Senator Talk

As a reporter I must question members of Congress about important policy matters. The problem is that we do not speak the same language. Example:
Question – Senator, what do you think of the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy affecting our Armed Forces?
Answer – To me the security of the nation is most important and must not be compromised by political considerations or any modification to existing rules and regulations, that in themselves have created a certain sense of security, that by the way have always been supported by my party that at any one time has demonstrate its adherence to our principles and has never failed to strengthen our democratic roots in spite of efforts from other horizons to introduce a note of disagreement that invariably creates deep differences that ….”
I had to interrupt him and insist on getting a clear opinion on the matter. This is what I received in response;
“Yes, I realize that there are differences in the relative positions of those matters that must be analyzed. You will recall that President George Washington, a few days before Appomatox engaged in a long and fortunately fruitful exchange with General McIntosh. But this event did not cease to inspire subsequent leaders of our country, where democracy and freedom from the very beginning were foundations of ……”
I could not take it anymore. Enough of Washington and its strange communications jargon. I stood in front of the Senate building and walked to the front of the taxi line, got in and told the driver where I wanted to go. He turned and said;
“Good morning, Chief! Welcome aboard. It is really a happy moment when, facing an important piece of history such as our Senate Building, that has witnessed those elements that have made the history of our nation. . . . “
I could not take it anymore. I left the cab and jogged all the way to Manhattan!