Worst New Phrase

In an LA Times front page piece on the dangers of secondhand smoke, Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona says "the debate is over." Hmm. Who else talks like that?

I'm not saying there aren't situations where the evidence is so one-sided debate is pointless unless you have some startling new information. Nevertheless, there are still hot issues--oh, let's say global warming and secondhand smoke--where scientists will tell you there are plenty of basic questions still unanswered.

My suggestion: don't say "the debate is over." It's sounds like you're afraid to have one.