Notes & asides

Dear Mr. Buckley: Consider this morning's headline from the science section of my local newspaper: "We share 96 percent of our DNA with chimpanzees, which begs' the question, just what is it that makes us human?" (Italics added.)

Notwithstanding the fascination of the topic--it was a very interesting article--I am concerned about the increasing use of the phrase "begging the question" as a synonym for "asking the question." Many years ago I was taught that "to beg a question" means to assume the answer is obvious, and thus to evade it, to try to change the subject to distract attention away from the core of the question itself. And my trusty Merriam-Webster's'--which, admittedly, is not new but not nearly as old as I--bears me out. I quote: "beg, sidestep (begged the real problem); to assume as established or proved (beg the question)."

At least a hall-dozen times in the last month I have seen printed evidence of this misuse. I'm afraid people will forget what it really means. Any thoughts?

Sincerely,

Clayton Alcorn Cortland, N. Y.

Dear Mr. Alcorn: My thoughts are: Don't mess with Clayton Alcom!

Cordially, WFB

Dear Mr. Buckley: This might seem like a very small thing, but I wonder if it is: When I was young, if we used "kid" or "kids" instead of "child" or "children," we were told immediately that a "kid" was a young goat. Now well over 90 percent of the time, I hear "kid" being used. This is from the mouths of well-educated (?) speakers and writers.

The same is true of the word "mom." No one is a "mother" anymore. Do you think that a little more respect in the use of language would help things? Am I being too sensitive?

Sincerely,

Winifred Krumpter-Schuck (mother of five children) St. Croix, V.I.

Dear Mrs. Krumpter-Schuck: Displacing "kid" is a lost cause. Pretty much ditto, "mom." Alas, as the wise man said, "There is no law in English save usage."

Cordially, WFB

Dear Mr. Buckley: Having recently celebrated my 90th birthday, am I too young to be an opsimath?

Sincerely,

David L. Soper San Diego, Calif.

Dear Mr. Soper: No no no, you are perfect to be an opsimath! An opsimath is, simply, someone who learns late in life.

Take a little longer, if you like!

Cordially, WFB

Dear Mr. Buckley: David Frum, writing in the National Post, led me to National Review. I subscribed. Imagine my glee to find Mark Steyn, my favorite "Happy Warrior," a past contributor to the National Post.

In subscribing to National Review, I've discovered another fave, Rob Long.

National Review is my education on U.S. politics. I don't give a penny towards Canadian politics. They've already got my 1 cent. The Liberals, in their cabal, look for more.

As a "Tory" (or Progressive Conservative), living as a "Republican" in Canada, I'm fearful of our Liberal government. I work in law enforcement. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

But I will be.

National Review? It has made me an "opsimath."

Best,

Heather Clark Toronto, Ont.

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