A Word About a Word

"You look great today, BUT...."

"The movie was enjoyable, BUT..."

"Loved your chocolate pie creation, BUT..."

Okay, so you get it.  In this election year, I'm on a campaign to eliminate "but" from our use and even our dictionary.  I bring this crucial issue to your attention.

As part of the pre-vote poll, I ask the following:

Have you ever heard the word "but"?

If your answer is yes, please explain the circumstance.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most odious), how would you rank your experience?

I nominate "but" for total extermination based upon the clear fact that there has   never been a "but" that didn't annihilate the assertion that preceded it.  "But" has: offended the innocent; hurt folk - often with aforethought and malice; dashed hopes; belittled accomplishment; abased the worthy.  On the other hand, when "but" attempts to mitigate a previous phrase of negative tenor, it is lame at best.  "But" does not deserve to live further in human communication.

Madam Chairperson, I call the question.

(NOTE:  The phrase "and yet" is still under consideration in committee and yet is to be brought to the floor for full vote.)