Controversy Brews Over Comey’s Beach Photo
Former FBI Director James Comey has found himself in hot water following a recent post that featured seashells arranged to spell out the numbers “8647.” This went up on May 15, with Comey casually captioning it, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.” However, the post sparked outrage among supporters of President Trump, who interpreted the numbers as a call for violence against the president. Some even considered it a dangerous message that warranted an investigation from the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service.
Context Behind the ‘Eighty-Six’ Term
In response to the backlash, Comey promptly deleted the post and clarified his intentions. He expressed confusion over the connection people made between the numbers and violence, stating he merely thought it was a political message. Comey emphasised that he stands against violence in any form. This incident has reignited discussions about the term “eighty-six,” its origins, and how it’s been used over time in political discourse.
Understanding the Political Uses of ‘Eighty-Six’
The term “eighty-six” has various theories surrounding its inception, predominantly linked to the restaurant industry, where it originally signalled that a menu item was no longer available. Ben Zimmer, a linguist, points out that the verb form of ‘eighty-six’ means to eliminate something, dating back to the late 1940s. The plain fact is, while it can sometimes carry violent undertones, linking it directly to a death threat is a contemporary concept that had yet to permeate mainstream usage until quite recently. This is significant given the ever-present dialogue on political language and its ramifications in today’s highly charged climate.
