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January 19, 2008
Destroying a couple of myths
Look. I know that people are gullible; and I myself have some embarrassing moments from time to time. But I can't currently count the number of people, including some extremely close to me, who've parroted a vicious set of lies about one of the candidates running for president as if they were gospel truth. Some others have stopped short of outright recitation, but still harbor a sense of distrust that has been fomented by falsehoods.
The lies usually travel by email. I'm about to the point where, if I see "FW:" at the front of a subject line, I delete. (The wife suggested that "FW:" is short for "False Words Ahead.") In addition, there are some websites that have joined in the lying.
I found a political blogger who puts these myths to death in just about as good a way as any, so I'm quoting:
Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat or for or against Barack Obama is really irrelevant. Ultimately, everyone should be basing their decision on accurate information and more importantly should want to base their decision on accurate information. Accordingly, I urge everyone to be especially cautious when it comes to information provided to you that seems a bit too extreme, especially if that information is contained in a chain email.[snip]
Claim 1: Obama is a Muslim, a radical Muslim, an atheist and/or went to school in a radical Madrasah
Fact: This claim is simply false. Obama is a Christian. He did not attend a radical Madrasah, but he did attend a school in Indonesia when he was young; however, this school is NOT some clandestine terrorist camp.
Claim 2: Obama refuses to say the pledge of allegiance and/or Obama refuses to place his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance [this claim is usually accompanied with a photo featuring Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton with their hands over their hearts while Obama has his hands folded in front of him].
Fact: First, Obama does say the pledge of allegiance and when he says the pledge of allegiance, he does place his hand over his heart. Secondly, the picture was in fact taken during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner and Obama’s hands were not over his heart. That said, this is NOT wrong. (I should note that I’m a bit of a protocol buff) The required protocol during the playing of the national anthem is to stand at “respectful attention.” This is the described protocol adopted in 1942 by the National Anthem Committee. On the other hand, Title 4 Chapter 1 Section 4 of the United States Code states that during the pledge one’s right hand should be placed over their heart.
I don't put my hand over my heart during the "Star-Spangled Banner" either. (I do during the Pledge of Allegiance.) Furthermore, the photo of Obama referenced in the lying emails is a one-time occurrence; who knows whether or not he usually does? And why does it matter, as long as one stands up, as appropriate?
And unlike many Americans, I really wouldn't care if Obama were a Muslim, just like I don't care that Fred Thompson is a member of the Church of Christ, nor that Huckabee is a Baptist, nor that Romney is a Mormon. My perfect candidate would be agnostic with regard to religion, but not hostile toward persons of faith. (He or she might even adopt religious-sounding words from the common usage when speaking or writing publicly, like our Deist and Unitarian founders did.) So I won't see that anytime soon; who cares? But it's worse when people are spreading pure lies about someone being of a certain faith. Cease and desist, I say; and if you receive this hogwash, hit that delete key.
That is all for now.
UPDATE 1/20: I forgot to include the Jewish reaction.
Presidential Elections | By joe lance | 06:03 PM
Comments
I've heard the radical Muslim one a few times before (and have been able to at least attempt to correct it), but I'd not heard the "won't say the pledge of allegiance" on until the other day at church. I asked where the information came from, and confirmed that it was indeed from "the internets" ...
Thanks for the information. I can now go back and try to correct this one too.
It's amazing how many people will believe anything that arrives in their mailbox after being forwarded by a friend or family member without even questioning it.
Posted by: Jeremy Clifton at January 20, 2008 12:24 PM