`Faith-based' propaganda. (Letters).I have become increasingly irritated ir·ri·tate v. ir·ri·tat·ed, ir·ri·tat·ing, ir·ri·tates v.tr. 1. To rouse to impatience or anger; annoy: a loud bossy voice that irritates listeners. with the pervasive use of the adjective "faith-based," particularly by those who should know better. It's well known that part of any good propaganda campaign is to redefine the terminology, to lull your opponent into using words and phrases Words and Phrases® A multivolume set of law books published by West Group containing thousands of judicial definitions of words and phrases, arranged alphabetically, from 1658 to the present. that, subtly or unsubtly, suit your purposes. It should be obvious that the phrase "faith-based" was invented by the Religious Right as part of its propaganda strategy. Given that the adjective "religious" was dangerously politically loaded, "faith-based" was no doubt designed to connote con·note tr.v. con·not·ed, con·not·ing, con·notes 1. To suggest or imply in addition to literal meaning: "The term 'liberal arts' connotes a certain elevation above utilitarian concerns" a kinder, gentler variety of religious foundation, to deflect attention from the fact that this program was nothing more than a taxpayer-funded giveaway to religious groups. It's high time that those of us who do know better stop playing this game. I'd like to see Americans United and its members insist on calling this boondoggle boon·dog·gle Informal n. 1. An unnecessary or wasteful project or activity. 2. a. A braided leather cord worn as a decoration especially by Boy Scouts. b. what it is -- "religious" -- and insist on using that word in all articles and, more importantly, letters to editors of local newspapers. While the current administration can refer to the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, I am going to refer to it as the Office of Taxpayer-Funded Religious Handouts, and I urge others to behave similarly. It's high time to consign consign v. 1) to deliver goods to a merchant to sell on behalf of the party delivering the items, as distinguished from transferring to a retailer at a wholesale price for re-sale. Example: leaving one's auto at a dealer to sell and split the profit. the phrase "faith-based" to the dustbin, and Americans United seems a good place to start. --Robert P.J. Day Chapel Hill, N.C. |
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