Is Literacy A Left Wing Problem?

[ToraToraTora]

None of them know what a lie is. None of them seem to be able to read a statement and a suggestion on the side of a bus. What else do they struggle with?

[douglas9401]

Oh goody, Tora's been busy in his workshop making another fool of himself.

[maggiebee]

TTT Wisdom has been chasing you but you have always been faster.

[ToraToraTora]

Here is an example, the poster's words even disprove his own assertion. A sad affliction that only seems to infect the left:
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1837453.html

[ClareTG0ld]

// A sad affliction that only seems to infect the left//

Take your blinkers off for a moment, perhaps that will help. "Only seems to infect the left", indeed.

[pastafreak]

No news link to support your point...so instead you have a go at another ABer.
Nothing better to do?

[naomi24]

TTT gave an example in a link at 10:37, pasta.

[ClareTG0ld]

That's not an example of literacy being a left-wing problem though, is it?

[ToraToraTora]

Well pasts this is in CB and there is a link anyway. Do keep up love.

[ToraToraTora]

pasta!

[naomi24]

Isn't it? I suppose he could add a few more then.

[ToraToraTora]

"that's not an example of literacy being a left-wing problem though, is it? " - err he asks if it's a lie when it cannot be as he points out that the building has started.

[Khandro]

I was amazed last evening to switch on the news to see a woman- teacher EXPLAINING why she thought it was important that children learn to read !

[ClareTG0ld]

Even to the extent that it might be a mistake on Gromit's part to call it a "lie", it would hardly count as an example of illiteracy.

But the real problem is that it's switching the blame to the wrong people. There is every sign that the pledge will fall well short of that intended goal. See eg https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/feb/04/only-10-of-boris-johnson-promised-40-new-hospitals-have-full-planning-permission

Even if it's not a lie, it's an empty promise that is bound to fail. I don't mind politicians setting ambitious targets, but I *do* mind it when they find cunning and deceitful ways to argue that they didn't fail.

It's the same with the bus. The £350 million figure was plain wrong anyway (see eg the multiple ONS statements debunking it), so that's already misleading on its own. Saying "Let's spend it on the NHS instead" may not be a literal promise/contract, but it deliberately misses the force behind a "Let's" statement, which is a clear and unambiguous statement of intent. If that statement is then not followed-up, it's reasonable to feel aggrieved -- both those who agreed on the understanding that this would happen, and those who were frustrated that this sort of empty promise ended up working.

[naomi24]

Banging on about the bus, regardless of the fact that the people who constructed the slogan were in no position to promise anything - which is why they didn't - might give you some indication of why this question has been asked.

[gulliver1]

Not according to TTTs answer to Gromit,s post about new Hospitals 10.15 today.
TTT reckons that.
33 +7+2 makes 40. It would appear Literacy is a right wing problem.

[pastafreak]

Naomi, I was on my phone and thought this was in news...and therefore also thought a link to a current news item would help the lowly readers of AB to understand the point being made.
Silly me.
TTT...there is no need for you to be condescending.

[naomi24]

That'll be numeracy, Gulliver. Your literacy needs polishing. ;o)

[naomi24]

pastafreak, not sure where you're coming from with that ... but ok.

[wolf63]

Pasta
I think that Naomi's comment at 11:29 was a bit condescending too. I'll just give you a pat on the head and call you a 'good girl'

[naomi24]

Not sure where you're coming from either wolf.. I have no idea what either of you are on about ... but ok to you too.