Words are very powerful tools for control

Re The left has yielded language to the right, Walkom, Nov. 5 As Lewis Carroll satirized in Alice in Wonderland, people in power change language to their own advantages. And George Orwell showed how language can be twisted by the powers that be to mean the exact opposite of the accepted meaning. His Ministry of Truth was responsible for changing historical facts to justify the actions of those in power.

Words are very powerful tools for control. A lie that’s repeated enough times will be believed by a naive populace, who are prone to suggestions and intimidated by fear of the “other” — real or imagined.

Who could have imagined that the words “Common Sense Revolution” would be adopted and twisted by the right-wing Mike Harris about 20 years ago — with disastrous results.

Just as frightening are the current

Ontario premier’s so-called affection “for the people” — when all his current and future cuts to social spending benefit only the wealthy and will do much harm to the people he claims to care for. Della Golland, Toronto

Re Probe launched into allegation against Wilson, Nov. 6 Once again, reporter Robert Benzie uses the derogatory term “the rookie premier” when referring to Premier Doug Ford. This term has been used frequently by Mr. Benzie and others at the Star and shows a great lack of respect for not just the individual but also the office. I don’t recall a single time when former premiers Kathleen Wynne or Dalton McGuinty were referred to in this manner. If the Star wishes to be viewed with integrity, quit with the subtle insults. John F. Reid, Toronto