This does look, walk and quack like a duck, doesn't it?

The proponents of a P3 (public-private partnership) for my city's water and waste department keep insisting it's not privatization. So do some of the plan's critics.
Well, here's the first definition of privatize at dictionary.com: "to transfer from public or government control or ownership to private enterprise."
The plan proposed by my city's mayor and his pals would transfer control (though not ownership) of our water and waste operations to private-sector partners. Compare that to the definition of privatize.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck ...
So please, broadsheet scribe, don't tell us that people are "concerned the move would eventually lead to privatization of the city’s water." What we're talking about here is, at least to a degree, privatization -- albeit, arguably, of water services and not water itself.
Another thing the reporter might want to make note of: She's a reporter, not an editorial writer. It's not her place to say some groups have "issued thoughtful statements" while others have not.
And still another thing: I'm guessing the reporter ain't from 'round here. If she were, she would probably know that Winnipeg isn't that scared of the occasional Communist. Winnipeg has two city parks named after Commies, and one was the second-place candidate for mayor in 1979.
Was there really a need to mention the Communists twice in one article?
Yes, the local Communist leader was a key organizer in Tuesday's protest rally. Big deal. He happens to have the time to organize such events while some other concerned Peggers have full-time jobs that don't allow them that kind of time.
Besides, I've met the guy (did a story on the party a couple of years ago) and he's not that scary. Seems like a nice chap, actually.
The local tabloid gave the rally less prominent coverage at page 13. No surprise there, since the story doesn't involve auto theft or violent crime.
But it seems the tabloid's reporter did make a successful attempt at understanding the concerns of people at the rally. Gotta give the tabloid and the reporter credit for that.