FTC sends Spanish news release to English readers

Are some members of the Federal Trade Commission’s office of public affairs lunching on too many fajitas or tacos?

A Spanish language news release last week was disseminated to many who speak and read only English.  That includes Grumpy Editor whose only command of Spanish stems from high school courses and an occasional visit south of the border.

With August doldrums, when things are quiet in Washington, D.C., the FTC’s PR folks whipped up a news release offering tips for protecting laptops from theft. In these days when slippery fingers lurk at airports, bus terminals and busy restaurants, that’s a great public service idea.

However, the news release went out to several hundred news people in Spanish under the headline:

Computadora Portátil bajo Llave

Seeking an English language version --- even though English still is not the official language in the U.S. --- Grumpy Editor requested a more easily readable version.

After five days, the English translation still hasn’t shown up.

Perhaps too many margaritas are available as August heat grips Washington where the temperature today is expected to reach a sweltering 94 degrees.