One of Trump’s favorite words is ‘Deal’, but deal, like every other word has a set definition as well as a connotation. You can think of a connotation as something like a word’s reputation. It’s based on how that word is actively used in the society at that time. Some examples are the words ”bad” or ”sick”. They can take on a meaning completely different than the set definition.
‘Deal’ in our society has come to mean one side wins and the other loses. In other words, one side put something over on the other side. There is a clear winner and a loser and the winner is stronger. A deal offers a quick solution and can be easily undone by the winner, resulting in confusion and chaos.
In contrast, agreements are reached following discussion and thought and the result is an understanding that takes into account the situation of both sides.
The problem with deals is that they can sow seeds of discontent that result in disaster down the line. The classic example is the Treaty of Versaille signed in 1919 which was arguably a deal rather than a treaty. It ended World War I. The treaty punished Germany, and while it was appropriate to hold Germany responsible for the destruction and death it caused, its severe terms ultimately aided the rise of Hitler and the resulting World War II.
On almost every news cast, the media refers to Trump’s latest Deal. Trump talks of trade deals, deals offered to federal workers to leave their positions and even budget bills which become deals. This perpetuates the chaos and Trump thrives on chaos, conflict and confusion.
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