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Stupid Liars
Author: BobR    Date: 2014-01-08 12:16:41

There's a familiar phrase that goes along the lines of "you're entitled to your own opinion, but you're not entitled to your own facts". The best kind of opinion is an informed one, that is - one that is formed based on the best factual information available. The problem is when the opinion comes first, and then when facts can't be found to support it, they are fabricated out of whole cloth. Then one has to decide if the person delivering their opinion as if it were indeed fact are liars or stupid.

Raine's blog post on Monday put the information out there that essentially asked that question. There wasn't sufficient information to state definitively either way, and so she didn't. It appears, though, that he was indeed lying:
No one is being automatically enrolled for Medicaid in Kentucky, says Jill Midkiff, communications director for the state’s health department. “We’re not automatically enrolling people,” Midkiff explains. “People have to actually go and apply.”
[...]
The state is notifying some residents of their eligibility for Medicaid, but Paul’s son would have needed to actually apply for Medicaid in order to receive a Medicaid card.

Whoopsie - did someone in the Paul household commit fraud to make a political point? It certainly didn't "accidentally" happen the way Paul told the story.

The other big nonsense going on revolves around the polar vortex (no pun intended). Despite this being a real thing that scientists have known about and studied for decades, there are those who are falsely claiming it's made up. The number one loudmouth is naturally Rush Limbaugh:
"Right on schedule, the media have to come up with a way to make it [the cold snap] sound like it's completely unprecedented," Limbaugh said, "because they've got to find a way to attach this to the global warming agenda."
[...]
Limbaugh noted that media outlets have created a "polar vortex" to exaggerate the harsh weather conditions by publishing "fraudulent pictures," including photographs of the North Pole "melting" in order to convince people that "we're responsible -- we're causing it."
"Any weather extreme now is said to be man-made and therefore it fulfills the leftist agenda," he added. "Obviously there is no melting of ice going on at the North Pole."

Obviously? Satelite photos of the polar ice caps are easy enough to find. This one took me 2 minutes:

http://education-portal.com/cimages/multimages/16/sea_ice.png


Limbaugh's lies about the vortex were shot down as well by those in the know (ie: college-educated scientists and meteorologists). It's too easy to disprove this, yet those who want to believe it - will.

Obamacare is another one where horror stories abound, yet all it takes is a little effort, and the truth rises to the surface like cream:
Yesterday I posted about a Fort Worth Star Telegram article that leads with the tale of Whitney Johnson, a 26-year-old new mother who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS). Her insurer just cancelled her policy, and according to Johnson, new insurance would cost her over $1,000 a month.
[...]
When I tried to phone the reporter, she didn’t return multiple calls. Finally, I reached an editor at the paper. He told me that the both Yamil Berard, the reporter, and her editor were out of the office. I expressed my concern that inaccuracies in the story would discourage readers who were thinking about signing up in the exchanges. He suggested that I sounded like an “advocate” for Obamacare.

To my surprise, two hours later he called me back.

He had just received an internal email, he told me, which revealed that Whitney Johnson had found affordable health insurance for $350 a month – just $25 more than the premium on her cancelled policy, and roughly what I thought she would pay in the exchange.

Over a million people have signed up for coverage on the various exchanges. The horror stories are anecdotal and almost always missing numerous key details that show the truth.

At the beginning of this, I mentioned that it's hard to tell if these people are lying or stupid. I suppose "crazy" is another option. Case in point: Pat Robertson. He too is claiming that global warming is a "hoax" (dreamed up by whom and for what reason is always a fuzzy detail), and the proof is the lack of SUVs on Jupiter:
“There’s just one problem,” he said. “The Earth isn’t getting warmer. In fact, it’s because of the Sun. The Sun is now showing signs that we’re headed for something very, very different: global cooling.”

“It’s getting warmer in Jupiter, and they don’t have any SUVs driving around in Jupiter,” Robertson explained. “I mean, it has nothing to do with greenhouse gasses. It has to do with the axis of the Sun.”

