By Mark E. ruquet

There are a few words in the English language that have the power to evoke powerful emotions. Many a speaker has found himself in no small sea of trouble for generically using historically charged verbiage to illustrate a point, only to become mired in controversy. The resulting cacophony of criticism has prompted apologies, explanations and retractions, and ends up undermining the best of intentions.

Consider one occasion, early in the most recent Iraq War, when President George W. Bush used the word "crusade" during an informal press conference. There was an eruption of resentment in the Arab world and hasty clarification from the White House. Words do mean a lot.

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