I have always been fairly pragmatic about judging political candidates. Our society is made up of great people, not-so-great people, smart people, dumb people and everything in between. We shouldn’t expect those who have the courage to put their name on the ballot to be perfect.
We should however, expect those who run for Congress to possess basic writing and communication skills. Recently, I was attending a political convention and picked up a brochure for a Congressional candidate. I was shocked at what I read. I was going to scan this, but couldn’t make the scan the right size for readability. As a service to my readers, I will type in what I read verbatim;
My Family has served in the Military every generation since the Civil War. I must protect the Military and their families, I have help and incentives waiting for you. I am Marine Corps.
Our [geographic reference deleted] economy must energize during these times of trial and uncertainty. The truth is shrouded. We have inflation and we are in recession. Small Business can build and survive with tax breaks. We can ‘progress’ through this.
National Healthcare must be adopted to aid all. John Edwards’ proposal was bold, feasible and workable. I will seek his help.
The War in Iraq ends; but, I want Bin Laden. We need ‘closure’ for America.
Social Security and Medicare guarded with action. I will build and secure.
National Security is a must to protect our citizens under the safeguards of the Constitution of the United States. The highest priority for protection against Terrorism for America, to America, in America.
Medical Research and awareness heightened. Our children’s lives depend on it. Cancer Research a priority.
Education expanded. Teachers respected with salary and tools necessary to prepare all students with economic, business and computer studies to prepare them to function in the World Arena.
No wall should keep anyone from loving America. My family helped bring the Statue of Liberty to America, build the ‘Peace Bridge’ to Canada, and a Cross was burned on their lawn. We have laws for entry. We must enforce protection for Americans and Immigrants. Reform Immigration and enforce it.
A Woman and A Man of African descent are making American History. The joy of relief from shackled hearts is near, with peace for Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks and Harrier Tubman among others, all tortured by prejudice.
You can’t make this stuff up. “No wall should keep anyone from loving America.” “Cancer Research a priority.” The latter isn’t even a sentence. Can someone please get this candidate an Associated Press style guide, or perhaps, a 10th grade English course? 
Look, I know that we all can’t write as well as The Inadvertent Gardener. If you took the proverbial red pen to my blog, you’d find all sorts of stuff to correct. However, the person quoted above is running for the U.S.-freakin’-Congress!!!
What is even scarier is that this candidate won a primary and is the Democratic nominee for the fall election. Wow. If that is really the best that voters in this district could come up with, the incumbent will NEVER have a thing to worry about.
Remember, “I am Marine Corps.”
13 responses so far ↓
John Shaw // June 22, 2008 at 6:12 pm
That candidate does need a writing course. But he should also find someone to help him write campaign literature.
I will admit that my writing skills are weak and need improvement–although my skills are far better than that candidate.
I would never think of publishing any printed material that is not written or edited by a professional with experience and proven ability.
I fear that this candidate would not make use of the training and experience of other professionals and experts in his work.
southernmaledemocrat // June 22, 2008 at 6:48 pm
^Without giving too much away (though really it wouldn’t be hard to guess or figure out…) )what is really amazing is that this candidate comes from a profession where solid writing skills are a necessity.
James // June 22, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Writing is a fast-fading art.
I find myself becoming resigned.
Thanks for the link at BlueNC.
That Girl // June 23, 2008 at 9:47 am
In the era of quick emails and text messaging, we’ll continue to see basic grammar and writing skills fade. It is incredibly sad to see that so evident in a candidate for Congress. I’m not even as troubled by the candidate’s inability to communicate clearly and effectively as I am by his inability to see the weakness and need to hire someone to handle this for him. Not everyone in Congress needs to be an English major, but they should make sure they have someone on their staff to cover this. This candidate clearly has not enlisted staff to help in this area, or perhaps even worse, the staff are just as ignorant on basic grammar.
PhoneMan // June 23, 2008 at 9:50 am
Illiteracy, or at least the lack of proofreading skills, is non-partisan. Owing to a forced-march contribution to a Republican campaign several years ago, I still get propaganda (”contribute, or the liberals will steal your babies and eat them”). From Senator McCain himself came this week a letter in which he stated, “I’m a solider . . . ”
C’mon, even spell check woulda flagged that one.
God is in the details. Sloppy writing means sloppy thinking.
inadvertentgardener // June 23, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Education expanded, SMD. Education expanded.
(And thanks for the shout-out — am happy to lend my red pen any time!)
Jen // June 23, 2008 at 4:17 pm
The most disturbing thing about this is that this particular person won a primary against a literate and better-qualified opponent.
Thomas Brock // June 23, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Indeed, Jen, Indeed.
I wonder: Will this comment be deleted too?
southernmaledemocrat // June 23, 2008 at 8:10 pm
^Play nice. I emailed you as to why I deleted your original comment. You may disagree, but smart comments won’t help you make friends on someone else’s blog.
packpigskinfan25 // June 25, 2008 at 1:37 am
I blame it all on the blogs…
after all, thats whats is wrong with NCState Athletics…
Why not the Government too?!
southernmaledemocrat // June 25, 2008 at 7:10 am
^Touche’!
Nice to see a fellow SFN reader stopping by
LillingtonDemocrat // June 25, 2008 at 10:42 am
I wood leave comment. but i”m afreed that i might mist spill somethank an make meself look stupid?
Maggie // July 3, 2008 at 12:29 pm
WOW. Good find there.