Fact check.org has always rubbed me the wrong way. Despite their small influence on other news organizations to do their own fact checking, and its ability to set the record straight from time to time, factcheck.org seems to lack the ability to draw the obvious conclusions from their own findings. Need an example? Try their analysis of Gov. Palin’s record, "Sliming Palin," followed by my own answers:
No Cut for "Special Needs" Kids
It's not true that Palin slashed the special education budget in Alaska by 62 percent. But in fact, she increased special needs funding so dramatically … described the jump as "historic." Palin signed legislation in March 2008 that would increase public school funding considerably, including special needs funding.
Answer: The state legislature draws up the budget, not the governor. “She” did not increase funding, but signed it into law. This is similar to other issues she has taken credit for.
Not a Book Burner
One false rumor accuses then-Mayor Palin of threatening to fire Wasilla’s librarian for refusing to ban books from the town library.
Answer: It was never a rumor, and never once did I see a story claiming she banned any books. This is a phony argument by Fact Check. I have a question for Fact Check: What person would inquire about banning books, if they weren’t in some way thinking about it?
Fact Check states “the librarian continued to serve in that position.”
Answer: But never states the public protest that forced Palin to rehire the librarian.
It’s true that Palin did raise the issue with Mary Ellen Emmons, Wasilla’s librarian, on at least two occasions. Emmons reported that Palin pressed the issue, asking whether Emmons' position would change if residents were picketing the library.”
Answer: Here Fact Check is a little dense in the head. Maybe Palin should have also asked if Emmons’ would have changed her position if the Mayor lit the torches and passed out pitch forks to an angry mob of protestors?
Closet Secessionist?
Palin was never a member of the Alaskan Independence Party – which calls for a vote on whether Alaska should secede from the union or remain a state – despite mistaken reports to the contrary.
Answer: Oh well then, she gets a pass for the following list of things she did for AIP provided again by an intentionally naive Fact Check.
But her husband was a member for years, and she attended at least one party convention, as mayor of the town in which it was held. Palin’s husband, Todd, was registered with AIP from October 1995 to July 2000, and again from September 2000 until July 2002. The McCain campaign says Sarah Palin went to the 2000 AIP convention, also held in Wasilla, “as a courtesy since she was mayor.” As governor, Palin sent a video message to the 2008 convention, which is available on YouTube, and the AIP says she attended in 2006 when she was campaigning.
Answer: But as Fact Check has already stated, she wasn’t a member, so her husbands membership, participation in and gubernatorial video are none factors, right?
No Creationism in Schools
On Aug. 29, the Boston Globe reported that Palin was open to teaching creationism in public schools. That's true. She supports teaching creationism alongside evolution, though she has not actively pursued such a policy as governor. In an Oct. 25, 2006, debate, when asked about teaching alternatives to evolution, Palin replied: “Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. A couple of days later, Palin amended that statement in an interview with the Anchorage Daily News, saying: “I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum.”
Answer: Typical Republican response. They first they say what they mean. Then, when they’re confronted with their controversial comment, they acquiesce to the protestors by feigning innocence while claiming they never really meant what they…meant. For Palin to say, “Teach both,” leaves little up to the imagination.
Perhaps Factcheck.org’s dumbing down of the informational intent of peoples words and actions is a sign that the fourth estate is disintegrating before our very eyes.
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