power interprets your words or actions. Or what you possibly might be capable of. Would you want any Republican to be that defender of someone's idea of liberty? Or whether that interpretation of liberty can cause you to lose liberty in a more existential way.

Should I have expressed that insult of Republicans? HELL, YES! Anybody who was able to find a shred of integrity, has left that party by now. They are podcasters, columnists of sorts in Substack and other collections of good writing and thought. They are asking important questions. We should listen and read. Or read while listening to a podcast. And thus we find ourselves back at obsessive-compulsive, and where I exist on that scale.

More importantly, those of us obsessive enough to edit our work, should always ask, "does this sound right? Is there something wrong with this shit? Or, "am I being played for a sucker". I think we are being played for a sucker. Not just the card-shark kind of played for a sucker, but the kind of played for a sucker that leaves you with nothing. The Snydely Whiplash kind of played for a sucker. The tying Nell to the railroad tracks kind of played for a sucker.

Am I being hyperbolic? Maybe. I've been hyperbolic before. But there's another thing some people who live in the world of overplayed hyperbole don't know. That nasty old definition thing. Hyperbole is defined as exaggerated statements or fears. Comma. Not meant to be taken seriously. This allows the humorist and cynic the freedom to toy with that property line of meaning, and yet the lawyers know where the line is. And the Supreme Court can extend that line. If you pay them enough, you will get your way. And this is not hyperbolic. It is meant to be taken seriously. 

This is where we are. This is where we are because we forgot how to express ourselves with precision. And to kick at the boundaries, requires us to acknowledge where the boundary is.

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