When our 8-year old grandson Sam asked his grandmother if she wanted to hear a really really bad word, she said, okay. He whispered in her ear, "Folk."
3
One word comes to mind, "Bulworth."
3
There isn't 'government by the people, there is the 'selling' of candidates, just as you would buy apple sauce.
Once bought, the rest is out of your hands.
The Supreme Court has gone along with the 'money' act.
The solution? Maybe shorten the 'selling' period and get the candidates back into the Conventions where candidates should be chosen, rather than a few small states dictating early which candidates may be considered.
Once bought, the rest is out of your hands.
The Supreme Court has gone along with the 'money' act.
The solution? Maybe shorten the 'selling' period and get the candidates back into the Conventions where candidates should be chosen, rather than a few small states dictating early which candidates may be considered.
6
This is a great article. I wonder what Joe Biden's "folk" rate is per 10,000 words.
1
The problem goes to the core of 'democracy'.
It's the alternative to 'aristocracy' said de Tocqueville. "Government of, by and for the people," said Lincoln.
'Democracy' does/did translate 'people-rule'. But aristocrats--now the 1%--are people too. De Tocqueville meant "common people" --without great inherited private property--sharing Boston Common--but to tragic effect--due to deregulation--much like pollution of the atmosphere, oceans and ground water.
All government is OF some people, BY other people. 'Democracy' as 'self government'--OF people BY the same people--is no government at all. 'Self government' better translates 'autocrat', and remains problematic applied to an individual, governing him/her self--requiring a bifurcation--usually Reason or Principle governing Passion--emotions and appetites.
Political theorist C.B Macpherson's "Real World of Democracy" explained how very different forms of government could claim the label by riffing on Lincoln. Soviets and Maoists claimed government FOR the common people by an elite (so do Republicans). Ex-colonials claimed government of indigenous people by indigenous people.. These degenerated into corruption and tribalism--hardly benefiting most common people.
Nor does government BY (some) commoners OF the rest guarantee it's FOR them. Plutocrats often rule behind closed doors, claiming secret wisdom. Raw majority tyranny ignores minority rights and due process--the real basis of good government.
It's the alternative to 'aristocracy' said de Tocqueville. "Government of, by and for the people," said Lincoln.
'Democracy' does/did translate 'people-rule'. But aristocrats--now the 1%--are people too. De Tocqueville meant "common people" --without great inherited private property--sharing Boston Common--but to tragic effect--due to deregulation--much like pollution of the atmosphere, oceans and ground water.
All government is OF some people, BY other people. 'Democracy' as 'self government'--OF people BY the same people--is no government at all. 'Self government' better translates 'autocrat', and remains problematic applied to an individual, governing him/her self--requiring a bifurcation--usually Reason or Principle governing Passion--emotions and appetites.
Political theorist C.B Macpherson's "Real World of Democracy" explained how very different forms of government could claim the label by riffing on Lincoln. Soviets and Maoists claimed government FOR the common people by an elite (so do Republicans). Ex-colonials claimed government of indigenous people by indigenous people.. These degenerated into corruption and tribalism--hardly benefiting most common people.
Nor does government BY (some) commoners OF the rest guarantee it's FOR them. Plutocrats often rule behind closed doors, claiming secret wisdom. Raw majority tyranny ignores minority rights and due process--the real basis of good government.
5
Lady Guenivere in 'Camelot' sings, right before she is to become Arthur's wife, "What do the simple folk do?" Well, Lady G, we suffer. The simple folk suffer and see no real change in sight as the 'elite' steal our lives away.
10
Rather than focus just on the "folks" buzz word, I wish someone in the media would do in-depth pieces (or many in depth pieces) on who the candidates really are and what their policies and political platforms really are, instead of readers having to measure the candidates on what comes out of their mouths.
I am getting tired of the press being the de-facto promoters of charlatan's campaigns. GWB perfected the PR machine when he made his infamous Mission Accomplished speech, and the press has been drinking the Koolaid (as has the American public) ever since.
