The Most Dangerous Word in Politics

By Tobin Smith

We usually stay away from politics here at ChangeWave. Every so often though, seismic regulatory shifts come from Washington, Sacramento or even Albany that command our attention because they have the potential to generate massive waves of spending that create winners and losers.

And with the Democratic and Republican conventions back-to-back this week and next, I have politics on my mind.

There's one thing I can't get past from the inspirational speech Michelle Obama delivered at the Democratic National Convention's kickoff on Monday night.

The item in question is a word -- "should."

To me, "should" is one of the most powerful words in the English language. It implies that there exists certain things that ought to be done, or a certain way things are supposed to be. And, especially in the case of politicians, it is used to imply that there is one right way to live one's life, run one's country or raise one's kids.

I've found that most of my friends and colleagues who call themselves "liberals" or "progressives" use the word "should" a lot. And I heard it used frequently in Mrs. Obama's speech.

The 'Should' Factor

When used correctly, the word is meant to give a recommendation or advice.

* "If you go to Florence, then you should go to the Trattitoria Sustancia for dinner."

* "If you want to drive the ball farther, you should grip the club softer."

But politicians don't tend to use the word for advisory purposes. Rather, they use it as a declarative verb.

* "We should have universal healthcare in the United States."

* "There shouldn't be such a big difference between what a Fortune 500 CEO makes and what a janitor is paid."

In my opinion, there is a big difference between the belief that "the United States can't afford not to have universal healthcare," and the declaration that "healthcare should be a right of all U.S. citizens."

The difference is that "should" implies there is an infallible rulebook of unquestionable logic that exists concerning all government, economic and personal endeavors. It implies that there is one right way and, therefore, that every other way is wrong.

When a politician uses this word, he or she is telling the citizens of this great land that there is a specific way we ought to live our lives or specific things we ought to believe. And, furthermore, that those who disagree don't understand how best to live their lives.