When one uses the term "in fact", it would be nice if what followed was indeed fact, not some nonsense that was pulled out of one's nasty nether orifices. Differing opinions are the basis of healthy debate and discussion, but when those opinions are based on fabrications, then the whole model collapses and the entire exercise becomes worthless.

Is it better to be a liar or to be stupid? Neither, when you are a powerful voice in our democracy. Lies, misrepresentations, and omissions are no way to run a country.
 

62 comments (Latest Comment: 01/09/2014 00:56:14 by Will in Chicago)
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Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 13:43:06
Excellent post, Bob. good morning!

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 14:04:29
Comment by wickedpam on 01/08/2014 14:19:07
Morning

Comment by wickedpam on 01/08/2014 14:19:58
Quote by Raine:
What the ever?!?!



desparate grab at celebrity straws

Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 14:38:45
Morning, comrades. My $.02 on two of Bob's points....

I too was suspicious of this "polar vortex" thing, as the host of another podcast I listen to, and a northern-tier resident himself, noted that he's never heard the term before this week. So, it was off to our friend Wikipedia. While the most recent date on the article was this week, there were other referenced documents mentioning "Polar Vortex" going back to the mid-80s, so I satisfied myself that this has existed for a while, even if the local meteorologists haven't called it that until this week.

Secondly, I'm anticipating my first "Obamacare" paycheck next week. As I mentioned, under the new rules pre-existing conditions don't matter anymore. So we switched to Mrs. TriSec's cheaper plan as of January 1. I will report back what our savings turn out to be once I see that paycheck.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 14:40:11
If you are going to lie like that, you are showing naked contempt for the people who elected you.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 14:42:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
If you are going to lie like that, you are showing naked contempt for the people who elected you.
I wonder if Senator Paul committed welfare fraud.

if his son had to go to the welfare office, then I am going to assume it was his 19 year old son.

If it was one of his other kids, they would have needed to be accompanied by their dad or mom.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 14:47:55
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
If you are going to lie like that, you are showing naked contempt for the people who elected you.
I wonder if Senator Paul committed welfare fraud.

if his son had to go to the welfare office, then I am going to assume it was his 19 year old son.

If it was one of his other kids, they would have needed to be accompanied by their dad or mom.


I don't think so. He is just a lying dick.

Comment by BobR on 01/08/2014 14:49:38
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades. My $.02 on two of Bob's points....

I too was suspicious of this "polar vortex" thing, as the host of another podcast I listen to, and a northern-tier resident himself, noted that he's never heard the term before this week. So, it was off to our friend Wikipedia. While the most recent date on the article was this week, there were other referenced documents mentioning "Polar Vortex" going back to the mid-80s, so I satisfied myself that this has existed for a while, even if the local meteorologists haven't called it that until this week.

Secondly, I'm anticipating my first "Obamacare" paycheck next week. As I mentioned, under the new rules pre-existing conditions don't matter anymore. So we switched to Mrs. TriSec's cheaper plan as of January 1. I will report back what our savings turn out to be once I see that paycheck.

From one of the links in the blog:
"We've been using the name in this field for — I've been in this field for 25 years, this isn't anything new," he said. "Usually meteorologists would never even use that term because people wouldn't understand it."

So even the term itself has been around for decades.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 14:54:22
Comment by Scoopster on 01/08/2014 14:55:33
Morning all.. Going home midday to receive some new furniture.. I told the idiots several times that I don't get home until after 5, but customer service apparently isn't a factor in their "logistically routed" delivery schedule.


In other news, this atrocious bullshit really needs to stop.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:00:14
Just because I can, I'm streaming the show on freespeach.org. it's pretty reliable.

I miss having the channel on TV.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 15:03:54
Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:07:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Whale Beer? Ick!
That sounds disgusting.


Comment by BobR on 01/08/2014 15:07:59
Quote by Mondobubba:
Whale Beer? Ick!

I've had oyster stouts, and they were delicious. Of course in that case, it's really the shells that are adding flavor.

I take exception to this comment: "Even so, reducing a beautiful, sentient whale to an ingredient on the side of a beer bottle is about as immoral and outrageous as it is possible to get."

