In Washington State, the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) has a service where you can sign up for notice of major road work, emergencies, etc. for various regions. I previously signed up for the area where I live, as well as for both offices, so I can know if I'm going to have trouble getting anywhere near me. I've been getting these weekly notices for a few months now.

Received today's issue. One section begins by discussing some wrap-up work on a fairly major revamping of an area going from one highway to another. It begins as follows:

"Crews worked through the rain, sleet and snow this winter to build the new bridge on the southbound side of the I-5/ SR 20 interchange. On Friday, April 17, (weather permitting) crews will open the new southbound I-5 off-ramp."

WTF? We've worked so hard in all kinds of lousy weather, and we'll finish the biggest part of it...if the weather doesn't interfere.

Kind of undercuts the message about how dedicated the workers or department is, no?

Here’s another example of "govermment speak".

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid’s great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory:

On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: ’Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.’

So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.

Believe it or not, Harry Reid’s staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:

’Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.’

Now THAT is REAL government speak", counselor!

jes

The opening 'crew' will be the politicians that compelled taxpayers to pay for the bridge.

#2, jespear,

that made me grin.

I've long been suspicious of certain aspects of my own family history for the same reasons!