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Get the ‘phax’

Get the ‘phax’

I was taught that language is a living thing.

Words get new meanings. Meanings get new words. But the changes can be tough to follow, especially for us older folks.

One word that has been especially difficult this year is “facts.” For quite some time, the word has meant “things that are actually true.”

This has been an important concept in many pursuits such as science, navigation and criminal justice. And it would be just a darn shame to lose it.

But this year, a new meaning has emerged. The new meaning is “things that flatter Donald Trump or advance his politics.”

This change in meaning has created difficulty for a lot of folks trying their best to distinguish between political utterances and reality-based observations.

I have a modest suggestion which might help. As a courtesy to those of us who are having trouble keeping up, I propose a new spelling to indicate that the new meaning is intended. Henceforth, in this case it should be spelled “phax.” This could prove to be a useful cue to those of us who really do want to know what is going on, but are finding it increasingly difficult.

Please feel free to pass it along.

Don Bryan

Papaaloa

Name game

Whoopee! Some of our legislators decided medical marijuana should really be called medical cannabis. Sure, they are right, but what difference does it make?

Why not really do something and just legalize cannabis (the psychedelic) along with marijuana (hemp)? Yeah, right! Constructive change from our Legislature? Get real.

The heck with the feds! Stand up for state rights! Do something besides sue President Donald Trump! Real appeal!

Fred Fogel

Volcano

Fun with math

Regarding Danny Li’s letter (Tribune-Herald, March 8), Mr. Li made a reference to President Donald Trump’s claim that China is “stealing” 60,000 jobs from America.

I am sure President Trump was referring to 60,000 manufacturers moving to China; 60,000 jobs would not be worth mentioning.

If I am not correct, then I will attend Remedial Math 101 class with President Trump. If I am right, I suggest Mr. Li sign up for Remedial Math 101 with the president.

Vernon King

Volcano