This paper comments on the topic of literacy and politics by answering a question: "Why can't literacy educators seem to reach the politicians?" The discussion in the paper shows how educators and politicians communicate in different languages; when speaking about education educators tend to use their own jargon, while policymakers tend to speak in plain language. The paper offers several suggestions for improving communication between the two groups. Contains 10 references. Attached is a discussion forum in which 11 readers comment on the author's opinions and suggestions. (NKA)