Headline writing has always been an art.  From my earliest days as print newsman, finding the right words to tell a story and fit the allotted space was a routine challenge that often sparked some of the liveliest debates in the newsroom.  Sometimes hilarious, often passionate, headline writing has been and remains a distinct and important craft.

So how does one adequately explain this March 16 item from the CNN website politics page?

Health care foes have 200 no votes in House

Or this March 4 item from the Miami Herald website?

Health care opponents target Utah judgeship in latest salvo

Let’s see a show of hands:  How many health care foes do we have out there today?

hands up

Okay, let’s rephrase the question.  All you “health-care opponents” say “aye.” (more…)