As a term that does not literally mean yes and no, saying yes or no is a terrible reflection on the
person answering. There is an obvious question to follow the answer yes or no. Some one should say,
"Which is it?" This would defy the person answering with yes and no as opposed to committing the
answer to yes or no. Plus, there is the fact that no one deserves an answer that both affirms and
rejects.
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Imagine if you were very ill and went to the doctor for an examination. Afterwards, you ask the
doctor a question.
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"Doctor, have you found anything serious to be wrong with me?"
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The doctor says, "Yes and no."
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You would be confused, though somewhat happy, wanting the answer to that question to be entirely
"No". You would not want any amount of "Yes" in that answer. A speck of "Yes" would be devastating,
even though you would have to inquire further as to the meaning.
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Also, what about being under oath? It would be convenient to battle perjury by telling the lie
and the truth, that is, which is true, the yes or the no?
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Now, is this indictment of the term "yes or no" finished?
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Yes.
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Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You
can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.
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