Letter to the editor: 'Sunsetting' a frightening euphemism

Words can be a cheeky little monkey. During the war in Bosnia, taking place between 1992 and 1995, the term “ethnic cleansing” became a euphemism for racist genocide. At that time our president, politicians and newscasters spoke of it, glibly, using the term with the same normalcy as “cleaning house,” “thinning the herd” or “seeing a man about a horse.” Euphemisms can take the horror and inhumanity out of just about anything.

During President Biden’s State of Union Address, a new monkey came gallivanting into parlance: “sunsetting.” Like clouds on the horizon painted soft rainbow colors of descending, refracted sunlight. But in this case, “sunsetting” is a euphemism for reducing or eliminating social programs like Social Security and Medicare. It hasn’t been made clear whether it means reducing benefits or eliminating them altogether.

Though Biden said he will not “sunset” Social Security and Medicare, it must be noted that in broaching the subject, it is revealed as an open and horrifying possibility being discussed both publicly and behind closed doors.

“Sunsetting” could be a pretty word for denying health care and allowing people to starve or go homeless. At best it might be added hardship to vulnerable people. Biden said it won’t happen on his watch. It is to be hoped he doesn’t let the sun go down on the poor, the infirm, the elderly. Voters might demand single-payer health care in the European model, and a guaranteed standard of living.

Bruce Reisner

Perry South