Thank you Ken for writing about this. While I understand why you believe as you do from the optics of it all, Mamdani and Trump, in my view may have similar type euphemisms but the intention behind them are completely opposite. I am not ashamed to love my country openly. Readily admit that we have made huge mistakes over the past 249 years we have existed. We have corrected a great many of them but could still do a lot better. I know this yet still believe my country is built upon diversity and still welcomes people through proper vetting and verified intention to become American. That idea is why we became a country in the first place. It most likely or seemingly hasn’t gone as planned but we keep trying. My point being that the political parties that have evolved from all of that, while meant to keep the checks and balances, have messed up because they forgot to follow up by actually becoming a Centrist, Independent group of politicians that find the middle ground of compromise in order to actually be the greatest of Nations. I hold hope though because as the youngest country of all, still growing, still learning, still staying strong we made eventually get to reach our goals. The other countries in existence today are thousands of years old so in comparison to that we have come pretty far and our door is still open to those who want to truly become an American regardless of the inane euphemism used in the speeches of politicians.
This is such a great take. It’s related to our short attention spans and need for instant gratification. Don’t want to read or listen to some solution with ifs and buts and rationalizations and apologies. Gimme the answer, the fix. And if it doesn’t work or can’t work or even if you didn’t try, well who cares, you had balls enough to say it!
I'm all for getting rid of euphemisms, they are part of a grand deception with the purpose of getting you and me to respond (usually by buying something) when we otherwise wouldn't. Often, in advertising, it comes down to outright lying. Walk through a grocery store to see all the products that are "homemade" or "handcrafted" or have false names: "grandma's" or "Aunt Millie's" or simply "Amy's" when all are factory mass produced items. Could an investigator ever have found Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben? Aunt Jemima is now "Pearl Milling". Is there such a mill anywhere? Panera has finally dropped its "clean food" campaign. What did it mean?
Vehicles are as bad if not worse. "Trail Tested", "Off Road", "TRO -Toyota Racing Organization", F-150 "Raptor", "Defender", "Armada", "Titan" all on vehicles that have multi-hundred horsepower engines but will spend life doing an average of 15-20mph on city streets, never going even 1 mile "off road"
The danger in being direct is that it easily degenerates to hit bottom with profanity. Profanity is now everywhere under the mistaken idea that it is somehow genuine, real, honest expression when in fact it is a failure to express anything but a lack of vocabulary and unrestrained contempt/anger. When I was a kid, one would never use profanity except with buddies. With strangers, with adults and absolutely when any female was present it was forbidden to the point one never thought of using it. Now, one can hear it every day and see the middle finger used as well.
I am daily on the street demonstrating for the Palestinians. The opposition, Zionists, pass by and give me profanity, I call it drive-by shouting. It has no impact because it shows there is no defense of Israel that has been taking land and destroying lives for over 3/4th of a century. To stop and try to make a defense of the indefensible is not possible, so profanity it is.
What is needed is clear communication, not name calling or profanity. Trump is helpless in this regard, so his speech is always very simple, routinely insulting and hyperbolic (the "big beautiful bill"). Trump values money and nothing else and his speech shows it. Trumpism cannot defend itself, so it throws mud at any who oppose it.
For instruction, read Lincoln or Jefferson or Douglass. The Gettysburg Address is powerful, concise and beautifully expressed. We are at bottom with Trump and too many Americans are willing to get down in the gutter with him.
I wonder if latching onto bold speaking people and speaking boldly ourselves is how humanity will climb out of the ocean of AI slop? We certainly have been swimming in euphemism the past several decades.
Ken, writing about bold speaking people seems to have tightened up your writing.
It feels good to me when we can get our arms around an idea in a sentence or two.
I've passed along Rutger Bregman's analysis of poverty many times: "Poverty is not a lack of character, it's a lack of cash."
As an avowed word nerd, I loathe euphemisms. Phrases that need to be permanently excised from political/government speak include food insecurity, thoughts and prayers, it is concerning, unhoused, unsheltered, we plan to investigate, we wrote a strong letter…I could go on.
Words that should be used include genocide and starvation.
