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