Weasel Words

I once had a teaching assistant who, after listening to a lecture, commented on my use of “weasel words” to dance around an issue. She was right, and I have tried in all the years since to say what I mean and mean what I say. If only MLB owners would do the same. Instead, they issued a statement yesterday that would make a weasel blush: “We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5. All thirty clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands.” Oh, and this: “The clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the clubs to any Spring Training games that are not taking place. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side.” What a crock. Fans wanting to see spring training have been ignored, along with those communities that depend on tourists spending money. You know, the barista, the Lyft driver, the server. I wonder what’s “fair” to them. Not that a bunch of weasels would care.