Accuracy Quote by Mary McGrory
“Anyone who has undergone home repair lately knows that your everyday artisan uses language so loosely and makes false promises so glibly as to make your politicians, even the presidential candidate, seem like a model of accuracy and rectitude. 'Be there Wednesday at nine,' the workman will tell you. It is a lie. He is humoring you. He says it to silence you, the way you tell a child you will take it to Disneyland if it will stop crying.”
About This Quote
Source Opinion Column: The Washington Post, 1972
Criticizes vague promises and false timelines in home repair, likening them to political spin that misleads the public.
In simple terms: Home repair promises are often unreliable.
Key Takeaway
Demand clear, written agreements.
Themes
trust
communication
consumer rights
political rhetoric
honesty
Mood
skeptical
critical
informative
Type
advice
political
When to use this quote
- Hiring contractors
- reading contracts
- political campaigns
- customer service
- public accountability
Key Concepts
Consumer protection
political communication
service industry
Questions to Reflect On
- How can consumers verify contractor reliability?
- What standards should protect buyers?
A Different Perspective
Even written promises can be broken; enforcement may be limited.
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