Final Word from Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek waltzed back into town and
decreed yesterday that the sale of safe alcohol will be resumed
within a matter of days. Why is it that something that should be
good news sounds so devious when coming from his lips? It just
doesn't pass the smell test when he utters it. Kalousek's ploy is
transparent enough for those paying close attention. First, he
wants to disavow any responsibility for the 23 deaths from
methanol poisoning, although his ministry has allowed
(encouraged?) a multibillion-crown black market in alcohol to
flourish. Second, he wants to shift the attention by resuming
"safe" sales and talking about a new licensing system for
retailers. It's hard to tell from Kalousek's words who has been
lobbying him more in the past few days - the legitimate spirits
producers or the black marketeers, all of whom want to return to
normal operation ASAP.[Czech Republic methyl alcohol excise tax]
Glossary of difficult words
to waltz in - to enter (a room or situation) without hesitation and with self-confidence;
to decree - to issue an order (such as by a king);
devious - showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals;
the smell test - an informal test using common sense to determine whether something is legitimate or ethical;
to disavow - to deny any responsibility or support for;
to flourish - to grow rapidly; to thrive;
ASAP - as soon as possible.