Dear Editor:

Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists have scriptural language about the use of words. We are to avoid use of evil words, to think before we speak and to ask questions before we choose our words - Is it necessary, helpful, kind, and does no harm? It is clear by these standards many speakers — politicians or underground comment writers — are failing in word choices.

It seems there is far more difficulty in communications than 20-30 years ago. I call it “upside down” speech because it seems to flip its good or bad direction mid-air and gets stuck as the words hit the recipient’s brain. Upside down speech hides most truth and is used to control outcomes in favor of the user, irrespective of the harm caused.

Forget Fact Check — we need loaded language checks. The two components describing these words are emotive (causing an emotional reaction) and high-inference language (leading you to incorrect conclusions). Loaded words are to gain our support, or sway our opinions towards a preferred decision. Other loaded language involves substituting words to achieve an intended positive or negative response such as — bureaucrat vs. public servant, regime vs. government, or elitist vs. expert — another form of name-calling. Loaded words are the key to the kingdom of control.

Words are both written and spoken. A written sample can be found in the title of LD1519 “An Act to Amend the Tax Laws to Strengthen Charitable Institutions, Encourage Home Ownership and Manage Medical Expenses.” The words create a positive image and sound like good things will happen when passed — high-inference language. But what is being hidden and why?

When a politician schedules a speaking engagement to pitch his plan, do you expect him to prepare for the speech? When he is prepared, he would have chosen loaded words to guarantee he has you on his side. His personal need to have you on his side impacts the selection of words. What do you think he would do if he were not prepared? Whatever it is, it will include some form of emotive language either to control or to educate. In both cases it is all about words.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb