Currently browsing Capitol Cliches Archives

8.19.2010

Should Include “Good Government” on the Don’t-Use List

(Editor’s Note: On August 18, Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, an Oakland Democrat, described a piece of legislation as a “good government bill.” In theory, all measures being approved by the Legislature are “good” or, put more neutrally, beneficial to Californians of one stripe or another. Else why would legislative time and taxpayer dollars be spent on them? And, more conclusively, when was the last time a legislator described legislation, accurately or inaccurately, as a “bad government bill.”)

3.31.2009

Break Out the Brooms and Dustpans…

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Assemblyman Mike Feuer announce sweeping legislation….

3.26.2009

Toxic Assets

Other than a macabre sense of gallows humor, what would possibly cause the taxpayers of the United States to be eager about owning something so named? A better title might lead to a higher level of excitement about ownership.

For example, is there any doubt that more headcheese would be consumed were it instead called Cranialetti?

Its all about marketing.

(Editor’s Note: Mention of the word “headcheese” has been deemed by management to create a hostile workplace environment. Yet another letter of reprimand has been placed in the capacious HR folder of the chief correspondent.)

-30-

3.24.2009

More Verbal Detritis

A concerned reader finds the following troubling beyond merely overuse:

Trial balloon. As opposed to the real balloon?

Best practices. As opposed to doing a lousy job?

Real time. As opposed to unreal time?

Blow-back. Sounds like something done at a hair salon or the result of severe food poisoning.

-30-

3.18.2009

Get Some Hands Around the Throat of Anyone Who Says…

“Get our hands around this.”

And broaden the vocabulary of those who seek a “broader context.”

3.05.2009

Young People

(Editor’s Note: We note, regrettably, some disturbing behavioral trends in our chief correspondent as he approaches the age of 50. We have received reports of obsessive garage cleaning, uncontrollable weeping during Hallmark Card commercials and, as evidenced here, a disturbing fixation on youth. A letter has been placed in his personnel file.)

3.03.2009