In 1946, I took and passed a test in order to attend the very prestigious Bronx High School of Science. I was accepted, and my going there was a big time mistake for me.
My classmates were intellectually superior to me and they all did something unknown to me at the time -- that was to actually study.
I was probably a junior when an English teacher told me that if I didn't learn to spell and use correct grammar I would spend the balance of my life in her English class. I didn't and I didn't. She was right in what she said, and I certainly was wrong in my early on stubbornness and my preoccupation with learning anything other than math and physics.
Sixty years later, I do wish that I had listened to her because even with spell check, I still cannot spell. I am thankful that I have a friend who is willing to assist me and correct my rants.
I have, however, in recent years developed an insatiable appetite for determining the meaning of words, and I use these meanings as the basis for articles that I write.
We are and have been "up to our asses" in an election season. I feel compelled to use words as they relate to the candidates, and as a Democrat, I am inclined to vilify the very "vilify-able" Governor Sarah Palin.
Her comments and diatribes, scripted or spontaneous, qualify her for a top ten rating in the contest for "most disingenuous candidate of the last fifty years."
Disingenuous: Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating; "an ambitious, disingenuous, philistine, pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated."
The meaning of disingenuous has been shifting about lately, as if people were unsure of its proper meaning. Generally, it means "insincere" and often seems to be a synonym for cynical or calculating. Not surprisingly, the word is used often in political context -- sometimes disingenuous is used as a synonym for naïve -- the use of the word is perfect if you read the Palin comment concerning the "troopergate" findings. She said: "If you read the report, you will see that there was nothing unlawful or unethical about replacing a cabinet member..."
She issued her self serving denial notwithstanding that the report concluded that Palin's efforts to get Wooten fired broke a state ethics law that bars public officials from pursuing personal interest through official action.
Her denials are big time "disingenuous!"
I decided long ago that being disingenuous when dating is acceptable.
Being disingenuous when running for The Presidency or Vice Presidency of our country it is not acceptable.