third world county

Out ‘n’ about in the real world, folks I’ve interacted with are getting some confused signals, mixed messages, and a wild array of rumors thrown at them–some from traditional “news” sources. I usually let ‘em in on some ways they can do their own homework, and I sometimes also tell them what I’ve discovered–then again tell them to do their own homework, of course.

Here’s a decent place to start:

Factcheck.org

And here’s a short sample from its bullet points on rumors–and false news reports–it’s already checked for factual content:

*Palin did not cut funding for special needs education in Alaska by 62 percent. She didn’t cut it at all. In fact, she tripled per-pupil funding over just three years.

*She did not demand that books be banned from the Wasilla library. Some of the books on a widely circulated list were not even in print at the time. The librarian has said Palin asked a “What if?” question, but the librarian continued in her job through most of Palin’s first term.

*She was never a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, a group that wants Alaskans to vote on whether they wish to secede from the United States. She’s been registered as a Republican since May 1982.

*Palin never endorsed or supported Pat Buchanan for president. She once wore a Buchanan button as a “courtesy” when he visited Wasilla, but shortly afterward she was appointed to co-chair of the campaign of Steve Forbes in the state.

*Palin has not pushed for teaching creationism in Alaska’s schools. She has said that students should be allowed to “debate both sides” of the evolution question, but she also said creationism “doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum.”

The analysis refuting these rumors and false reports is available at the link, but once again DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK. Don’t just accept an authority; check its research yourself. It’s all out there and available for anyone who can use a search engine, folks. Lies, damned lies and quotidian political *spit* hatchet jobs do NOT have to stand if folks will simply DO THEIR OWN HOMEWORK. A lazy, complacent electorate is all that’s needed for the triumph of evil (with not so sincere apologies to Lord Acton *heh*).

Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Leaning Straight Up, Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracker, Allie is Wired, and The World According to Carl, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.