Mark Twain famously said that "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." That saying is doubly true when the lie is on the front page of one of the nation's leading newspapers. This morning the Washington Post ran a front page story headlined Foes Use Obama's Muslim Ties to Fuel Rumors About Him. Although author Perry Bacon Jr., who is rumored to be a real porker,* mentions in his front page "story" that Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ, Mr. Bacon asserts that
Despite his denials, rumors and e-mails circulating on the Internet continue to allege that Obama (D-Ill.) is a Muslim, a "Muslim plant" in a conspiracy against America, and that, if elected president, he would take the oath of office using a Koran, rather than a Bible, as did Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the only Muslim in Congress, when he was sworn in earlier this year.These aren't rumors Mr. Bacon, they are utterly unsubstantiated lies. To quote Barack Obama on CNN
"If I were a Muslim, I would let you know, but I'm a member of Trinity United Church of Christ on 95th Street on the South Side of Chicago. We've got the best choir in town, and if you want to come and worship with us, you are more than welcome."There is no, zero, nada substantiation for any of the assertions. Liars sometimes use email to spread lies. Other times they use the internet. This time they used Mr. Bacon and the Washington Post.
To quote Digby
According to the Washington Post "Republicans say Barack Obama is a Muslim and Obama says he isn't" is a legitimate story. Modern campaign journalism in all it glory.Mr. Bacon, go way until you have something to report. In the meantime your editor should be fired. Editors are supposed to be grown ups.
*I have no idea if Mr. Bacon is a porker or not. Its a "rumor" I just made up. He could be a Klingon for all I know.
