To the Editor,
Language has been called the most powerful drug known to humanity. The words we hear and speak can have a distorting effect on our point of view as well as our inner most feelings. Consequently, words understood clearly or misunderstood have a greater impact on our lives and relationships than we sometimes want to admit. A second factor to be considered in this equation is the explosion of the use of electronic media where hundreds of billions of words are transmitted worldwide on a daily basis.
For we Albertans who are currently undergoing a barrage of words as each political party strives to influence our thought processes so that we might cast our vote for them, a fundamental understanding of the power of words is absolutely essential. It is crucial in these days that we should consider words carefully if we do not want others to take over our minds.
We would do well to remember that political terms are exceptionally tricky. Take the word “democracy,” a key word in the realm of politics, where its expansive use has led to it meaning what anyone wants it to mean. It has been so soiled and debased that we find it in the names of some of the world’s most dictatorial dictatorships, such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North).
One thing that is certain in the world of politics, is the manner in which long-term politicians are obviously well coached in the use of euphemisms. Very simply put, in politics euphemisms have always been used to candy-coat unpalatable realities.
Shakespeare wrote: “while the words in the mouths of the parties in power are smoother than butter, the language of opposition parties is unadulterated vinegar.”
The discerning voter will make allowances for the motives behind words when the government says that a proposed policy will lead to broad new uplands of progress and the opposition says of the same policy that it will bring ruination of the nation and the “democratic way of life.”
Propaganda and word-smithing, or as John Kenneth Galbraith called it, “wordfact,” go hand in hand. They are tools which have always served well those who would have the desire to manipulate and control the great masses of common folk. However, they are not without their pitfalls.
I offer the absolute bungling of the Redford government’s handling of the committee pay for no work affair as a classical example of absolute failure by the PC propagandists.
As has been demonstrated time and time again, the longevity of the PC’s has either blinded them from being able to judge the mood of Albertans or they have become so haughty that they believe that they have the divine right to govern! Otherwise, why would they be so prepared to accuse other political parties of “fear-mongering” while they are totally engrossed in the art of intimidation and innuendo!
Everyone in the Town of St. Paul has heard the propagandists exuding with language which is nothing short of insulting by openly suggesting that unless we vote for the PC party, we will not be represented adequately in the new government and we will suffer dire consequences.
In Two Hills, the Mennonite community has strived very hard to get their own school. Now they are being told that unless they vote in a certain way, their dream may be delayed further.
Look out Bonnyville! Your seniors are going to have to forgo their “right” to appropriate housing unless you vote for the PC candidate. Then of course there is the fine example set by yet another PC sacrificial lamb, Hector Goudreau. I could not have created better classical examples of how simple words are used to intimidate people.
Having said all this, my favorite line from the PC propagandists goes something like this: “the Alberta and Wildrose parties are made up of nothing but disgruntled Conservatives.” There is no denying this. The question that has not been answered remains: “Why?” Thinking back to the 70s when Peter Lougheed challenged the Socreds and won, was that not what the Socreds said? “Not to worry they are nothing but a bunch of disgruntled Socreds!”
Fellow Albertans, I urge you to open your ears and minds and carefully analyze the rhetoric (words) that are being thrown at you during this most important event. Your words and thoughts have no value if you fail to get out and vote on April 23rd.
Paul-Emile Boisvert
St. Paul
