independent – adjective

Not requiring control or influence, due to predictability of behavior.

maverick - noun

A politician who campaigns on a platform of speaking honestly to the public.

bundling - noun

A populist measure for extending political representation to the upper-middle class.

obstruction - noun

A counterterrorism tactic in lawfare, whereby the enemy is deprived of evidential arms.

never – adverb

1. Hopefully not

2. Not often enough to know or recall

Diversion: an interview with Philip K. Dick

inspection - noun

A search for incriminating evidence, the absence of which confirms the worst.

interim - adjective

Without advice or consent.

USAGE: The White House is leaning on interim appointments.

voluntary – adjective

1. Worthy of being ignored.

USAGE: President Bush calls for voluntary reductions of greenhouse gases.

2. Compelled to choose because of one's contingent circumstances.

USAGE: But whether we are speaking of U.S. troops in Iraq, or Canadian troops in Afghanistan, it is important for the reader to remember that the overwhelming majority in our voluntary armed forces utterly despise the Barbara Boxers, Jack Laytons, and media flaks who shed crocodile tears for them, and exploit their anxious or grieving families. Our forces in the field are purpose-driven, and do impressive things every day; men and women alike, they face real risk with true manliness. They have a mission, to find and kill mortal enemies of all higher civilization, and it is the moral duty of every decent human being to wish them godspeed in that task.

COMMENT: Why do you need a mandate to deliver an outcome you're already going to get?

Announcement

Sorry for the recent dearth of posts, but my new job has been overwhelming.

I'm leaving for the three-day weekend, and I'll be back on Tuesday with renewed vigor.

surgical - adjective

Risky, costly, and ultimately less effective than non-invasive procedures.

USAGE: Now the emphasis is on surgical strikes on Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran and elsewhere.

Diversion: Philip Roth on the State of the Union

new – adjective

1. Forgotten.

2. Recycled.

3. Reissued.

4. Reverted.

5. Covered in plastic.

equality – noun

The state or quality of owning equal assets, and therefore equal moral worth.

yacht - noun

A Congressman's second home and primary office.

bubble – noun

A gaseous spherule enclosed by a delicate liquid layer that upholds our whole economy.

misunderestimate – verb

To underestimate the effectiveness of the stupid.

commission – noun

A gathering of elites to resolve the scandals of elites to the satisfaction of elites.

history - noun

1. The inertia from past events that renders the future's course inalterable.

2. Archaic A once popular branch of fiction about past events.

3. (By extension) Something not worth reading or discussing.

USAGE: That’s going back in history. I don’t remember the details of it.

News: Get a brain, morans!

From Family Security Matters, "Pro-Troop Rally Draws Patriots from Around the Nation"