As I have mentioned on previous occasions, it was seeing a story misreported in several newspapers that first got me interested in the media, facts-research and later politics.

 News organizations are notorious for getting the facts wrong, or just simply twisting the facts to sell newspapers, ad time and increase viewership.  Add to the money angle the fact that the majority of writers, editors, anchor-people and copywriters are staunchly liberal, and you get a final product that contains little fact.

In todays OpinionJournal, author James Taranto points out some of the misperceptions the media has perpetrated and perpetuated regarding the fetal stem cell issue.

Taranto points out that:

Further, Bush’s foes and the press frequently misstate his position, referring to a “ban on stem-cell research.” In fact, the Bush policy places no restrictions on any kind of stem-cell research that does not receive federal money, or on federal funding of adult stem-cell research. It does limit federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research to those cell lines that were in existence at the time the policy was initiated, in August 2001, but prior to then there was no federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, so that the policy actually liberalized the conditions for federal research grants. Supporters of research subsidies are asking for a further liberalization, not a reversal of a “ban.”

How often has reporting of a story by the established media taken on a life of its own?  Most on the left have cleaved onto the story and notion that the President is banning stem cell research or even stopping all embryonic stem cell research.  We are reminded that neither is true. 

The President promised during his first campaign that he would reach across the aisle to work with Democrats.  He has made good on that promise, with the proof being that the stem cell bill is the first he has vetoed during his presidency to date.  Bill Clinton vetoed 37 Republican sponsored bills during his tenure.  Who’s playing politics?

I digress…..the point is that the media purposefully gets the story wrong.  They then stir up to a froth that part of American society that bases its world view on the NY Times or CNN.  Facts go from sparse to nonexistent. 

CNN included this quote in a story they did on the President’s first veto:

Also in a statement, Lawrence T. Smith, chairman of the American Diabetes Association, called the veto “a devastating setback for the 20.8 million American children and adults with diabetes — and those who love and care for them.”

The trouble with the above emotionally charged statement is that it ignores the fact that adult stem-cell research goes on with federal funding, and more funding for placental blood stem cell research and harvesting was approved.  These both offer great hope, and don’t require killing babies in the process.  Does the media make a point of highlighting these facts…………..not on your life.

Half of Americans then, are led like lemmings.  Stories like the stem cell story are turned on their ear, much for political gain on the left, and are more popular myth than fact.  The problem then becomes one for all of us, since an uninformed citizenry does nothing for the country’s future.   

Whether you agree or disagree with the actions of Israel in recent days, you should read Prime Minister Olmert’s speech from the other day.

If you agree with Israel’s actions, you will find it a refreshing reminder of the core tenets of democracy, and if you are opposed, you will find it enlightening.  The mainstream media will not, in large numbers, publish the content of this important speech, so I am providing the whole speech, unedited.

Madam Speaker,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Members of Knesset,

At the outset, I offer condolences, on my behalf and on behalf of the government, the Knesset and the entire nation, to the families of the victims – both civilian and IDF.  I also send best wishes for recovery to the wounded, and a huge embrace for the families of those kidnapped and the boys themselves.

 Over the past few weeks, our enemies have challenged the sovereignty of the State of Israel and the safety of its residents – first in the southern sector, then on the northern border, and deeper into the home front.

Israel did not seek these confrontations.  On the contrary.  We have done a lot to prevent them.  We returned to the borders of the State of Israel, recognized by the entire international community.  There were those who misconstrued our desire for peace – for us and our neighbors – as a sign of frailty.  Our enemies misinterpreted our willingness to exercise restraint as a sign of weakness. 
They were wrong!

Madam Speaker, Members of Knesset,
The State of Israel has no territorial conflict, neither on our southern border nor on our northern one.

In these two areas, we are sitting on the recognized international border – both vis-à-vis the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip, and in Lebanon.

We have no intention of interfering in their internal affairs.  On the contrary, stability and tranquility in Lebanon, free of the rule of foreign powers, and in the Palestinian Authority, are in Israel’s interest.

We yearn for the day when peace will prevail between us, for the mutual benefit of our peoples from both sides of our common border.

The campaign we are engaged in these days is against the terror organizations operating from Lebanon and Gaza.  These organizations are nothing but “sub-contractors” operating under the inspiration, permission, instigation and financing of the terror-sponsoring and peace-rejecting regimes, on the Axis of Evil which stretches from Tehran to Damascus.
(read more)