Word of the Day: rebarbative

Desperation is forcing this idea to show up way before I was ready to shove it out of my brain-nest. That sounds pretty gross, actually.  Well, premature ideas or not, I’ve got to get this out so I can get back to the Slayerfest party parade. I might even get to sleep sometime.

Today’s Word:

rebarbative

As in:

A crowd has gathered for the opening arguments in the latest even capturing the attention of the media and concerned people all over the world.

“Hear ye, Hear ye! The Court of Public Opinion is now in session. Honorable Judge Judy presiding. Case number 199838765441, People versus British Petroleum. All Rise!”

“The first matter in this case: The defendant has been charged with falsifying reports of the severity of the natural disaster caused by the collapse of their drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Further, the defendant is charged with deliberately refusing offers of assistance from willing fisherman, the federal government, and charitable organizations, making suspect their claims that the volume of oil contaminating the ocean is not as significant as indicated by everyone who is not a representative of British Petroleum.”

“In addition, the defendant is charged with willful disregard for the public’s demand for, at the very least, an appearance that the defendant possesses an appreciation for the magnitude of the problem the oil spill has caused. The public also demands an end to the shifting of responsibility from party to party, and that BP demonstrate an inkling that the phrase “all legitimate claims,” means something tangible to the affected parties, instead of sounding like an attempt to deflect repeated questions by representatives of the media and the government.”

“How does the defendant plead?”

“Not Guilty”

A violent outcry erupts from the crowd, as boos and shouts fill the air. The judge allows it.

After the requisite 25 minute “get it off your chest” stage of the trial, The judge motions the crowd to stop.

“Did you want to alter your plea? The crimes described here are rebarbative, and its likely that the punishment and outcry will  get worse before it gets better.”

“No, your honor. We stand by our plea.”

The shouting erupted yet again, this time laced with threats to coat the defendants in their own oil and dispersant, followed by a cleaning, and secondary coating, to fully allow the lesson to sink in.

“Very well then. The public has spoken. British Petroleum has been found guilty of crimes against the public. Sentencing to be a long and painful process, but, not nearly as satisfying as the plaintiffs would like it to be.” Judge Judy banged her gavel. “Court is adjourned.”

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I have learned that the more tired I am, the more time these take to write. Who knew? Right.

rebarbative / re – BARB – at -ive / repulsive, off-putting, daunting