Here's what really bugs me.

Many people in the news business do not understand the "carrot and stick" analogy. They correctly think that the carrot is a lure or reward, but mistakenly think that the stick is for hitting.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The stick is used to hold the carrot out in front of the donkey. It is not to be used as a weapon.

The next time I hear a reporter say something stoopid like "the ambassador has decided to try less carrot, and more stick", I will find them and expectorate in their general direction.