Of all the pernicious words that punctuate the regulator’s glossary, none is so effective as the plucky little “but.” “I believe in free speech,” the censor will insist, “but I don’t think you should be permitted to write that.” “I hold a great respect for the free-market tradition,” the radical maintains, “but it does need a good dismantling.” “Of course we must respect religion,” assures the renegade, “but . . . ”
In our postmodern age, this trick can be vexingly potent. Because so many words have all but lost their meanings, only the most transparent of contradictions now get noticed. In times past, purveyors of the strategic “however” would have been frowned upon as shameful dissemblers. Today, they are rewarded with encomia. How “reasonable” they are. How “nuanced.” How pragmatic.
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