This article touches (either intended or not) on how crafted the messages are from those who wish to sit in the highest public seat in our nation. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I challenge those who profess to be REAL journalists to put on an investigative wetsuit and see what is beneath the shimmering surface.
I am getting tired of the press being the de-facto promoters of charlatan's campaigns. GWB perfected the PR machine when he made his infamous Mission Accomplished speech, and the press has been drinking the Koolaid (as has the American public) ever since.
This article touches (either intended or not) on how crafted the messages are from those who wish to sit in the highest public seat in our nation. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I challenge those who profess to be REAL journalists to put on an investigative wetsuit and see what is beneath the shimmering surface.
9
I prefer citizen or people, "folks" is so fake and not how "people" speak today…just another attempt to sound real and authentic. I also do not care for work- a-day and average or ordinary…just because a person is not a celebrity or a paid politician does not make them ordinary, we are American Citizens.
9
In referencing Walker, then Kerry, Mr. author uses the word "conversely". While I get the drift, this seems like the wrong word, especially as the definition suggests a particular kind of relationship that to me seems absent. Thoughts?
"Folks," to me, always carried the connotation of "those without a specific political ax to grind." To politicians it seems to mean the great rank and file of political outsiders...and "Citizens," without the "my fellow," sounds too 1984-esque.
1
It always irritates me when politicians call us " folks". I seriously doubt President Obama ever used the term before he was in office. I'm an Obama supporter, but its just grating.
9
It would have been be nice if the Times had covered the words of Bernie Sanders. At the largest political rally of the year, over 5000 people showed up in Denver last night to hear Bernie speak. Not one word in the Times or in mainstream media. It should be news when 5000 people show up (in a non-first primary-urgent state) over one year before an election. I am terribly disappointed and shocked that the Times can quote Hillary Clinton about racial injustice and totally ignore Sanders passionate comments on the same topic. The speech last night (I watched via periscope) drew continuous cheers and applause. The "Folk" Wisdom Bernie employs is the TRUTH. Voters may not like the truth but they are hungry to hear it and it is not coming from any other candidate. News should be determined by merit. There was a lot of merit to the Sanders' event last night.
15
Maybe it just sounds a little bit better than calling us all 'consumers'?
That one grates me enormously.
When I first started hearing the repetitive term 'folks', it made me conjure up mid-western farmer types. The ones that grow corn in Iowa and are in those local, formica countered diner photo ops, during the primaries, wearing church clothes or overalls and baseball caps. Them are the simple folks in my mind.
That one grates me enormously.
When I first started hearing the repetitive term 'folks', it made me conjure up mid-western farmer types. The ones that grow corn in Iowa and are in those local, formica countered diner photo ops, during the primaries, wearing church clothes or overalls and baseball caps. Them are the simple folks in my mind.
9
Every time someone uses the word "folks" I hear "little people". It is condescending, pure and simple.
10
@Pilgrim: I also despise the description of 'consumers'. That is also a word used to describe those with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. I despise that word. WE are CITIZENS of America. That's who we all are.
12
I am so in agreement with you on being called "consumers." It feels like capitalism has trumped democracy.
6
About five years ago I began to notice that the general use of the word “folks” in place of “people” was becoming a viral trend. Now it is ubiquitous and, for me, has become a disturbing distraction, and a plague on our language. I can’t listen to public radio or listener sponsored radio, or read political or social commentary, without being subjected to this inane usage.
Once aspect of its use is linguistic laziness. Instead of taking the time to be specific by saying “government officials” and “local law enforcement,” I once heard the nondescript concoction “government folks” and “local folks.” Similar examples are far too numerous to mention here. Two gems that I’ve heard and read more than once are “fire folks” instead of “firefighters,” and “military folks” instead of “soldiers.” Please, let’s stop this nonsense.
Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus:
folks – n. Syn. relatives, parents, relations, kin
Once aspect of its use is linguistic laziness. Instead of taking the time to be specific by saying “government officials” and “local law enforcement,” I once heard the nondescript concoction “government folks” and “local folks.” Similar examples are far too numerous to mention here. Two gems that I’ve heard and read more than once are “fire folks” instead of “firefighters,” and “military folks” instead of “soldiers.” Please, let’s stop this nonsense.
Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus:
folks – n. Syn. relatives, parents, relations, kin
18
'"military folks"' isn't just '"soldiers'". It is also Marines, Sailors and Airmen. As a sailor I was never a "soldier". and heaven help you if you call a Marine a soldier.
6
"Military folks' is better than 'soldiers'?
3
President Obama was in his second term before he could actually refer to Republicans as "Republicans", instead of "some folks" as if he was afraid of appearing partisan in a world of rabid partisanism. This I believe, is one small reason they treated him as a pushover.
2
As far as I remember it was W. who started frequently using this word when referring to our enemies.
8
I think "folks" is shorthand for "not a corporation, not the 1%, not actually in prison at the moment at least not yet, although, if one is an Illinois politician one can be in prison and still qualify as 'folks' since this is such a common occurrence it is practically part of the job description."
Also, probably ISIS isn't folks either.
There. Simple:)
Also, probably ISIS isn't folks either.
There. Simple:)
16
Listen up, pols. I'm not "folks." I'm a "citizen" and I'm a "voter." Call me that and I'll return the respect you are showing me.
29
Except for "my fellow Americans" all the terms referenced in the article imply an in group and an out group.
"The American people" especially grates because it infers that politicians are referring to a group to which they do not belong - theirs being the oligarchical corporate class. And, of course, that is sadly, horrifically accurate.
"The American people" especially grates because it infers that politicians are referring to a group to which they do not belong - theirs being the oligarchical corporate class. And, of course, that is sadly, horrifically accurate.
8
Except for Bernie, none of the candidates are "folks." It's just part of the lie. "I'm one of you. I care about you. I just want to serve the 'people.'"
20
Like the way the aliens "served mankind" in the old Twilight Zone episode.
18
This "folksy" semantic softening is all too similar to the contemporary preference for referring to our US soldiers as "troops." Truth be told, I think anything genuinely relating to this innate domestic "folksy-ness" had pretty much been extinguished or on life-support by the mid-70s. Small pockets endure in very rural environs and of course, our amusement theme parks.
9
Oddly the writer paints division based on difference of social perception. I suppose some “freaks” actually step up proudly to state they are not your “normal folks”. Unabashedly these folks would say the evolution of our society and progress rests upon those that were not normal. Normal has never changed anything and it never will.
Folks is a comforting word. It finds an easy way when speaking of people with a passion for living. People with a story to tell, or are perhaps living a story-filled life of fullness and contribution.
Folks is a comforting word. It finds an easy way when speaking of people with a passion for living. People with a story to tell, or are perhaps living a story-filled life of fullness and contribution.
4
Another word that politicians like to use is "faith" when they don't want to say "religion" out loud.
28
Question: How are us "folks" gonna survive the oncoming months of political mudslinging, incivility, negativity and downright meanness that passes for an election year campaign. I shuddder to think of it.
18
To my Canadian ears the word "folks" is always jarring. It sounds so old fashioned like an old western movie or a story about farmers. I really don't get it at all. I can honestly say I've never used the word, except maybe when I was young when we referred to seniors' homes as "old folks homes". I think if you just substitute the word "people" for "folks" you sound like you are living in the 21st century.
28
I'll make a deal with our very welcome Canadian observers. I won't try to explain Canadian culture to you if you don't explain mine to me.
5
Years ago I worked in a rural area that was becoming full of new homes. Finding an address was difficult because most mail boxes were rusted and only had an alphabet letter for an address.
I would pull over to an old farmer for help. I'd say Hi or Howdy, note the weather and and ask if he'd seen any strange cars on the usually dirt road lately. After a comment about my accent and "Ya'll ain't from here" he'd more than likely he or he'd refer me to his neighbor who was a "mite more curious"
Those were "folks". Everyone else is just people.
I would pull over to an old farmer for help. I'd say Hi or Howdy, note the weather and and ask if he'd seen any strange cars on the usually dirt road lately. After a comment about my accent and "Ya'll ain't from here" he'd more than likely he or he'd refer me to his neighbor who was a "mite more curious"
Those were "folks". Everyone else is just people.
