Lots of word salad in Olympia. Let me translate some of the frequently used buzzwords I’ve heard in the legislature since I’ve been here, and what I found they often really mean in this place. Democrat Buzzword Translator Inclusive Means only people who agree with us are welcome to participate. Lived experience Means personal anecdotes elevated above evidence. Trauma-informed Means we recognize trauma, but only for our preferred groups. Evidence-based Means evidence that supports our pre-decided conclusions, or that was fabricated by supporters with data manipulation. Culturally appropriate Means aligned with progressive ideology, regardless of culture. Diversity Means differences in appearance/identity, not differences in thought or experience. Equity Means unequal treatment justified by politics. Safe spaces Means spaces protected from disagreement. Hate speech Means speech we dislike or can’t rebut. Misinformation Means information that challenges official narratives. Disinformation Means true information shared by the wrong people. Protecting democracy Means protecting outcomes we approve of, even if we have to erase democratic rights. Our democracy Means democrat political power, not the people’s power. Community standards Means rules written by activists, enforced selectively. Experts say Means we found someone with a credential who agrees with us. Settled science Means no further debate allowed. Whole-child approach Means the state decides what your child needs. Gender-affirming care Means medical or social intervention without parental consent. Public health Means government authority without limits or choice. Justice-involved individual Means criminal, but we don’t want to say it. Underserved Means politically useful. Disproportionate impact Means unequal outcomes assumed to be discrimination. Harm reduction Means reducing the harm to ideology, not the person suffering. Restorative justice Means less accountability for criminals. Progress Means permanent change, never revisited, even if it fails. Compassion Means policy that feels good, regardless of results. We know Means there’s disagreement, but we’re declaring it settled. Community Means a small group of activists who claim to speak for everyone. Stakeholders Means activists and consultants, not parents or taxpayers. Best practices Means the latest ideological trend adopted without proof it works. Data-driven Means the data we selected after deciding the outcome. Republican/Conservative Means a dog whistle we use to signal the desired opposition of common sense ideas or principles. Trump Means things we hate and need a scapegoat for things we do. MAGA Means anyone we hate and can put a label to it. End Hate Means only for people who agree with us. Discrimination Means wrong in theory, acceptable in practice.