I did not have sexual relations with that task force

According to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's definition of the word "participate," oil executives did not lie when they denied participating in the 2001 energy task force headed by Vice President Cheney.

Oil executives testified before the Senate that they did not participate in the meetings. But White House documents show that the task force held private sessions with officials from Exxon Mobil Corp., Conoco, Shell Oil Co. and BP America Inc.

"Attending meetings, and even making presentations, did not rise to the level of fully participating," said committee spokeswoman Marnie Funk.

Brilliant.

Comments

Josh said…
Participate:

par·tic·i·pate

Pronunciation Key (pär-ts-pt)
v. par·tic·i·pat·ed, par·tic·i·pat·ing, par·tic·i·pates
v. intr.

1. To take part in something: participated in the festivities.
2. To share in something: If only I could participate in your good fortune.

...

Is it really for a Senate Committee to define this word? Or is it for the dictionary to decide?

I hereby define myself as a diplomat. Attention IRS: I'm not going to pay any taxes. Of course, this assumes (!) that I have income ...
November 23, 2005
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