The one honest thing that Trump has ever done might be renaming the Department of Defense.
I think this analysis is on point. I just don't think it's a good thing.
This is leading us to mayor Mamdani - which I accept many here think is a good thing, but is also opening the door to a President Nick Fuentes in the future.
I think having social standards is a good thing, regardless on whether you think globalize the intifada has antisemitic undertones (I think it does).
I have also pointed out to family and friends that both Mamdani and Trump are transgressive. Neither follows the BS neoliberal political script. And hence why we get Mamdani Derangement Syndrome and Trump Derangement Syndrome. It is refreshing to have politicians that tell you exactly what they think and what they plan to do.
The drop of euphemism is to be celebrated, for sure, as we prefer politicians who "say it like it is" and don't cocoon/con us into going for platitudes that solve nothing.
The rise of foul language, however, indicates a rise in impotent discontent and has always been a precursor to violence.
Women, who for very long were not allowed to use works like "fuck, shit" and other 4 letter words were encouraged to be more gentile... and also helpless. when they didn't obey the required norms, they were thought of suffering from hysteria, sometimes locked up.
Foul language ebbs and flows, but does it contribute to better ideas? that's my question.
I do love your column and wouldn't miss it for the world. Thanks for taking up this subject, too often completely ignored by political elites.
Holy fucking shit! Your last sentence! Wonderful wrap-up!
I think in a world where most people can point out bullshit, we appreciate honestly and follow through more. Everybody grew up with parents, grandparents complaining about whatever president not following through with what they said they would do. Trump is doing almost everything he said he would do just in a really shitty way. Much like a 4 year old would. If that 4 year old was running a country. At least, that's what it feels like to me. This includes how 4 years olds lie when they know that they've done something wrong.
Yes. After every relentless daily annihilation of Gaza's children and their families, we get the same same language from the American backed Israeli's--"we are investigating it." But we never hear a word about all those investigations.
But Mamdani as Mayor can put a rent freeze on a portion of the units in the City. He can also work with the City Council and the NY legislature to control the rents in NYC. It's been done before. Today at Brooklyn College Bernie Sanders told us that his family paid 18% of their meager income for rent in a Brooklyn apartment, and he and his brother went to college, tuition free. Imagine that!
Speaking of Brooklyn. I just read a few minutes ago about an effort to evict Israeli weapons manufacturers, Easy Aerial and Crye Precision, from the Brooklyn Navy Yard and establish a policy of no weapons manufacturers.
“Since September 2024, a decentralized coalition of Brooklyn Navy Yard neighbors, workers, and community members have organized under the banner Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The landlord in question is the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), a non-profit developer charged with managing business leases at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is owned by the City of New York.” Story from Mondoweiss
I appreciate the central thesis that “What’s rewarded in this age is big, bold ideas,” and generally agree with it. I’m just commenting to challenge the idea that it would be incongruous for a Democrat to agree with Trump, given how often Democrats have paved his path. https://shahidbuttar.substack.com/p/democrats-agree-with-trump?r=97w99&utm_medium=ios
"The DNC has even advised leaders to curse more in public to affect authenticity. "
Ahh the DNC. The attempt to "affect authenticity" was the root problem to begin with. More cursing that comes across as fake won't help.
They are perpetually Michael Dukakis riding in a tank.
I would rather hear swearing, especially if the "f" word is used than hear VERY CONCERNING. This FUCKING PHRASE NEEDS TO GO! There, now I feel better!
Thank you Ken for writing about this. While I understand why you believe as you do from the optics of it all, Mamdani and Trump, in my view may have similar type euphemisms but the intention behind them are completely opposite. I am not ashamed to love my country openly. Readily admit that we have made huge mistakes over the past 249 years we have existed. We have corrected a great many of them but could still do a lot better. I know this yet still believe my country is built upon diversity and still welcomes people through proper vetting and verified intention to become American. That idea is why we became a country in the first place. It most likely or seemingly hasn’t gone as planned but we keep trying. My point being that the political parties that have evolved from all of that, while meant to keep the checks and balances, have messed up because they forgot to follow up by actually becoming a Centrist, Independent group of politicians that find the middle ground of compromise in order to actually be the greatest of Nations. I hold hope though because as the youngest country of all, still growing, still learning, still staying strong we made eventually get to reach our goals. The other countries in existence today are thousands of years old so in comparison to that we have come pretty far and our door is still open to those who want to truly become an American regardless of the inane euphemism used in the speeches of politicians.
