27 September 2013

demagogue

[dem-uh-gog, -gawg]

noun, verb, dem·a·gogued, dem·a·gogu·ing.
noun

1. a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
2. (in ancient times) a leader of the people.
verb (used with object)
3. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
verb (used without object)
4. to speak or act like a demagogue.
Also, dem·a·gog.

Origin:
1640–50; < Greek dēmagōgós a leader of the people, popular leader, equivalent to dêm ( os ) people + agōgós leading, guiding; see -agogue

Today’s aphorism

No battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.

– William Faulkner, novelist (1897-1962)

On this day

27 September 1540 – The Jesuits (Society of Jesus) founded by Ignatius Loyola.

27 September 1660 – death of St Vincent de Paul, Catholic priest, born in France, who dedicated himself to serving the poor. Born 24 April 1581.

27 September 1722 – birth of Samuel Adams, American revolutionary and founding father. Died 2 October 1803.

27 September 1947 – birth of Marvin Lee Aday, American rocker – otherwise known as Meatloaf.

27 September 1961 – birth of Irvine Welsh, Scottish writer – ‘Train-spotting‘, ‘Ecstasy‘.

27 September 1963 – Lee Harvey Oswald visits Cuban embassy in Mexico to apply for a Cuban visa. The embassy initially denies the visa, stating that the man was not Lee Harvey Oswald. The embassy said he would need Soviet approval. Following scrutiny from the KGB and CIA, and intense debate between the Soviets, Cuba and Oswald (?) the visa was finally issued. Oswald, or the man purporting to be Oswald, never travelled to Cuba, but returned to the U.S. on 3 October 1963 … conspiracy, anyone?