Normally, we do not report on FCC enforcement actions until they are resolved. But an egregious attack on the English language in one ongoing case cannot be ignored. The FCC is currently reviewing whether to renew the license of Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, a controversial ham who has been a thorn in the Commission's side for many years. The case is currently at the stage of "First Interrogatories," in which FCC lawyers ask Baxter to provide them information on a variety of questions regarding their accusations against him.
Included in these "First Interrogatories" are several definitions, including the following:
f. The term "and" also means "or" and the term "or" also means "and."
g. The term "each" also means "every" and the term "every" also means "each."
h. The term "all" also means "any" and the term "any" also means "all."
From the editors: Sorry, folks, but they do not. "And" is not the same as "or;" "each" is not the same as "every" and "all" is not the same as "any." Just look in any dictionary. The federal government has the power to do many things, but redefining basic terms of the English language is not among them.