Some people may say the same about cows, or pigs, or any other animal we eat on a regular basis.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:10:56
Well that settles that: Fuck you to happy New year.

Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 15:14:03


I saw that this morning on WCVB. FWIW, Mr. Jacoby is the Globe's "token conservative" columnist. About once or twice a year, he gets it right, but otherwise he's an ass.

Which of course, doesn't reduce the magnitude of this story any. I hope wherever he is, he is indoors and warm - hurt and outside in this isn't going to end well.



Comment by Scoopster on 01/08/2014 15:22:03
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all.. Going home midday to receive some new furniture.. I told the idiots several times that I don't get home until after 5, but customer service apparently isn't a factor in their "logistically routed" delivery schedule.


In other news, this atrocious bullshit really needs to stop.

Oh and another thing.. who's gonna be stuck with the bill for this woman's life support care? Yeah that's right. The family, and the woman's insurance company. Despite the fact that the woman HAS A DNR ORDER and her family is insisting that it be enforced.

I really fucking hope this guy sues the hospital and the state of Texas to pay for all of it, and for the absolute ridiculous and unnecessary bullshit that this family is being put through because Texas is run by a bunch of fucking religious wackjobs.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:25:01
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all.. Going home midday to receive some new furniture.. I told the idiots several times that I don't get home until after 5, but customer service apparently isn't a factor in their "logistically routed" delivery schedule.


In other news, this atrocious bullshit really needs to stop.

Oh and another thing.. who's gonna be stuck with the bill for this woman's life support care? Yeah that's right. The family, and the woman's insurance company. Despite the fact that the woman HAS A DNR ORDER and her family is insisting that it be enforced.

I really fucking hope this guy sues the hospital and the state of Texas to pay for all of it, and for the absolute ridiculous and unnecessary bullshit that this family is being put through because Texas is run by a bunch of fucking religious wackjobs.
Really good point, Scoop.

I honestly don't understand this. At a certain point we need to just say it:

Conservatism in terribly intrusive to privacy.


Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:28:00
o.O



Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:28:52
Ahhh... Free Speech callers. They are a special bunch to screen.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/08/2014 15:28:57


Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 15:29:54
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Whale Beer? Ick!

I've had oyster stouts, and they were delicious. Of course in that case, it's really the shells that are adding flavor.

I take exception to this comment: "Even so, reducing a beautiful, sentient whale to an ingredient on the side of a beer bottle is about as immoral and outrageous as it is possible to get."

Some people may say the same about cows, or pigs, or any other animal we eat on a regular basis.


Cows, pigs, etc aren't endangered species. However Icelandic whaling practices aren't the same as say Japan's.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:31:41
Quote by wickedpam:

See my post below.

the people watching the TV machine tend to be a little special. They aren't paid callers like Billy from Texas.

Many of them are a little older and alone in their home. Some literally call just to talk to the host.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 15:39:44
Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 15:42:42
Chris Christie should be toast at this point.

Christie's Bridge Scandal : "Is it wrong that I am smiling?" "I feel badly about the kids." "I guess." "They are the children of Buono voters."



Comment by wickedpam on 01/08/2014 15:44:04
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:

See my post below.

the people watching the TV machine tend to be a little special. They aren't paid callers like Billy from Texas.

Many of them are a little older and alone in their home. Some literally call just to talk to the host.



oh dear

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 16:11:09
tis caller sounds like Ron Paul.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 16:14:18
Quote by Raine:
Chris Christie should be toast at this point.

Christie's Bridge Scandal : "Is it wrong that I am smiling?" "I feel badly about the kids." "I guess." "They are the children of Buono voters."



This is going to blow up.




Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 16:18:17
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Raine:
Chris Christie should be toast at this point.

Christie's Bridge Scandal : "Is it wrong that I am smiling?" "I feel badly about the kids." "I guess." "They are the children of Buono voters."



This is going to blow up.


Chris just mentioned the Gawker piece. here it is.
Both parties used personal emails, apparently hoping to avoid releases of their communications to the public. But the New York Times obtained the emails and reported on them this morning, appearing to substantiate the rumors that September's traffic problems on the Bridge were caused by political pettiness, not logistical need.


Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 16:33:25


Hi everyone. Have I mentioned recently how evil I am?

I have just been named an Assistant Scoutmaster and Course Quartermaster for the Woodbadge Class being offered this spring.

So, like a good training chairman, I distributed the course information to my select group of local leaders. And of course, included the leadership of Troop 250 as a courtesy.

A certain smugness did not creep into the text of the email.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 16:48:00
Quote by TriSec:


Hi everyone. Have I mentioned recently how evil I am?

I have just been named an Assistant Scoutmaster and Course Quartermaster for the Woodbadge Class being offered this spring.

So, like a good training chairman, I distributed the course information to my select group of local leaders. And of course, included the leadership of Troop 250 as a courtesy.

A certain smugness did not creep into the text of the email.




Are you evil enough to have Manservant Hecubus?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/Legion_prime/ManservantHecubus.jpg


Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 16:52:34
and congrats for Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner!

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 17:33:23
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 17:42:11



Nah, just a bad 10th generation photo copy.

Not to mention he's a bullying a-hole.

Comment by livingonli on 01/08/2014 18:20:28
Good day, folks. Still too cold for me and can't wait until we are back above freezing since this is getting ridiculous.

Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 18:42:32
See now, this is payback for all you folks reveling in the oppressive 99 degrees and 3,000% humidity back during the heat wave last July (While your TriSec was writhing in the woods at Scout Camp without air conditioning.)

Even at 6 degrees and 40-below windchils....(wait for it) I've camped in worse. Not MUCH worse mind you, but I do have mad winter outdoor skillz.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 19:12:04
Comment by wickedpam on 01/08/2014 19:33:12
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala! I know you want a set!





Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 19:38:37
Quote by TriSec:
See now, this is payback for all you folks reveling in the oppressive 99 degrees and 3,000% humidity back during the heat wave last July (While your TriSec was writhing in the woods at Scout Camp without air conditioning.)

Even at 6 degrees and 40-below windchils....(wait for it) I've camped in worse. Not MUCH worse mind you, but I do have mad winter outdoor skillz.

that is by choice.

I'm feeling pretty bad for people who have no place to go in this cold. There is a difference between choosing to camp in this weather and not having a roof over one's head.

I will never forget the winter of 2005 when I was lucky enough to have said roof and unfortunate enough to not be able to buy oil for the winter. <-- I was still one of the lucky ones.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 19:56:41
Tri, I love you. I hope you will understand where I am coming from.

It's cold. It's really cold.



Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 20:01:03
Breaking news via the BBC - a US Navy helo with 5 aboard has gone down off the coast of VA.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 20:03:01
Comment by TriSec on 01/08/2014 20:08:44
Quote by Raine:
Tri, I love you. I hope you will understand where I am coming from.

It's cold. It's really cold.




See now, I was purely being snarky. I will remember this cold snap when everyone is loving the 90s in mid-July and I'm miserable.

There is a homeless shelter in Waltham, MA that has been the designated charity of all the Scouting units in town. (Bristol Lodge). Yes, I know where you're coming from, m'lady.





Comment by livingonli on 01/08/2014 20:12:36
Lizz Winstead is filling in for Michelangelo Signiroile on SiriusXM Progress right now.

Comment by Raine on 01/08/2014 20:18:11
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 20:22:29
Quote by Raine:
Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy announced Wednesday she will not seek a 10th term in office.

We are losing a solid gun control advocate. This sucks.



Well, POO!

Comment by livingonli on 01/08/2014 20:23:58
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy announced Wednesday she will not seek a 10th term in office.

We are losing a solid gun control advocate. This sucks.



Well, POO!

You should have seen the GOP nutjob that came before her.

Comment by Scoopster on 01/08/2014 20:39:10
Okay I'm home... came here to accept my furniture delivery, but they were later than they said and it screwed up my schedule for the bus going back to the office. So I'm on the remote desktop!

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/08/2014 20:55:55
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy announced Wednesday she will not seek a 10th term in office.

We are losing a solid gun control advocate. This sucks.



Well, POO!

You should have seen the GOP nutjob that came before her.


I vaguely remember him.