The Universe of Discourse

Why does this phrase sound so threatening?

I took it the same way:

The Village of Melrose Park decided that it would be a good idea

is a menacing way to begin, foreboding bad times ahead for the Village.

But what about this phrasing communicates that so unmistakably? I can't put my finger on it. Is it “decided that”? If so, why? What would have been a less threatening way to say the same thing? Does “good idea” contribute to the sense of impending doom? Why or why not?

(The rest of the case is interesting, but to avoid distractions I will post about it separately. The full opinion is here.)

[Other articles in category /lang] permanent link