On the one hand, And on the other
The use of “one the one hand” and “on the other hand” typically indicates a statement that has two differing, if not opposing, points. However, King George and the Bush, Inc. press machine expertly use these expressions to appear like they’re presenting two sides of a story, when in fact they’re doing nothing of the sort.
For example, Bush said today:
“On the one hand, we’re making progress when it comes to training Iraqis to take the fight to the enemy, we’re bringing the enemy to justice, we’re on the offense. On the other hand, democracy is moving forward in a part of the world that is so desperate for democracy and so desperate for freedom.”
See how the misuse of these expressions gives the appearance that he’s giving us the good with the bad? In fact, all he said was: On the one hand things are rosy and on the other hand, things are rosy too. Brilliant and terrible at the same time.
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