Editorial From WSJ:
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't?
Regarding Bill Clinton's difficulties with the word "is" during his taped grand jury testimony:
Well, is "is" "is" or isn't it? I mean, if not, then what is "is"? If "is" was "was," which it isn't, then that would also mean "was" was "is," but "is" isn't that either. So, just what is "is"? Maybe it's easier to decide what "is" isn't. Well, "is" isn't "were," because if "is" were "were" then "was" would be "is," but we already know it isn't. "Is" could be "are," but if "is" is "are" . . . no . . . let's not go there because "are" implies plural, and surely he didn't mean "is" was "are." So, if "is" wasn't "were," and "is" isn't "was," and "is" are not "are," just what is "is"? I think "is" is "is"! Isn't it?
Michael W. Reece |
