Hate to nitpick on Sunday's attack in Kabul...

[Bragi]

Canada's official statement about the attack on the President Karzai's *military parade* in Kabul described the attack as a "senseless act of violence injured and killed innocent Afghans, including civilians and security personnel."

Assuming it is fair to actually read words issued by one's governnment on such a grave occasion, one has to wonder, first, about use of the word "senseless", given the event as a whole, and its aftermath. Though the extent of damage is debatable, few would doubt that this attack has politically damaged the Karzai Government, so why it would be called "senseless" is not clear.

Beyond that, what does the Government mean when it observes that the attack "injured and killed innocent Afghans including civilians and security personnel"?

Other than civilians and security personnel, who is being described here as innocent, and what is meant by the word?

So I'm thinking that this statement has nothing to do with the actual event. It's a biolerplate official condemnation for use when a routine terrorist attack against civilians takes place on a Sunday afternoon.

What makes the statement seem odd is that the event was an act of war, not terrorism, and the targets were political and military leaders, not uninvolved civilians.

- B

[daleo]

1. All your comments are very appropriate

The "senseless act of violence" was really against the innocent English language, as Orwell talked about in his notable essay "Politics and the English Language".

[Bragi]

2. That essay is the best...

Anyone who hasn't read Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" may do so at:

http://www.netcharles.com/orwell/essays/politics-english-language1.htm

- B