A twisted analogy

Imagine you are out for a stroll one day and you come upon someone walking a large, powerful looking dog. Which wouldn’t be all that unusual, except for the fact that this dog has on a muzzle and perhaps is being held back by a choker chain. My reaction would be to wonder what that dog had done in the past to be so restrained. Might it have bitten a person? Or did it try to tear someone’s toy poodle to pieces? Just seeing the way the dog has been reined in would preclude me from asking its owner any questions as to the reason why. In other words, no one would really need to question such a sight. They might cross to the other side of the road to avoid the dog, as they would know the dog is dangerous. But imagine if you did see such a dog, and that you stopped and asked its owner (or walker) why it was so bound. Logically the walker would respond that the dog had displayed aggression towards people and or animals, and therefore such measures were necessary. But what if the dog’s walker said something like this: “The muzzle is there to prevent people/animals from accessing the dog’s jaws and teeth.” That would be totally a bizarre way to put it! So yes, that would be a factual statement. But, it is couched in such a weird and round about way of saying that the dog could be dangerous and the public is being protected from being bitten and mauled (or possibly killed). A more normal and logical response would be this: “Fido bites, so he has to wear this muzzle when out in the public”.

So what is the point of this lead-in? Last night I happened to see an article in my news feed about none other than the soon to be open Gordie Howe International Bridge. The article concerns the possibility of that bridge becoming a popular biking corridor (which I personally think is unlikely since everyone who crosses it will have to carry a passport and go thru customs). In other words, that bridge won’t become that much of a recreational and sight-seeing location due to the fact that it spans a border. The Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges will still rule for that sort of thing, as anyone can cross them on foot or bike. So I kept reading the article, and then I came upon a most peculiar statement, on a par with my muzzled dog analogy.

You can read the short article here:

https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/12/detroit-canada-bike-bridge-green-tourism

Here is the very Orwellian quote from the article: “Workers are currently installing electrical systems for emergency call stations on the path, plus lighting and security cameras, per Grondin. They are also building the concrete barrier to separate vehicles from pedestrians and a 12-foot-high fence to prevent river access.”

The word “Orwellian” is bandied about quite a bit, essentially ever since the novel 1984 was first published. The term refers to ways in which things are described that are contradictory or are stated in such a twisted way as to nearly obscure the actual meaning of such. For instance, the “Ministry of Truth” was anything but truthful. In 1984, the government used this sort of tortured verbiage to control its citizens and brainwash them.

But why use this sort of language when describing a component of a bridge? This is worse than Maryland’s use of the phrase “fall protection” to describe the same feature that would be on a replacement Bay Bridge. But at least that phrase is somewhat accurate based upon what is actually being described. “River access” could reference a boat launch ramp, a fishing pier or a beach for swimmers. In no way does it allude to a fence on a bridge. The saying “beating around the bush” certainly applies here. Why not just spell it out? I see no reason to come up with ridiculous euphemisms when a direct explanation, assuming one is even needed, will suffice. I think that the person quoted in this article (who is associated with the bridge authority) is afraid to let on that the newly created metal and concrete behemoth could become a monster! And that “ preventing river access” nonsense is an obfuscation. I am sure there are places nearby where people have recreational access to the Detroit River. But for those who are drawn to the monster for other reasons will find a potential killer that’s behind bars. Just like the ferocious dog that has been muzzled.