The essays published in this collection were written in response to the basic question, "To what extent is the language of politics/advertising/psychotherapy/education/bureaucracy/etc. facilitating or impeding our chances of survival?" The general topic here is the contemporary use of language and the semantic environment in America, especially in consideration of mass media capability. The general trend of replies to the basic question is that the modes of discourse have gotten out of control and are not doing what they are intended to do. The hope is expressed that through a universal education in the rational use of language, the balance can be restored. (Author/VM)