Posted on 03/05/2002 6:01:51 AM PST by RikaStrom
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of “word for the day”. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the “word of the day”; in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-) Practice makes perfect.....post on....
opprobrium \uh-PRO-bree-um\, noun:
1. Disgrace; infamy; reproach mingled with contempt
2. Disgrace arising from exceedingly shameful conduct; ignominy.
3. Scornful reproach or contempt: a term of opprobrium.
4. A cause of shame or disgrace.
Etymology: Latin, from opprobrare to reproach, from ob in the way of + probrum reproach; akin to Latin pro forward and to Latin ferre to carry, bring. Date: 1656
Here is my example with WFTD.
Maffei was steamed but last month allowed Bellesiles access to all her probate records, on which bequests of guns often are listed. Bellesiles made 26 copies of probate records that day, but Maffei thought it strange that he "failed to copy the verso where the identifiers for the court cases are." Bellesiles sent those copies to reporters as proof of his "San Francisco probate data."
Earlier this month, reporters faxed copies of the records back to Maffei to double-check. She confirmed that all 26 records were from Contra Costa estates involving Contra Costa residents, signed by Contra Costa judges. No San Francisco connection.
"I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt," Maffei said, "but facts are facts." (snip)
The investigation could cost Bellesiles his tenure and his Bancroft Prize. But Maffei already feels vindicated.
"Our reputation wasn't at stake -- his was," Maffei said. "Maybe he thought no one would check a small history center. But he was just a rude young man."
Bellesiles you lying little weasel, you crossed the wrong lady.
Ms. Maffei of the Contra Costa History Center showed the world that one organized, well placed keeper of history could refute a supposed great and wonderful reporter of history. To bad Bellesile didn’t actually do the proper research for his book, now granted, he would have had to change the topic, but at least his facts would have been real. At some point in time, do writers of history just assume that their references won’t be checked? That their facts won’t be questioned? Do they also think that when they impugn the honor of several individuals that can still speak for themselves, that these people won’t speak up to clear their names and organizations?
Bellesiles made the horrendous mistake of accusing Betty Maffei of not knowing what was in her own archives. Ms. Maffei took exception to this and blasted Bellesile. She even caught him in yet another lie, by having him try to pass off Contra County information as if it came from San Francisco. Bellisiles, you made angry the wrong woman, and she has shown you for what you are. The opprobrium that will settle on your head is no less that what you deserve.
For as to quote Ms. Maffei, you are a rude young man. Your arrogance was your undoing, I have to think, Bellesile, that your University is not exactly happy with you. Gee, and that’s a real shame too. /smirking voice.
XS, it's about 28 here today.
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