Walter Williams on political language

Economics professor and columnist Walter E. Williams is known for his ability to explain complex ideas in straightforward and often humorous language.

In a recent column, Mr. Williams discusses two widely used political terms: redistributing income and giving back. He explains what people think the terms mean and what the terms really mean.

Read the column and watch a perceptive mind at work. This is the way we should all think about language.

The Takeaway: Do as professional writers do: before you use a word or phrase that you are not absolutely sure of, look it up in a dictionary. Then think carefully about how you intend to use it. This is especially important for philosophical, moral, economic and political terms; often they have evolved in grotesque ways, or have been deliberately corrupted for political purposes.

For the Record: This is my 300th post.

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