Posted on 04/04/2003 2:08:50 AM PST by JohnHuang2
One of the things that drove me craziest when I lived in Seattle several years ago was the astounding ability of the city's politicians to suck the plain meaning out of words -- and to replace them with a rhetorical muddle as gray and hazy as the city's famous skies.
They're still at it. The Associated Press reports this week that the left-wing city council can't even agree on a basic resolution offering support to our troops.
The original resolution, proposed by Seattle citizen Michael Behar, declares that the city "wholeheartedly supports and appreciates the brave men and women of Seattle serving in the United States Military, and wishes them Godspeed in their dangerous missions and a safe return from harm's way."
This apparently offended antiwar Councilman Nick Licata so much that he proposed a lengthy addendum:
"We also urge our government to not abandon a foreign policy that can still achieve victory through diplomacy and engagement with the United Nations. Avoiding and ending unnecessary combat in Iraq is a sure way to support our troops and ensure their safe and speedy return home. We deeply regret the loss of life, destruction of homes, and damage to cities and infrastructure in Iraq. Our hearts go out to the people of Iraq in this time of suffering and loss, and we hope and pray for peace at the earliest possible time."
Other council members objected to depicting the troops' current mission as a response to "foreign tyrants and aggressors." Another member complained about a simple line praising local soldiers for answering the call of duty "whenever the cause of freedom is threatened." One politician suggested describing the troops as fighting not "in defense of their country" but for "military service."
Can you imagine if the Seattle City Council appeasers had been around to edit some of the most famous quotations in the history of war? Take a peek:
Seattleified: Arrive with me at a peaceful consensus or form an alternative decision-making committee to explore underrepresented options.
Seattleified: Armed conflict is a very, very, very negative thing.
Seattleified: While we support your efforts in general, our hopes and prayers are that you avoid unnecessary destruction of sea and plant life as you land on the fragile beaches at Normandy.
Seattleified: Give non-aggression a chance.
Seattleified: We refuse to rewrite this offensive statement. It is a hate crime against the weak and timid.
Seattleified: The most preferable form of defense is a sit-in, candle lighting, and survival kit with bottled water, Nutella, environmentally safe non-plastic sheeting and homemade cornstarch paste (a non-industrial alternative to duct tape).
Seattleified: Mr. Gorbachev, we will maintain a non-judgmental posture toward the Communist regime. P.S. Do you think Moscow would be interested in being our new sister city?
Seattleified: We have nothing to offer but tears, tears, tears and tears.
Seattleified: Always give in – always, always, always, always. ...
Seattleified: Perfect! We wouldn't change a word.
Seattleified: We have nothing to offer but tears, tears, tears and tears"
---
The spoken words of Daschle & Blix, et al.
"Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled, the guidance of the Divine God points the way. Follow His name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory." --General Douglas MacArthurSeattleified: Imagine there's no countries - It isn't hard to do - Nothing to kill or die for - And no religion too.
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