Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 18:20:51 -0500

From: frank abate abatef[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]COMPUSERVE.COM

Subject: Re: Sexgate words (a defense)



I'm certainly no "left-liberal", and so was particularly glad to see

Larry's words replying to the objection to the many new "-gate" terms. I=



don't know Larry, but I was very glad to see his wise opinion.



Just wanted to add that I'm really surprised by what strikes people as

offensive. This stuff is intended to be funny; sometimes it isn't, becau=

se

it is bad or lame as humor. But is there any problem (ever) skewering

politicians, for goodness sake?



And yes, please, let's not worry about ANYONE'S politics. This list is

supposed to be about exploration and analysis of language use. That's a

scholarly and intellectual activity that should have no truck with

politics.



Frank Abate