Even though she now works for the Fox News Channel, I will not say anything negative about Greta Van Susteren for several reasons:
She is partially of Dutch ancestry — with a name like van Susteren…
She worked for CNN for about eight years, prior to taking her “fair and balanced” job.
Her sister, Lise, is/was a Democrat, writes for the Huffington Post and, as a forensic psychiatrist, she is a formidable advocate for the humane treatment of the mentally ill and for refugees seeking political asylum in the United States.
Some will say that this is pretty weak reasoning for not disliking Van Susteren.
However, after reading this weekend’s essay by Van Susteren at the Huffington Post I would say it is quite “bold.”
Let me explain.
Van Susteren takes 202 words to explain how it has been “Less than 24 Hours and Already the Media Have Destroyed It.”
“It” refers to the word “bold.”
Van Susteren is referring to this weekend’s alleged use by the media and pundits of the word “bold” to describe the selection of Paul Ryan by Mitt Romney.
After reprimanding the media and the pundits for the repeated and excessive use of that word, Van Susteren lists about 20 words from the “book of synonyms” that the ‘journos’ could have used instead.
Now I know that Van Susteren is just jesting with us — she admits that — and that she has had too much coffee (she admits that, too) and perhaps some other stuff — no, she doesn’t admit that!. So I decided to have some fun, too, paraphrasing her post:
I always liked the word “desperate.” It is something one can relate to easily and it is to the point. And now? If I hear another person on TV or in print describe the Gov. Romney selection of Rep. Ryan as “desperate,” I may throw my TV through the window.
What is wrong with us in the media and with pundits? Can’t we come up with another word to describe the choice?
When you hear everyone say the same thing or describe something with the same word in a short period of time (24 hours), you know these are not original thoughts but rather repeating what was heard elsewhere.
Think about it — what are the odds that everyone comes to the same conclusion that the word “desperate” best describes the selection? There are other words, synonyms… how about reckless? Why aren’t other words used?
Because it is not the popular word that people are passing around to each other. OK… I know, I have had too many hot toddies and just having some fun with you. 🙂
Here is from book of synonyms:
rash
heedless, brash, imprudent, hopeless
daredevil, foolhardy
frantic, frenzied
panic-stricken
frenetic
impetuous
Devil-may-care
at one wit’s end, forlorn, desolate
at the end of one’s tether
Romney-esque
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.