"Why Journalists Should Fact-Check" or "America is Ridiculous: Part 1"

Per always, I would like to begin with a disclaimer. I believe in the ideas of democracy, free speech, and am proud to be a US citizen, generally. I believe in the institution of America, but it's the people in it that make me crazy sometimes. Not all the people. The ones with louder voices seem to do more damage than relatively "normal" sane people.

Let me give you an example that doesn't include Glenn Beck. It is too early for me to rage-out like a Lewis Black rant. 

Last Sunday, Matthew Archibald blogged in outrage over an article he'd read stating Michael Moore had proposed that Jesus was gay.  Okay, let's backtrack.  Mr. Archibald, a contributor to The National Catholic Register (sort of like the Wall Street Journal for Catholics: very focused, biased media spun to appease/entertain their demographic) was outraged over an article he read.  Not only did he feel it was blasphemy, but Moore claims Catholicism as his faith of choice and this article and the other paint Moore as a liberal fanatic and bad example for Catholics everywhere. They're officially still not really "down" with the gays yet.


Here is the NCR article:

National Catholic Review: Mr. Moore Jokes About Jesus Being Gay

He didn't actually hear the words or see Mr. Moore.  What he read was this:

Weekly World News "Michael Moore: Jesus Was Gay!"

Okay, if you have heard of Weekly World News before, you know what I am about to say.

IT'S A MADE UP ARTICLE. Moore didn't say that (that I'm aware, anyway).  What Archibald read was

“You know those 12 men Jesus was always hanging out with?” he said to laughter. “You know what that means.” He went to explain that it wasn’t a joke and that he has done extensive documentary research and talked to people that have examined artifacts that prove Jesus was gay.  Moore even talked about Jesus loving musicals.  “He was a real song-and-dance man,” Moore  said. ... Moore said his “Jesus Was Gay” documentary will be out in time for Christmas this year.  “It’s my gift to Christians.” Moore said."

  I have said this time and time again. When you are someone whose job it is to report factual, credible information, it would behoove you to fact-check.  At least if you're going to complain about an inflammatory blog posting, have the common sense to read one or two of the comments below before writing an ACTUAL article passing off satire as fact.  The jackassery must end soon. The opinion of Moore's credibility/lack of respect/morality is not relevant.  It is just a call to remind that just because you have the power to do something, i.e. publish something, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

I think I will make this a multi-post series, illuminating other idiotic things that unnerve me, a la Mr. Black.



Today, have an extra large double-caff cup of common sense and fresh whipped literacy. On the house.
Peace, love, and rock and roll.