I detest the word "sacrifice" and the frames it serves. I refuse to use it.

[Pacifist Patriot]

First of all, what is sacrifice?

Noun
1. the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage.
2. the person, animal, or thing so offered.
3. the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.

Verb
7. to make a sacrifice or offering of.
8. to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.
9. to dispose of (goods, property, etc.) regardless of profit.

Honestly, I'm not seeing anything in these definitions that applies to doing the right thing when it comes to our nation's financial state, economic well-being or our common good.

The wealth and the policies that could make this a prosperous country without a horrific income gap already exist without the need for surrendering anything. Let me see.

* Ending wars that cause death, destruction and ill-will? Nope, not seeing the sacrifice there.
* Eliminating tax cuts for wealthy people who still won't have to worry about whether or not to choose the $45 or $62 entree? Nope, not seeing the sacrifice there.

Shared Sacrifice?

In my opinion the word is being used appropriately in one way. The poor and the working class are being destroyed and permanently injured for the sake of greed. I just wouldn't consider that a higher or more pressing claim. But I suppose it explains why I feel more and more like Isaac. I certainly don't see the GOP and their uber-wealthy masters behaving like Abraham though. What's that I smell, smoke and ash you say?

[ananda]

1. "Shared sacrifice" is one of those doublespeak euphemisms...

... that means exactly the opposite of what it purports.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Precisely!

Says the Fat Cat: You're the sacrifice, now we'll share your charred remains.

[SammyWinstonJack]

3. Yup!

:thumbsup:

[xchrom]

4. Recommend

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. I can see why some wouldn't be inclined to recommend this for the Greatest Page.

But not so sure why someone would go out of their way to unrecommend. Oh well, it's been one of those weeks. :-)

[ProSense]

6. I take it you didn't

sign Bernie Sanders' letter to the President: Shared Sacrifice

<...>

Mr. President, please listen to the overwhelming majority of the American people who believe that deficit reduction must be about shared sacrifice. The wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations in this country must pay their fair share. At least 50 percent of any deficit reduction package must come from revenue raised by ending tax breaks for the wealthy and eliminating tax loopholes that benefit large, profitable corporations and Wall Street financial institutions. A sensible deficit reduction package must also include significant cuts to unnecessary and wasteful Pentagon spending.

<...>

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. I've sent my own messages to the President, for what they are worth.

[11 Bravo]

7. Then by God, I shall see to it that the word is removed from the dictionary!

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. Oh for heaven's sake.

You know darned well I'm saying I refuse to use it in the context of our current political shit storm and not eradicate it from the language entirely.

[11 Bravo]

10. Hey, we kid because we love!

:hi:

[Pacifist Patriot]

11. Sorry, it's been one of those weeks, nay months, okay 2011 has pretty much bit.

[jtown1123]

12. Excellent post. K&R

[Zorra]

13. Yeh. "Shared Sacrifice Helps Job Creators".

How's that for Orwellian Newspeak?

[Bluerthanblue]

14. "responsibility" would be a better choice imo-

living in a society is what enables the rich to become rich-

Can a man amass wealth- without others? What is wealth other than the promise of the sweat of another mans brow?

That bible verse "to whom much is given, much shall be required" comes to mind.

[Pacifist Patriot]

15. I agree. I am much more comfortable with the word 'responsibility' in this context.