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Watch Your Language

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Re “Hear ‘Reform,’ Think ‘Destroy,’ ” Commentary, Jan. 21: Kudos to Susan Jacoby for attempting to stem the rising tide of imprecise rhetoric (though like King Canute’s, her effort may be for naught).

I’d like to suggest another refinement of newspeak: Instead of “claiming responsibility” for a latest act of terror, entities should be “admitting culpability.” Acts of terror are never responsible, but are most certainly culpable.

James Patrick Kelly

Los Angeles

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