Paul's peeve page

Not an essay question: Have you ever noticed how people in our society never want to answer a question with yes or no? It's most evident on tv when politicians or interviewees are being asked a "simple" yes or no question and then they go into a long drawn out diatribe and by the time they've finished we've forgotten what the question was let alone the fact that the question was never even answered. Why are we so fearful of committing ourselves to yes or no? Is it so bad to answer with one of those words? Why can't we face the question and answer accordingly? It's really not rocket science? Did you let the dog out? Yes. Have you paid your bills? Yes. Are you going out tonight? No. Did you skip school? Yes. Were there weapons of mass destruction? No. Did you provide Israel with weapons? Yes. See, it's quite easy. We should all answer at least one yes or no question today. But answer all yes or no questions with Y-E-S or N-O. If you really can't speak the words, play the blinking game. Blink once for yes and twice for no. Closing your eyes (and keeping them closed) is NOT an option. Neither is touching your nose.

peace,

paul