To the Editor:
In response to Chris Doyle (“Back to the books,” Aug. 12), have you ever considered perhaps Mayor Dana Redd’s mispronunciation of “library” is actually an accent or regional/cultural way of speaking, not a sign of illiteracy or lack of intellect?
Perhaps the next time you utter the phrase “I’m gonna” instead of “I’m going to” or any other of myriad examples of spoken language not matching true, proper English, you will realize your own hypocrisy.
I agree Camden should not close libraries, but please think twice next time before attacking the intelligence of a public official with a tough, thankless job.
Catherine Connelly
South Philadelphia
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1. Chris Doyle said... on Sep 2, 2010 at 03:13PM
“Well Ms. Connelly, your assertion that Mayor Redd's atrocious annunciation of the word LIBRARY could be " an accent or regional/cultural way of speaking, not a sign of illiteracy or lack of intellect?" is assinine at best. It is what it is! I grew up and still live in South Philly, which has a distinct accent all it's own. Yet, I am still able to speak proper English when it is required! Such as: Giving a public speech to an audience of my constituants, especially when my goal is to be taken seriously, and defend something I believe in! So exactly how am I being a "hypocrite" Thankfully, we live in a country that allows the people to speak their minds and offer their opinions, even if that person slaughters the English language. By-the-way Ms. Connelly, there IS scientific proof suggesting there is a definite connection between intellect and language skills! "Yo", I'm "gonna" go up "Pash-yunk" avenue and go buy a dictionary, cause the one I have doesn't have the word lieberry.”