I agree. Their rejection of euphemism is about the only thing they have in common.
This is such a great take. It’s related to our short attention spans and need for instant gratification. Don’t want to read or listen to some solution with ifs and buts and rationalizations and apologies. Gimme the answer, the fix. And if it doesn’t work or can’t work or even if you didn’t try, well who cares, you had balls enough to say it!
The US isn't even the 5th youngest country in the world.
This is an exceptional piece of writing Ken and I do not pretend to understand it all (I am not American).
The underlying message to me is: We (the people) want truth and in simple terms/not over-bloated Govts.
Looking forward to the 10th Sept. Here in France. NO idea what is going to happen. I expect revolution after this day?
Thanks Jenny!!
My pleasure Ken. I do look forward to your editorials.
I'm all for getting rid of euphemisms, they are part of a grand deception with the purpose of getting you and me to respond (usually by buying something) when we otherwise wouldn't. Often, in advertising, it comes down to outright lying. Walk through a grocery store to see all the products that are "homemade" or "handcrafted" or have false names: "grandma's" or "Aunt Millie's" or simply "Amy's" when all are factory mass produced items. Could an investigator ever have found Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben? Aunt Jemima is now "Pearl Milling". Is there such a mill anywhere? Panera has finally dropped its "clean food" campaign. What did it mean?
Vehicles are as bad if not worse. "Trail Tested", "Off Road", "TRO -Toyota Racing Organization", F-150 "Raptor", "Defender", "Armada", "Titan" all on vehicles that have multi-hundred horsepower engines but will spend life doing an average of 15-20mph on city streets, never going even 1 mile "off road"
The danger in being direct is that it easily degenerates to hit bottom with profanity. Profanity is now everywhere under the mistaken idea that it is somehow genuine, real, honest expression when in fact it is a failure to express anything but a lack of vocabulary and unrestrained contempt/anger. When I was a kid, one would never use profanity except with buddies. With strangers, with adults and absolutely when any female was present it was forbidden to the point one never thought of using it. Now, one can hear it every day and see the middle finger used as well.
I am daily on the street demonstrating for the Palestinians. The opposition, Zionists, pass by and give me profanity, I call it drive-by shouting. It has no impact because it shows there is no defense of Israel that has been taking land and destroying lives for over 3/4th of a century. To stop and try to make a defense of the indefensible is not possible, so profanity it is.
What is needed is clear communication, not name calling or profanity. Trump is helpless in this regard, so his speech is always very simple, routinely insulting and hyperbolic (the "big beautiful bill"). Trump values money and nothing else and his speech shows it. Trumpism cannot defend itself, so it throws mud at any who oppose it.
For instruction, read Lincoln or Jefferson or Douglass. The Gettysburg Address is powerful, concise and beautifully expressed. We are at bottom with Trump and too many Americans are willing to get down in the gutter with him.
This post is much appreciated.
I wonder if latching onto bold speaking people and speaking boldly ourselves is how humanity will climb out of the ocean of AI slop? We certainly have been swimming in euphemism the past several decades.
Ken, writing about bold speaking people seems to have tightened up your writing.
It feels good to me when we can get our arms around an idea in a sentence or two.
I've passed along Rutger Bregman's analysis of poverty many times: "Poverty is not a lack of character, it's a lack of cash."
I completely agree. We’re inundated with more information than at any point in human history. What people need is clarity, not pointless details
Perfect! Your insight about language! Language exists to project honest feelings--that is poweful.
Thanks Mary Pat! Good to hear from you!! Hope you’re doing well. Ken
One more step toward Idiocracy, Mike Judge's brilliant pre-documentary. Camacho 2028!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/36xr_QsAOgk
As an avowed word nerd, I loathe euphemisms. Phrases that need to be permanently excised from political/government speak include food insecurity, thoughts and prayers, it is concerning, unhoused, unsheltered, we plan to investigate, we wrote a strong letter…I could go on.
