Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Quote on Main Page

tomtuttle,

I understand, and often share your sentiments. It grieves me greatly to see that the art of writing is all but completely lost with current generations, especially with my own and those younger than it.

Just a couple days ago, I was reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address -- Nov. 19th was the speech's 140th anniversary -- and I'm pretty certain we will not see so few words with so much power, emotion, and meaning in them in the foreseeable future -- especially from any US leaders. (You have to admit that's a fact whether or not you like Bush.)

In reply to:

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You guys are driving me crazy

American English is a hopelessly convoluted and deficient language. Most other civilized countries have different words for the second-person singular and the second-person plural, but not us. No no no. That's why I had been CRUSADING for formal adoption of "y'all" as the plural of "you".

Until, that is, it was pointed out to me by an esteemed colleague from the South that "y'all" IS singular and the appropriate version of the second-person plural is really "all y'all".

While I'd have to agree with Peter that, especially in the context of an internet forum, language is just a means for us to communicate with one another, I would also like to submit that there is elegance in precision and great writing is of lasting value. Repetition of poor or imprecise writing degrades our culture incrementally.

I am reminded of a couple of things - first, in an earlier life, I was a Historian. The grace, truth and deliberation with which even common people used to write letters remains an elegant testament to their life experiences. Particularly compelling examples come from soldier letters during the War between the States.

Likewise, the phrase "man of letters" has long been used to convey a sense of scholarly proficiency.

No, we're not writing for books or academia here. And I am tremendously grateful for the kindness, thoughtfulness and civility under which this forum operates; it is why I continue to reside here. AND, to others, how we express ourselves is often "who" we are.

Man, those books on tape sound great on my Axioms.

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Now all y'all gots to agree, dat was some seriously eloquent writin'. Bravo!

Nah. Just noodling on the keyboard, me. Thanks, tho, Craig. Writing can be a means of artistic expression for those, like me, who lack creative and technical skill in other media. Those of you who possess those skills have the capacity to elevate all of us.

Peter, thanks for the link. It's hard to beat the classics. Especially that one for being elegant and succinct. I think Twain said "I'd have written less if I had more time."

Here's another one I like ... Col. Travis' letter from the Alamo

I spoken gooder english than 6 yrs past. Done even ask how better my tagalog is.

i learnt all dis from TV.

I AM CANADIAN!!!! EH!!!

Man, for the most part the forum was really dead this week.. But it's sure going out with a BANG ! Gotta luv it..
TT, your so write, er, I mean, right.. I love old letters, the penmanship is just incredible.. Works of art..

Twain also said,"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."

what the heck is a head of beeve?

In those days they didn't have cows.

well guess what. ya got yerself a new review. ya happy now! no more redneck slurr's on axioms site to annoy you.