(via the New York Times)
Well that would vary depending on who you ask. The New York Times published an article today describing the Senate's Approval of the Stimulus Plan. As we have been discussing the importance of word choice through reading critical articles about Huckleberry Finn, I thought it appropriate to take a look at the word choice used by House Speaker Pelosi, President Obama, and others quoted in the article.
While the debate over whether or not to pass the stimulus package is moot at this point, the nature of why we "need" one is still being talked about and examined.
President Obama said of the bill, “Doing nothing is not an option. You didn’t send me to Washington to do nothing.” I found it interesting that he seems to be taking a much more aggressive stance, and this sound-byte seems almost accusatory of those now disagreeing with him.
The New York times reported that Nevada Senator Harry Reid had said, “Throughout our history, the federal government has catalyzed a good idea, invested in the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of the American people, and let the private sector flourish,” the majority leader, Senator Reid said before the vote. “Faced with an economic crisis today, we have an opportunity to make similar investments that will help our country prosper in the years to come.”
Mr. Reid added, “With common sense as our compass, we must now answer the urgent call for action.”
His language is also echoing the sense of urgency in the quote from President Obama. Word choice like "common sense", "urgent call for action", "ingenuity and entrepreneurship of the American People"- these all are broadcasting a more forgiving way of saying "let's get things done", contrasting Obama's language which seemed more like, in my opinion, necessary discipline directed at the businesses and consumers involved illegitimate mortgage practices among other things that led up to this crisis.
No comments:
Post a Comment