Steady Strain?

Steady Strain?

I can’t say I was thrilled when one of my so-called “friends” signed me up for John McCain e-mail updates, but I decided to keep them coming for interest’s sake. Today that decision was rewarded, for I have now learned a thing or two about rigging— one of the most interesting subjects involving ropes.

Dear McCain Supporter,

In the Navy, we often talk of the need to keep a “steady strain” on the lines between ships, to avoid a sudden jerk or movement that could easily snap the line. I’ve always believed a “steady strain” is essential not only at sea, but in life as well.

Politics certainly is not a business of calm seas and light breezes. More like a ship in a storm, in campaign life we ride the high crests and sail through low troughs. I’ve been at the very top and I’ve suffered through the challenges of the bottom. It is through those experiences that I know we must keep the “steady strain.” Our campaign today has already experienced some of this rollercoaster ride, but I strongly believe the “steady strain,” made possible by a strong grassroots organization in the early primary states, is the path to victory. …

Correct me if I’m wrong, but shouldn’t a metaphor help explain a situation to an audience instead of alienating them with bizarre naval jargon? I think it’s fairly obvious that John McCain just wants to remind you: He was in the navy!