The Lexicon
News: As 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' proceeds, Washington hawks and antiwar activists are expanding our vocabulary in fascinating ways.
March 31, 2003
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April 3, 2003
treason ['trE-z&n]
noun
Defined:
the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state two which the offender owes allegiance; as codified in US law -- 'Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.'
Redefined:
the offense of failing to adequately laud the actions or strategies of the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.
Usage: "If you analyze (Arnett's) remarks strictly as a matter of rhetoric, the answer is unambiguously: YES. Arnett used his time on Iraqi television to praise the Iraqi government and people in a way that might stiffen their resolve and lead them to hunker down against allied forces. Certainly, in a 21st-century context, his words were a "comfort" at the very least."
New York Post columnist John Podhoretz on whether fired NBC reporter Peter Arnett is guilty of treason.
war game ['wor 'gAm]
noun
Defined:
a simulated battle or campaign to test the validity of military tactics and strategies
Redefined:
a simulated battle or campaign rigged to validate untested military tactics and strategies.
Usage:
"The most elaborate war game the U.S. military has ever held was rigged so that it appeared to validate the modern, joint-service war-fighting concepts it was supposed to be testing, according to the retired Marine lieutenant general who commanded the gameÕs Opposing Force." August 16 article in Army Times about the war games that validated many of the strategies championed by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
March 26, 2003
coalition [ko-&-'li-sh&n]
noun
Defined:
an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp. for some temporary and specific reason
Redefined:
an alliance or union between the United States and one or more other countries willing to provide political cover, but not necessarily lend real support; always temporary
Usage:
"The members of this coalition have not failed to act. They are contributing different personnel, services and materials, according to their means and expertise.
...
Many more countries are providing supplies, logistical and intelligence support, basing and over-flight rights, and humanitarian and reconstruction aid. Other nations have the will to face terror, though not the means to participate in operations."
National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, in the Wall Street Journal
terrorist ['ter-&r-ist]
noun
Defined:
a person who employs terror or terrorism, usually aimed at civilian targets, esp. as a political weapon
Redefined:
any combative Iraqi not in a uniform
Usage:
"We have intelligence information saying that the Fedayeen Saddam people -- I'm not going to call them troops, because they're traveling in civilian clothes and they're essentially terrorists -- have been moving south into some areas."
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
See Also: guerrilla, insurgent, rebel, irregular