Words that should be used include genocide and starvation.
The one honest thing that Trump has ever done might be renaming the Department of Defense.
Say what you mean; mean what you say.
Thank you, Ken. You hit my hot button.
:)
I think this analysis is on point. I just don't think it's a good thing.
This is leading us to mayor Mamdani - which I accept many here think is a good thing, but is also opening the door to a President Nick Fuentes in the future.
I think having social standards is a good thing, regardless on whether you think globalize the intifada has antisemitic undertones (I think it does).
i think it CAN be a good thing, or a bad thing
Excellent article.
I have also pointed out to family and friends that both Mamdani and Trump are transgressive. Neither follows the BS neoliberal political script. And hence why we get Mamdani Derangement Syndrome and Trump Derangement Syndrome. It is refreshing to have politicians that tell you exactly what they think and what they plan to do.
Thanks! Mamdani Derangement System is a great way to put it
The drop of euphemism is to be celebrated, for sure, as we prefer politicians who "say it like it is" and don't cocoon/con us into going for platitudes that solve nothing.
The rise of foul language, however, indicates a rise in impotent discontent and has always been a precursor to violence.
Women, who for very long were not allowed to use works like "fuck, shit" and other 4 letter words were encouraged to be more gentile... and also helpless. when they didn't obey the required norms, they were thought of suffering from hysteria, sometimes locked up.
Foul language ebbs and flows, but does it contribute to better ideas? that's my question.
I do love your column and wouldn't miss it for the world. Thanks for taking up this subject, too often completely ignored by political elites.
Holy fucking shit! Your last sentence! Wonderful wrap-up!
I think in a world where most people can point out bullshit, we appreciate honestly and follow through more. Everybody grew up with parents, grandparents complaining about whatever president not following through with what they said they would do. Trump is doing almost everything he said he would do just in a really shitty way. Much like a 4 year old would. If that 4 year old was running a country. At least, that's what it feels like to me. This includes how 4 years olds lie when they know that they've done something wrong.
Yes. After every relentless daily annihilation of Gaza's children and their families, we get the same same language from the American backed Israeli's--"we are investigating it." But we never hear a word about all those investigations.
But Mamdani as Mayor can put a rent freeze on a portion of the units in the City. He can also work with the City Council and the NY legislature to control the rents in NYC. It's been done before. Today at Brooklyn College Bernie Sanders told us that his family paid 18% of their meager income for rent in a Brooklyn apartment, and he and his brother went to college, tuition free. Imagine that!
Speaking of Brooklyn. I just read a few minutes ago about an effort to evict Israeli weapons manufacturers, Easy Aerial and Crye Precision, from the Brooklyn Navy Yard and establish a policy of no weapons manufacturers.
“Since September 2024, a decentralized coalition of Brooklyn Navy Yard neighbors, workers, and community members have organized under the banner Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The landlord in question is the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), a non-profit developer charged with managing business leases at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is owned by the City of New York.” Story from Mondoweiss
https://mondoweiss.net/2025/09/activists-and-residents-are-banding-together-to-force-companies-complicit-in-the-gaza-genocide-out-of-the-brooklyn-navy-yard/?ml_recipient=164884890941130665&ml_link=164884848201172892&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2025-09-07&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlines+RSS+Automation
See also:
https://www.instagram.com/demilitarizebklynnavyyard/
I appreciate the central thesis that “What’s rewarded in this age is big, bold ideas,” and generally agree with it. I’m just commenting to challenge the idea that it would be incongruous for a Democrat to agree with Trump, given how often Democrats have paved his path. https://shahidbuttar.substack.com/p/democrats-agree-with-trump?r=97w99&utm_medium=ios
Your article is paywalled so I have no idea what conclusion it reaches, but this seems related.
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5484761-democratic-party-identity-crisis/
It’s definitely related!
You mentioned that the piece to which I linked was paywalled. It shouldn’t be, so I wanted to offer an alternative link. Does this work any better? https://open.substack.com/pub/shahidbuttar/p/democrats-agree-with-trump
Nah it's still paywalled!