A Long, Moral Tradition

more from Hezekiah Allen Taylor

I never have figured out just when “tradition” and “moral” became synonyms.

But, I figure it was about the same time “democracy” and “capitalism” became synonyms, “liberal” and “bias” became a collective noun-phrase, and “free speech zone” (the place they move protestors along Bush’s route) gained its irony—so much so that it could be used as an example to define irony.

Little boy: Daddy, what does irony mean?
Dad: Well, son, that’s when the literal meaning is the complete opposite of the actual meaning.
Little boy: I don’t understand.
Dad: Well, let me give you an example to illustrate it. Remember when your mother was moved to the “free speech zone” when she held up that anti-Bush sign along his motorcade route last week?

Little boy: Yeah.
Dad: See, they call it a “free speech zone,” but it’s actually a way for them to RESTRICT free speech by gathering all of the dissenters together in a place where no one can hear their message. It’s not a zone catering to free speech. It’s a zone restricting it. Therefore, it’s actually the exact opposite of what it’s labeled as.

Little boy: Oh, I see, Daddy. Gee, thanks for explaining that to me. You’re such a good daddy.

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