Comments on: Jim Harbaugh and war words

By: Funx

Funx — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 21:57:25 +0000

Did Harbaugh mention war in this particular news conference or did you just put those words in his mouth? I’m just curious. I’m sure your answer will clear everything up.

By: Nancy R

Nancy R — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:14:01 +0000

Words matter. “Enemy” reflects Harbaugh’s attitude. His focus should be on his team winning because of their (his) savvy, not on focusing on the other team by giving them provocative labels. The Rams are not enemies. Imagine if a coach called the other team his “friends.” Wouldn’t that rock the football world? Writers wouldn’t know what to do with that word. By the way the Rams coach called some gutsy and surprising plays that Harbaugh wouldn’t have called. I’d rather hear about teams and coaches making bold, exciting, winning plays rather than name calling. Name calling of the other team is a distraction from your own failures.

By: CohnZohn

CohnZohn — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:41:53 +0000

Thanks, Dr. Feelgood

By: Dr. Feelgood

Dr. Feelgood — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:33:47 +0000

Nice post Lowell. You’ve drawn the readers into an Language discussion. Refreshing.

I have often used “enemy” and feel that the word is broad enough to apply to non-military type applications, to the more mundane uses such as quoted of Mr. Harbaugh. So, I checked Webster’s on-line. Draw your own conclusions, here is how they weigh in-
en·e·my
noun \ˈe-nə-mē\
plural en·e·mies
Definition of ENEMY
1: one that is antagonistic to another; especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent
2: something harmful or deadly
3a : a military adversary
b : a hostile unit or force
Examples of ENEMY
1. He made a lot of enemies during the course of his career.
2. Tradition is the enemy of progress.
Origin of ENEMY
Middle English enemi, from Anglo-French, from Latin inimicus, from in- 1in- + amicus friend — more at amiable
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to ENEMY
Synonyms: adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile, opponent
Antonyms: amigo, friend
Related Words: archenemy, archfoe, nemesis; ill-wisher; bane, bête noire; assailant, attacker, combatant, invader; competitor, emulator, rival
Near Antonyms: buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal; abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner; adherent, disciple, follower; backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

What really jumps out is the original Latin, in essence; ‘opposite of friend’

By: Stan

Stan — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:02:54 +0000

U dont know nuthin about writin and you attacks on Harbaugh meanes I will from now on read your posts TWICE as fast so as not to spend alot of time reading every single post every single day.
take that.
signed,
A Fan.

By: Johnc

Johnc — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:52:10 +0000

There is so much going on in this stream of consciousness blog today that it makes your head spin.
When I was a freshman in high school I read a book entitled “Beyond Courage” which is about prisoners in Japanese POW camps. It is something you never forget.
I think Harbaugh would have great respect for Ian Watt. Ian might regard Harbaugh much as I suspect you do, Lowell, i.e. as an interesting but flawed character in the Shakespearan play we call life. He certainly had been the subject of many of your blogs and columns.

Perhaps like Captain Ahab he will eventually implode in pursuit of the Great White Whale whom he perceives as the enemy.

George Carlin did a very funny routine contrasting the warlike language used in football to the terminology used in baseball. If you want a good laugh here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yl-WhoSX0E

By: Brady

Brady — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:24:24 +0000

Lowell, you tell Ritzy to look up enemy, saying that it is someone you intend to hurt. Yet you dismissed my earlier comment.

From Merriam-Webster: “one that is antagonistic to another; especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.”

From Dictionary.com: “a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent.”

I would expect an english major to have a full grasp of the definitions, not such a narrow-minded one.

By: mendozaline

mendozaline — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:43:42 +0000

Lowell, how about the expression “perfect is the enemy of the good.” Words have many meanings and language is dynamic. You know that Harbaugh does not want to physically hurt any opponent.

Players and coaches do not share any NFL profit. Only owners do.

By: Capts

Capts — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:40:18 +0000

Lat year they wore “blue collar” dress ups. Never mind these are millionaires. I guess playing “war” and pretending to be disenfranchised are cornerstones to a Harbaugh coached team.

By: CohnZohn

CohnZohn — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 03:20:05 +0000

rityzy, I didn’t ask if Smith is getting X-rays. I swear. All the writers were embarrassed when that question came out.