Large Fierce Mammal

Gildor Inglorion: “That Gandalf should be late, does not bode well. But it is said: ‘Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.’ The choice is yours: to go or wait.”

Frodo Baggins: “And it is also said, ‘Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'”

~ The Fellowship of the Ring ~

Frustrated as Frodo might be, at least the Elves are working with traditional definitions of the negative and affirmative. For the rest of us, the arrival of election campaign season anywhere comes with the inevitable publication of conflicting public opinion polls pertaining to candidates, parties, policies, smoke, and mirrors. This happens every time notwithstanding the equally inevitable proof that the ultimate public opinion poll – the election results themselves – once again represent a sad statement on how much meaningful attention the average voter devotes to the formulation of informed decisions.

I could go on, but would rather provide you with this far more eloquent illustrative example taken from the exquisite British comedy series, Yes, Prime Minister. National (mandatory military) service – yes or yes?