Keeping It Real

By Kleinheider Posted on May 15, 2008 at 8:13 am

Chris Sanders comments on Karl Dean’s use of the word “good” in his State Of Metro address:

“Good”–there’s that word. “Ladies and gentlemen, as we approach the mid-point of 2008, the state of Metro is good.” The budget situation is not good and the dropout rate is not good. What does he mean? Unlike some spectators, I took “good” as a fairly mild description. It certainly contrasts with the President’s description of the state of the union as “strong” or “has never been stronger.” I think it was an attempt to avoid exaggeration. He lists a number of features of the city that are good. He may also ironically be borrowing a page from Bob Clement via Jim Collins when he closes by saying, “The destination our city arrives at will be great.” He acknowledges that the “path we take will not be easy.” Good becomes a great deal more understandable in that context.

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Tags: Bob Clement, good to great, Karl Dean, Nashville, State Of Metro