Introducing: Grammar in the News

It's not often that grammar has the opportunity to help bring down corrupt government officials, so when it does, we take notice. In this article about the impeachment of Iran's Interior Minister, Ali Kordan, note the important role played by grammar and spelling:

Kordan's resume was questioned during his confirmation debate in August, when several lawmakers argued he was unqualified for the post and claimed his Oxford degree was a fake. He was approved by a relatively slim margin, reflecting those concerns.

He supported the degree's authenticity providing a certificate, dated June 2000 and imprinted with an Oxford seal. But the document, written in English, was riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes.

It was only after Oxford denied awarding him an honorary doctorate of law that Kordan admitted the degree was not real.

Let this be a lesson to you all. When you are laying the groundwork for your own corrupt political careers, make sure your document forger is up to snuff. We can't help you with a recommendation, and apparently, neither can Mr. Kordan. However, we would like to suggest that if your political platform has an anti-Western plank, you might consider selecting an institution other than the most prominent university in the Western world as the grantor of your imaginary honorary degree.

This has been Grammar in the News. Good night, and good God, use the spell-check button.