Washblog

Anyone want to lay odds on who will be the last Democrat to use, in all seriousness, the phrase "2006 will be a year of transition" (or some variant thereof) and on what day he or she will use it?

You really have to credit the geniuses in the Party who seized on a campaign phrase so vacuous and idiotic that it will have to be abandoned months before the actual election. This is what comes from living in the DC pretend-world.

So who, exactly, invented the phrase? Was it Carl Levin, who turned to his dignified colleagues in the Senate and said the following, with all due comity in the best traditions of the upper chamber?

Hey, boys and girls, let's all pretend that Iraq can be fixed with the repetitive use of an utterly inane phrase that, because it can mean anything, means precisely nothing. Maybe--just maybe--the American people are such pitifully stupid morons, corrupted by years of mind-simplifying television-watching, that they'll be placated by an advertising phrase with all the significance and elegance of "Raid kills bugs dead."

Stupid phrases repeated in the mouth become the stupid phrases repeated in the mind, ever the stuff of willful self-delusion and abject propaganda.

Janet L. Yellen, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco:

Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for inviting me to speak to you today. I'm going to keep my prepared remarks brief, so that we'll have plenty of time for your questions and comments.

As you know, 2006 is a year of significant transition for the Federal Reserve. At the end of this month, Alan Greenspan is stepping down as Chairman after 18 years of distinguished service, and Ben Bernanke will then, in all likelihood, have been confirmed by the Senate and will therefore be in a position to become the new Chairman . . .

Brett Myers, Lee County Florida Real Estate Dealer:

2006 Will Be a Year of Transition

Look for 2006 to be a year of change. It changed from a "sellers Market" to a "Buyers Market" seemingly overnight.

Kudelski SA CEO Andre Kudelski reiterated the group's 2005 guidance, and also the warning that 2006 will be a 'year of transition' for the Swiss digital security group.

Geekymom

For some reason, I feel like 2006 will be a year of transition. I feel this personally and professionally and publicly.

Personally, obviously, I'm working on the dissertation. But Geeky Boy will be headed to middle school in the fall, a big transition for him. And I just feel like there's been an accumulation of small changes that will lead somewhere. I'm not sure where, but somewhere.

LakTEK:

Another exciting year has gone to the end and unfolds another fresh 365 days to pack with joy, fun, challenges and experiences. 2006 is a year of transition for me, my country and as well as to my industry. I'm going to start-up playing the dual roles as a University Student and a Web Developer, which would be fun yet challenging. 'Deadlines' will keep bugging me through out the year.

Hey--2006 is a year of transition for everyone! In fact, every year is a year of transition!

by DWE on Thu Jun 01, 2006 at 12:04:22 PM PST

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BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. Senate candidate and former Cato Institute follower Mark Wilson allegedly stomped on a basketfull of kittens on Thursday.  Lt. Gen. Rufus Allensworth says that if the candidate "does it again, he's totally not getting an invite to the King County Young Democrats Kegger this June."  Wilson could not be reached for comment.

by Belltowner on Thu Jun 01, 2006 at 09:22:25 AM PST

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