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June 06, 2011

Politics for the lazy

Kevin Drum touches on a peeve that I share, which is how politicians toss out slogans that sound strong and tough when the actual ideas contained in those slogans are obvious, vague, impractical, implausible, or even meaningless.

He gives four examples:

  • Zero tolerance
  • Everything is on the table
  • Across the board cuts
  • Doing nothing is not an option.

He calls for further examples. Here are some of my pet peeves:

  • Eliminate waste
  • Reduce bureaucracy
  • Hold people accountable

Any other ideas?

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Comments

ownership society

real America (usually said when campaigning in rural area)

I'm humbled whenever....

Posted by Henry on June 6, 2011 01:45 PM

Anything involving "family values."

"The American people want..."

"A no-nonsense approach"

Posted by Eric on June 6, 2011 11:04 PM

A couple of my favourites: "empowering the public". What do the politicians have in mind in a democratic society? As well as "transparency" in everything that government does. Are the general public really going to read all of the data that is published to evidence transparency.... surely a solution to this is to make sound decisions which improve the lives of the voting public rather than improving the future of a political party or a particular politician.

At the end of day it is actions that speak louder than words and all politicians will be eventually judged on their actions regardless of what bold statements they make along the way.

Posted by durham on June 7, 2011 06:02 AM

"Giving a voice to"

"A stronger America"

"Pro American"

"run it like a business"

"We are the greatest nation the world has ever known"

Etc. Even worse, I hear this from my right wing friends. :(

Posted by onanyes on June 7, 2011 03:50 PM