BOONDOGGLE RERUN (*) OWEL
In June of 1999 I wrote a piece for this page titled “Boondoggle”.
I used that title to decry the fact that I received through the United States mails each month a publication intended for farmers receiving subsidy payments. I am not, and have never been eligible, for such government assistance and the monthly newsletter listing start and cut-off dates for such programs which were not of much concern for me. I have received this newsletter for many years and, now in 2003 I find I still get it. It also provides me with the names of twelve paid persons who make it possible for me to have news of activities of their governmental office each month.
I have received and replied to an occasional form from time to time, which asked me if I wished to continue receiving the publication. I have ticked the “No” box but no one every read them, it appears.
A “ boondoggle, I find, is described as being “an unnecessary or wasteful project or activity”, so it is logical that I should find some in governmental areas.
Specifically, the use of the term “boondoggle” can be blamed on one man. His name was Robert H. Link and he was active as a Scoutmaster for many years before his death in 1957. I mention the date pf his passing to show that the term is fairly new and not one used when the founding fathers were finding fault with the King's men. The word grew from Scouting, in fact.
Two “other” meanings of “boondoggle” are: (1) A braided leather cord worn as a decoration especially by Boy Scouts. (2) A cord of braided leather, fabric, or plastic strips made by a child as a project to keep busy.”
Remember ...as a noun: “an unnecessary or wasteful project or activity”. As a Verb: “to waste time or money on boondoggling.”
If, for some weird reason you'd rather not talk about at this time, to further your own investigation of this strange word - “boondoggle”, I think “government” might still be a good place to start.
(*OWEL... this being one of a random series dealing with “Our Wonderful English Language” - ever growing)
A.L.M. September 15, 2003 (c398wds)
