Reviews from

A Political Translation Guide

If you know the code, you're safe

15 total reviews 
Comment from jenintorre
Excellent
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Thanks for the explanation, Rachelle. You really have got to the bottom of it with this excellent piece of writing. Spot on. I wish you lots of luck in the competition. All the best. Jen.

 Comment Written 12-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
    Hahaha. Sadly, it's only sort-of funny, right? The other side of that coin is that it's accurate. Oh well, I guess that's why G-d gave us a sense of humor - for trying times like these. Thank you for the fun review. I love it. xo
Comment from WryWriter
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Yep! I'd say you fully understand the politician's mindset. I've often wondered exactly which God they are referring to. "'Bless means help'?" I think their bless means: "I hope they are buying this exercise in bovine scatology."

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019
    LOL LOL LOL LOL
    I like your version way better. Totally on the mark. xo
Comment from Dean Kuch
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Yes, in political speak, "God bless us" does indeed mean "God help us all."
Our current political hierarchy is in such terrible disarray today that one has to wonderful if it will ever return to some sort of normalcy again.
Politics as well as our politician, with all of its scandalous voter tampering, election rigging, greed and dishonesty is such a media circus.
It's far more entertaining than any reality show like Honey Boo, Boo could ever dream up.
Good luck to you in the contest, Anonymous Author.
Oh, yeah, and before I forget...God bless America!
~Dean

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Stop that, you little tease!
    I was having lunch with a friend and mentor yesterday who's now in her 80's, and when I asked her if she could ever remember the political climate being this off kilter, she replied, "NO! Absolutely NOT!" at once.

    I agree with you: I wonder if it can ever return to any sort of normalcy ever again. Hopefully it will not take an outside catastrophe in order to effectuate that end.
reply by Dean Kuch on 09-Mar-2019
    Let us pray it doesn't come to that! :(
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    That's pretty much all we're left with, by virtue of the fact that Common Sense seems to have left the building.
Comment from Laine Carson
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Great food for thought next time I listen to politicians doing a public speech. It is so sad that we must decode anything. At least when Trump says something stupid we all know it is stupid (not a Trump basher though...it is well known and agreed that he says some really dumb stuff, right?).

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    He does, definitely, but I don't think he has a corner on the market. Now THAT would be a great book, wouldn't it? "Dumb Stuff Our Leaders Have Said In Public." It would have to be like a hundred volume set...

    Thank you for the fun review, Laine.
reply by Laine Carson on 09-Mar-2019
    Hey, if you write that book you better at least dedicate it to the one who encouraged it. I will buy a copy too.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    You'll be on the cover, my dear, under the words "Co-authored by." We'll be like the Thelma and Louise of the book circuit!!
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
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This is perfect because all the election stuff will be starting up again soon..yay...said no one ever. We tell our kids not to bully but now we get to watch grown adults bully each other until one is elected in. And like last time we'll probably get the opportunity to hopefully pick the least of the bad ones instead of picking one of the best ones. It's good to be an American... insert eye roll.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Hahahaha. Sooo well-put, ExperiencingLiphe! Are you familiar with the Maxine cartoon character? She's a hilariously grouchy and outspoken Senior Citizen. My two favorite political memes of hers are: "Trying to pick a Presidential candidate you like is like choosing your favorite mosquito from the swarm." and "Why do we get fifty choices for Miss America but only two for President of the United States?"
reply by ExperiencingLiphe on 09-Mar-2019
    That's a great question. Why are 50 Miss whatevers and only two presidential candidates? Lol
reply by ExperiencingLiphe on 09-Mar-2019
    That's a great question. Why are 50 Miss whatevers and only two presidential candidates? Lol
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Each state could send its best candidate!
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    No swimsuit competition, though, right? They're hard enough to stomach with all their clothes on!
reply by ExperiencingLiphe on 09-Mar-2019
    Yes! How do we make this happen?!?!
Comment from robyn corum
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Dear Mystery Author,

The really, really sad thing is that I already knew a lot of this. --sigh--

hahahahahaha! But it does make a great entry into the contest and so far yours is the only one that actually tells the candidate's thoughts, which is what I thought the contest was for. Good luck!

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Thank you, Robyn! I haven't read the others yet. But I will when I return home tonight from lessons.
    I think most adults know what the politicians are "really" saying, and that's what saddens us all!
Comment from Pam (respa)
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-I like the image, and
your "political translation" piece.
-I like how you organized it
by beginning with a basic
premise and familiar example.
-Then, you present very good
translations of what politicians
are really saying.
-Each one is very good, but
the ones that stand out for me
are the ones about statistics
and not making a decision to run.
-Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Thanks, Pam. After I'd already submitted this (just before the deadline), I also thought of this one: "Trust me" is a truncated version of for "You're a fool to trust me." Once the contest is over, though, I think I'll add it in. What's your opinion?
reply by Pam (respa) on 09-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome, Rachelle. You can add it in, or if you enjoyed doing this, you could post another one, make a contest, or start a book and have others add theirs to it. Lots of possibilities; I think there would be interest in it.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Thanks for the tip! I'll give these ideas thought today as I travel between lessons. xo
reply by Pam (respa) on 09-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome.
Comment from 24chas
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This was a brilliant piece and so true. It has a healthy dash of humor and the last line really got a laugh out of me. Reading this is certainly a great way to start the day! Nice job.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Why, thank you, 24chas. Saturday mornings should definitely begin with laughter!! I appreciate this encouraging review very much.
reply by 24chas on 09-Mar-2019
    Of course! It's well deserved, my friend.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Always the sweet talkuh! xo
reply by 24chas on 09-Mar-2019
    Blushing.
Comment from LisaMay
Excellent
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You are spot on with these observations, more's the pity. Politicians are so full of it, we the public will never really know what their intentions are... apart from trying to keep in power that is.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Yes, it's the quintessential game of chess...except the byproduct of that neighbor of yours (the one "who lives around the corner"?) That's the steady diet they try to feed us. I'm not even convinced that term limits would help. They all seem cut from that metaphoric same cloth!

    Thanks for the nice review. xo
reply by LisaMay on 09-Mar-2019
    Come on now, BULLSHIT, HORSESHIT, don't be coy!
    Actually, I have known a couple of honourable politicians in Canberra (my friend's father was one) and here in NZ I think very highly of Jacinda Ardern our prime minister.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    And I have one here, too. I worked on his campaign, and the six years he's now been in office, he has remained someone I respect and admire. It's just sad they're so few and far between.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    PS - And I have been called many a thing in my day, but "coy" was never among them. Thank you for this, especially! Wait until I tell my husband!
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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He he he, I loved your clever interpretation to the politicians words and there are lots of give away signs as to their intentions! We just have to listen and watch! He he he, I enjoyed your write, good luck with the contest, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Thank you - and I glad I got you laughing this morning!