Just say it!

Isn't it funny how we have such a hard time saying what we mean?

On the radio, a reporter commenting on a suspect who had confessed to a crime added "he is for-sure likely to be convicted". Is the suspect "for sure" to be convicted? Or is he "likey" to be convicted?

On another report, I heard the reporter speak of the "alleged victim". The suspect of the action may have "allegedly" commited the act- if you are a lawyer, in the court room, in front of the jury. The victim, however, is the victim. Somebody did something to the poor guy. That's not the "alleged" part! You might have a alleged suspect, or an alleged crime, but the victim is a victim!

So why do we have such a hard time saying what we mean? I believe we have got to the point where we are so afraid to get pined down, to offend, or not to be politically correct- that we stumble over how to speak.

If we call someone a victim- does that mean we have "pre- judged" that there was a person responsible for the act that made them the victim and therefore we are no longer fair? Are we so afraid to confidently state what we believe will happen, that we have to say "for sure likely"?

I 'm not saying that we should all be rude, nor am I saying that blundt opinions are always the best. There are people's feelings at stake. But I think we all need to relax a little bit and just say what you mean. Forget the "policitally correct" mode and just remember that people have feelings. Treat and speak to others how you would like to be treated and spoken to: honestly, respectfully, and openly.

Say what you mean. Be clear and precise. Don't be wishy washy!