Homo Politicus: The Strange and Scary Tribes...
It's a land where things are often not what they seem — at least to outsiders. They are, in fact, the opposite of what they seem. In his new book, "Homo Politicus: The Strange and Scary Tribes that Run Our Government," Dana Milbank describes this place as Potomac Land, also known as Washington, D.C.
'Potomac Land' Speak Select phrases, followed by their English equivalents:
"You're doing a heckuva job."
You will be fired in ten days.
"Frankly..."
The following statement is false.
"You are either with us or against us."
You are against us.
"The senator will deliver a major policy address."
The senator is desperate to get on television.
And my favorite:
"I will continue to do the people's business."
I expect to be indicted.
From a story this morning on NPR.
4 Comments:
"You're doing a heckuva job."
This is management speak. The translation is, "You are expected to show you are doing a heck of a job. Don't blow it."
This would be my favorite:
"We cut spending."
- Spending went up 10%; not the 15% we had originally budgeted.
Bob, you we don't even here that anymore! I can't think of the last time I heard anyone even claim they cut spending on something.
The Michigan house made this claim with the FY 2008 budget that just passed.
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