Catholic Family Vignettes

As I frequently reiterate whenever I post a news snippet…this is not a news or political commentary blog…

However…anyone who knows me can tell you of my great love for words. And the dictionary. So I couldn’t have been more tickled to see the nifty way that George Stephanopoulos turned the tables on Barack Obama as they sparred over the definition of tax.

Here’s a snippet of the transcript from the segment which aired today:

“Under this mandate, the government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don’t. How is that not a tax?” the host asked.

Obama responded: ” No, but — but, George, you — you can’t just make up that language and decide that that’s called a tax increase.”

Stephanopoulos then offered the dictionary definition.

“I don’t think I’m making it up. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary: ‘Tax, a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes,’” he said.

Visibly taken aback, Obama rejected the notion it was a tax increase and said pulling the dictionary out was a sign the host was “stretching” a little.

“No. That — that’s not true, George. The — for us to say that you’ve got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase,” Obama said.

Thank you, George Stephanopoulos.  And thank you, Merriam-Webster…for another defining moment in politics.

Blessings,