Words we use to make things happen  

It can be useful to think about the words we use to make it happen, to get things done, to bring about change, to reform. So today I’ve put together a list of key terms, such as ‘goal’ to ‘policy’ to ‘evaluation.’ . They are used by government policy makers and officials, but they can also be used by just about anybody, like you!

For each term, I’ve included my definition in the form of a question. I rather like questions, they’re good for stimulating thought. Underneath, I’ve also given a dictionary definition. I’ve taken what are the most relevant Merriam-Webster online dictionary. However, quite honestly, I don’t think all of them are that clear or that good, perhaps reflecting the rich ambiguity that pervades the English language (and others). You can see that some terms are used almost interchangeably, some overlap. Feel free to propose your own definitions.

To see how this looks in the messy world out there, I’ve applied the terms to a couple of situations. First, the case of a 21st century malaise  – the smartphone malaise. Second, President Trump’s position on immigration to the US.

Goal: What do you want?

Merriam-Webster: the end toward which effort is directed

Objectives: Why do you want that?

Merriam-Webster: something toward which effort is directed

Strategy: How are you going to get it?

Merriam-Webster: a careful plan or method

Policy: What conduct will you follow to get it?

Merriam-Webster: a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

Plan: What are you going to do to get it?

Merriam-Webster: a method for achieving an end

Legislation: What incentives and disincentives will make sure the policy is followed?

Merriam-Webster: the exercise of the power and function of making rules (such as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization

Evaluation: Did you achieve your goal and objectives? Why or why not?

Merriam-Webster: determination of the value, nature, character, or quality of something or someone

Exhibit A: The smartphone challenge

Goal: Spend less time on my smartphone

Objectives: Get more exercise, reduce eye strain, reduce risk of getting run over, be more social

Strategy: Avoid using the phone during longer periods of time

Policy: Phone is never taken to the bedroom or taken out at the table

Plan: Leave phone downstairs; ask my spouse to remind me to not use it during meals

Legislation: (Not normally an option for individuals, but could For every quarter that I stick to my policy, I allow myself to buy a new pair of shoes

Evaluation:  Did these restrictions on cell phone use  help me meet my objectives? If not, what should I do differently.

(On a side note, I myself don’t own a smartphone. Have been holding out for 11 years and counting. I find that the advantages still outweigh the advantages of ownership.)

Exhibit B: US immigration

Goal: Make America Great Again

Objectives: Return the country to an earlier era, invigorate the white working class, get (re)elected,

Strategy: Demonize undocumented immigrants (Trump referring to Mexicans when announcing his candidacy: ““They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people”) and minority would be immigrants; build a wall with Mexico

Policy: Bring up immigration issue frequently; get people to focus on crimes committed by immigrants

Plan: Have ICE conduct raids on businesses; increase deportations, pass new legislation restricting legal immigration and the rights of migrants and asylum seekers

Legislation: Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018 proposed by Republicans (not passed), a bill which would have provided funding for a border wall, modified visa programs to limit legal immigration, mandated the use of a worker verification program, allowed the administration to cut funding to sanctuary cities, allow recipients of DACA to apply for legal status, and prevent families from being separated at the border.

Evaluation: None yet, but an evaluation might explore whether the Trump policy has an impact on immigration flows, whether it actually benefits Americans (in terms of jobs, income, their identity), whether it helps the Republicans win the next elections, what its affects are on immigrant families in the US,