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
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.