IMHO
There are a few word-pairs that should become part of the common vernacular
American Religion
Extracting money by immoral means.
American Promise
A promise that you have no intention of keeping. Particularly, a heart’s desire of the victim that is promised in order to obtain maximum cooperation in clandestine work.
- The refusal of the US to share nuclear technology with Britain after WWII.
American Handshake
A massive threat made clandestinely in order to prompt the victim into open action that brings the wrath of the world down on the victim.
- The movement of nuclear ballistic missiles up to the Turkey-USSR border in order to precipitate the Cuban missile crisis.
American Weapon
Weapon sold to allies that fails spectacularly when used. Sold with genuine excellent technical specifications.
- The F-111 aircraft. In the version sold, the wings fall off.
- The Motorola weapons pointing system for the Collins class submarine.
American Loser
A massive over-reaction to a minor provocation.
American Statistics
Genuine statistics carefully selected to mislead.
- I can think of at least four examples from the cold war, the most recent one just 6 years ago.
American Schizoid
Machiavellian. A complete mismatch between public persona and underlying aims.
American Pastime
Funding a war in the Middle East. A historical extension of the British “Great Game” begun in 1830.
American Truth
Omitting the most important fact in order to support a false conclusion.
American Lockout
A post-selection entry into a bidding war to oust the winning bidder.
American Loyal Opposition
Impeachment proceedings. For the purpose of keeping the president away from running the country.
American Bodyguard
Protecting the person guarded … from the truth.
Ploughshares into Swords
Using “commercial in confidence” to hide large military projects inside civilian enterprises.
American Funding
Splitting the finance multiple ways to stop anyone calculating the total.
American Ankle Bracelet
Mobile phone.