3
I've been thinking this for a long time. Why on earth should we want our president to be - or especially sound, in the age of dying English - like "everyday folk"? Why on earth shouldn't the president appear, at least insofar as he authentically could, elite?
5
I'd suggest that being accessible to the common person, us "everyday folk", is why the elite approach might not work. Our current President covered a lot of ground in communities that are low turnout for elections. The reason for that was connecting with the real issues faced in our communities during the campaign. There were many local organizers and they brought local issue awareness as a key factor.
Our president should be the "cream of the crop," extraordinary, the best this nation has to offer. If we get one of those, wake me up.
3
Well said!!
1
"Being one of these folks who win elections involves projecting a sense that you identify with 'real' people while expending great time, soul and sycophancy on the millionaires and billionaires who tantalize your campaign dreams." As my Nana used to say, "Ain't that the truth!".
9
Thank you for this---dog whistle words make me crazy.
Can we all be Americans, please? Even the ones we don't like, and who don't support us?
Probably too much to ask.
Can we all be Americans, please? Even the ones we don't like, and who don't support us?
Probably too much to ask.
9
Th..th..th...th..th...th...th...that's all....folks.
31
Unfortunately, David Cameron, Britain, this week, did not find Scott Walker very folksy. In fact Cameron disputed Walker saying that Cameron had criticized President Obama's "lead from behind mentality" and Cameron claims he never said such a thing or anything close to it.
So what does Walker do? Says he will not comment on conversations with foreign leaders. Not such a folksy situation when a world leader calls you out on downright lies, is it? And if you have to shut up about it, could be those folksy lies are just not worth being too folksy, no matter the crowd.
So what does Walker do? Says he will not comment on conversations with foreign leaders. Not such a folksy situation when a world leader calls you out on downright lies, is it? And if you have to shut up about it, could be those folksy lies are just not worth being too folksy, no matter the crowd.
38
Can liars and money whores be folks? If so then politicians are definitely real folks. For the rest of us folk means sap.
Israeli political campaigns allegedly utilize American consultants such as
"James ("it's the economy, stupid") Carvel, which is interesting.
But, in Israel, "folks" is roughly translated particularly by ex-New Yorkers as p.c. code for "yokels."
In Israel, the derisive USA dog whistle "socialist liberals" is not exactly the political equivalent of "founders of kibbutziam," but nowadays close enough.
"James ("it's the economy, stupid") Carvel, which is interesting.
But, in Israel, "folks" is roughly translated particularly by ex-New Yorkers as p.c. code for "yokels."
In Israel, the derisive USA dog whistle "socialist liberals" is not exactly the political equivalent of "founders of kibbutziam," but nowadays close enough.
2
I've noticed recent attention being paid to the use of "folks" and think it has a generational and perhaps regional connection. My mother and father, born in the 1920s and raised near Chicago, used "folks" to refer to parents--theirs and those of my friends and classmates. There was never an agenda behind the word, and I use the word myself in the same context. I think the focus on it it by New York-based media says a lot about the New York cultural bubble than anything else.
7
Yes, that is how my parents, same generation, used the word. "We are going to see the folks," or "the folks are coming for dinner today." The word included extended family such as maiden aunts and bachelor uncles who lived with the folks or very near to them.
11
Clark, Walker ain't no New Yawker!
When my relatives come to dinner, I refer to them as "those dreadful people."
2
Well, speaking as just another ordinary dude in the street, I'd have to say that the run-of-the-mill plain-spoken citizen doesn't put much weight on these alternative buzzwords but recognizes them for placeholders, nullities, mere transitions to the next possible meaningful part of a statement. What Joe Blow may not fully realize is that avoidance of negative subliminal connotations is the guiding rule for speech- and/or blurb-writers now. The average gink may or may not mind being referred to as people, having heard his/her ethnic group categorized as "you people" once too often; but "folk" is temporarily safer precisely because it's been so infrequently used for some time now. As for me, I like to think I'm as flexible as the next gazabo.
22