You’re Definitely in the Minority, Senator

Quote:  "I think the President should look across the country and find the most qualified man, woman, or minority."  Senator Trent Lott, after the White House withdrew Harriet Miers' nomination for the Supreme Court.

Figure of Speech:  solecism (SOL eh sizm), the figure of ignorance.

We're not sure which minority Lott is thinking of (Democrats?), but most of the minorities we know comprise men and women.  That makes Senator Lott's statement a solecism -- from the Latin solecismus, "speaking incorrectly."

While any sort of mistake in grammar or syntax can qualify as one, the purest solecism combines bad language with bad logic.  Congratulations, Senator.

Snappy Answer:  "We'd choose a man or a woman. Anyone else would get Miered."

Comments

[amy amster]

Lee and Low Books is an independent children’s book publisher specializing in diversity. They take pride in nurturing many minority authors and illustrators who are new to the world of children’s book publishing.

For more about their history and their books, visit:
<a href="http://www.leeandlow.com/p/about_us.mhtml">Minority Book Publisher</a>