There Oughta Be A Law, Part 8325

There oughta be a law.

Politicians are no longer allowed to use the passive voice.

For example, this was Michael Chertoff yesterday taking a strong stand against discrimination in the workplace (my emphasis added):

Julie Myers, head of Homeland Security’s immigration division, has come under intense criticism for awarding “Most Original Costume” to an employee “who dressed in prison stripes, dreadlocks and dark makeup for a Halloween gathering at the agency.” Myers was part of a three-judge panel that awarded the prize.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff appeared on MSNBC and said that he had put the employee who wore the costume on “administrative leave.” He added that he has “zero tolerance” for discriminatory acts. But when it came to Myers, Chertoff refused to condemn her and indicated that she would face no punitive action:

CHERTOFF: First of all, I’ve directed that the individual who came up with this idea be put on administrative leave and we take some kind of disciplinary action. […]

We have to make it clear to our own employees and to the public at large that we are totally neutral when we enforce the law and we don’t tolerate any ethnic discrimination.

So that’s a very strong message I’ve reinforced. Assistant Secretary Myers apologized for the fact that the incident occurred and has contacted both people inside the department and outside the department to make amends.

The incident occurred? Julie Myers wasn't even a mere bystander. She was a judge. More over, she was the boss of all the people at the party for whom she was the contest judge that awarded the grand prize for originality. Yes, nothing says original thought like portraying black people as criminals. And nothing says leadership like awarding prizes for Best in Bigotry.

And what was her bosses reaction? Secretary Chertoff assures us the person has been put on administrative leave. But in assessing ICE Chief Myers behavior, Secretary Chertoff has decided that she acted in a manner that requires not response. You know why? Neither do I, but do you doubt that at some point, we will hear Myers say some variation of "Mistakes were made."

Well, in that case, I can see why Chertoff doesn't believe that ICE Chief Julie Myers should not face disciplinary action. Can the Medal of Freedom be far away?

*Sigh*

Here's a tip: Whenever a politician uses the passive voice, there's only two possible reasons. They're either covering up or covering ass.

Late breaking tip number two: Ever notice that nobody uses the passive voice when they are running for office, but they use it constantly once they are elected?

Please, somebody, anybody, kill the political passive voice and it put out of my misery.

You can bury it right next to the journaminimalism question that begins ,"Some people say..."

Amen.