Someone said that the greatest casualty in a time of war is the truth. It isn't only when we're calling out the artillery. Looks like every Presidential campaign politicians play fast and loose with the facts. This is nothing new. What is new is that we have this wonderful organization called FactCheck which holds all those in public life accountable for the statements they make. I' ve been receiving an email from this organization for quite a while. They take on everybody; Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians.
FactCheck.org stated purpose is to try to correct misstatements, exaggerations and sometimes downright lies by politicians and other public figures. This is a project that comes from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center. I get an email weekly about the misstating of facts from all sides. They try to set the record straight. Not an easy order in our time. This last email has listed some of the half-truths that Michelle Bachmann has been saying of late. FactCheck point by point takes her statements in context and then presents the facts of the matter. This is no right/wing or left/wing bashing organization. I've read as many of their articles about the not-quite-true-statements by those in office regardless of political stripe. This is refreshing in a time when people think the Republicans are right...or the Democrats are always right.
The Southern writer Flannery O'Connor once said: "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you off." Seems to me we desperately need some odd people at every level today if we are to be a healthier society. I recommend FactCheck to anyone who wants to cut through some of the bramble we face everyday.
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