Well, how many of you have been to a town hall, community or PTA/school board meeting of late? Who has heard the buzz words vision for the town or consensus, no need for a debate when we have a consensus, or social justice, free trade, global truth, partnerships, preservation, stakeholders, land use, environmental protection, development, diversity, visioning, open space, heritage, comprehensive planning, critical thinking and community service are all part of our new language.

What are they really talking about? What mental pictures come to mind when those words are used?

George Orwell, in his book “1984,” realized that those who control language and manipulate key phrases can control policy. The language is being changed and manipulated to quietly implement a very destructive policy. Whenever you see or hear these words, know that in every case they are defining one thing – the implementation of sustainable development.

Rather than good management of resources, sustainable has come to mean denied use and resources locked away from human hands. In short, it has become a code word for an entire economic and social agenda.

If you don’t want to believe what I say…look for yourself.

Neal Grove

Enumclaw