bureaucracy
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bureaucracy
Somehow this word evolved from a Latin word meaning either "red" or "shaggy garment". Apparently the French used a cloth to cover a desk and, well, you can take it from there. The "cracy" portion is from Greek "kratia" denoting "power of".
William A. Hupy
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Re: bureaucracy
I wonder if the cloth covering back then was to protect the wood from any extra ink that might seep through the paper, or spill. As in the blotter I have on mine. Quite probably folk etymology, but I like it.
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Re: bureaucracy
Or to hide its mysterious and corrupt practices. Few have recognized how many ills of society can be traced to the infinite workings of bureaucracy.
pl
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Re: bureaucracy
Perry's post brings us full circle. If bureaucracy began life as something red, it is now known as red tape.
Re: bureaucracy
A well known saying claims "bureaucracy keeps growing to cater to the needs of a growing bureacracy". I wonder if there is a figurative use of the word for which would the saying stays meaningful.
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