BRUCE WHITFIELD: Politicians who find the truth unspeakable
When you have no ideas on how to dig yourself out of a mess you created, obfuscate, distract, but whatever you do, don't tell people what is really going on
Wouldn't it be nice if people said what they meant? Visit any US port of entry and you quickly learn that the word "sir" has multiple meanings. It might occasionally be respectful, or it might mean "I will break your legs if you crack a joke while I am frisking you, sir." It's not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. New regulations mean financial institutions must use simple language in their communications with you. According to "treat customers fairly" principles, financial institutions can no longer hide behind the alienating jargon that for years has been used to deceive clients. It's a positive development, and we should force politicians to do the same. It would save no end of stomach-churning reflux. It would also provide all of us with greater certainty about what precisely it is that policymakers are thinking. We might not like it, but at least it would be clear. The currency plunged this week to seven-week lows as the ANC policy conference drew to a close w...
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