“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master—that’s all.”–Lewis Carroll

“Stopped by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Yates County legislative meeting to hear about all the services they provide and celebrate their 100 years of service.”–Tom Reed, facebook, Oct. 9, 2018

I wondered who was dining at a legislative meeting, so I checked with “The Cornell University Cooperative Extension Yates County.” The event wasn’t a meeting of any legislature but a “legislative luncheon,” an event aimed at promoting the Extension’s work. Words matter.

Did Tom stop by? Evidently he was a speaker, presumably invited. Why the subterfuge, one wonders.

“There is no reason for elite universities to force students to take out loans to cover the cost of attendance.”–Tom Reed, facebook, Oct. 9, 2018

Do any universities “force students to take out loans?” Some students may find loans necessary, but is a matter of choice.

“It is great to see tourist destinations coming back to #NY23.”–Tom Reed, facebook, Oct. 9, 2018

This post refers to Cockaigne, a resort development in Cherry Creek, New York. That’s fine, but are “tourist destinations coming back?” Consider these phrases:

• Tourist destinations coming back.
• New tourist destinations.
• New tourist attractions.
• Resort development.

Are these equivalent, or does the first have a political spin? Were there tourist destinations that were here once, went away, then returned? Really?