LETTER OF THE WEEK

As an editorial comment to your readers, I submit the following regarding

a survey I received in the mail:

I remember when I first understood the power of language. I went to

Catholic school and church on Sunday mornings with my parents and two

sisters. One of my parents’ friends came up to us after the church

service to chat. Rod was a funny man, always joking, laughing and pulling

pranks.

The priest, who just finished our service, was out in front greeting

everyone. As he came up behind my father, our family friend said in a

loud voice: “Tom, do you still beat your wife?” Well, no matter how you

answer that -- dad was going to be in trouble. Actually, everyone got a

laugh over it.

Language, how we manipulate it. And, how we manipulate those we are in

contact with. Recently I received a “survey” in the mail from the El Toro

Reuse Planning Authority. Wow, what a name. It proposes to be an

authority. Now that’s a leap of faith! Let’s see if you can pick out the

presuppositions in the so-called “survey”:

1. What is your primary concern with the proposed jet flights over

densely populated areas?

2. Would you be in favor of an airport at El Toro if it would not provide

international service to Europe and Asia?

3. Would you favor limiting John Wayne Airport to its current size and

restricting El Toro to a non-aviation use?

4. Would it be appropriate to compromise safety at El Toro in order to

mitigate noise over Newport Beach?

5. Who do you trust more -- pilots or county planners?

Read between the lines, and don’t be manipulated by an authority figure,

spin-doctors, or public relations agencies.

MICHAEL BRENNAN

Former Boeing 727 flight engineer,

Balboa Island