'Tough Choices' for Whom?

[varkam]

Sean Gonsalves
Alternet
February 7, 2006
Link

The phrase of the week is "tough choices," which can be defined as decisions made under difficult circumstances; choosing between the lesser of two evils.

However, when the wealthy and powerful speak of "tough choices," the true meaning of the phrase is turned into a cynical code, meaning: making choices that will not directly affect the decision-maker, but will make life tougher for those already in a tough situation.

<snip>

When politicians make the "tough choices" that Pence speaks of they understand their own lives are not at stake. What they're really saying is: Look at the foresight and courage I have. This won't be easy but I'm going to persevere through the pain (despite the fact that the pain will actually be felt by someone else). That's not a real "tough choice."

A real tough choice is having to decide whether to pay all the rent or the minimum credit card balance, which is high because it was used to buy food you couldn't afford and will now be higher due to the late fees and usurious interest rates.

<snip>

[Kablooie]

1. Isn't 'choice' supposed to be tender? Not tough?

I'll take any opportunity I can to talk 'meat'.

[phantom power]

2. Poor people just don't realize: being president is hard, hard work.