A warning today about one of the most dangerous words in the English language: “But”
I’m not talking about that ever expanding seat cushion you are sitting on, I’m talking about the tiny three letter conjunction that can cause  big trouble if you don’t use it properly.  Used incorrectly, “but”  can completely undermine what you are saying.
Example: Earlier this week during the question period in the House of Commons Conservative MP Jason Kenney explained the government’s position on torture by saying,
“Of course we oppose the use of torture but we believe that Canada’s security agencies should prioritize the protection of life.”
It really doesn’t matter what comes next. Anything you say next is instantly and completely negated by that “but”.
If you are saying “I’m not a racist, but…” you’re probably going to say something  racist.
If you are saying “I think women are equal but” you are probably a misogynist.
Don’t believe me? Try this little experiment. The next time your spouse says “I love you”, try answering them with “I love you too, but…” Then see how many words you manage to get out of your mouth.
But…what do I know?