SYW: When I say, "It can't happen," I don't mean it can't happen.

I witnessed the utterance of the subject sentence today at a soundly middle class establishment, where it was spoken by an adult who successfully endured undergraduate and graduate programs in well-thought-of American institutions. It was said with sincerity and conviction.

I cannot understand why people expect to be relieved of the requirement for clarity and consistency in conversation. "It depends on what the definition of "is" is?" Is this supposed to be wit? It is this sort of shit-headery that should never be excused and an immediate apology required, accompanied by an explanation if the offender wishes to tender one.

Let us all begin to improve our lives by eliminating this sort of self-indulgent sophistry from common conversation and, dare I ask, from legal proceedings as well.