Sliming Sarah

Whether you like Sarah Palin or not, it’s dishonest to promulgate the many outright lies that have been spread about her. Yet many have adopted these lies as “proof” that she’s a Christian right extremist who would, if given a chance, impose her views on those of us who disagree with her religious philosophy.

FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan fact checking website, lays a few of the most egregious claims to rest:

We’ve been flooded for the past few days with queries about dubious Internet postings and mass e-mail messages making claims about McCain’s running mate, Gov. Palin. We find that many are completely false, or misleading.

* Palin did not cut funding for special needs education in Alaska by 62 percent. She didn’t cut it at all. In fact, she tripled per-pupil funding over just three years.

* She did not demand that books be banned from the Wasilla library. Some of the books on a widely circulated list were not even in print at the time. The librarian has said Palin asked a "What if?" question, but the librarian continued in her job through most of Palin's first term.

* She was never a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, a group that wants Alaskans to vote on whether they wish to secede from the United States. She’s been registered as a Republican since May 1982.

* Palin never endorsed or supported Pat Buchanan for president. She once wore a Buchanan button as a "courtesy" when he visited Wasilla, but shortly afterward she was appointed to co-chair of the campaign of Steve Forbes in the state.

• Palin has not pushed for teaching creationism in Alaska's schools. She has said that students should be allowed to "debate both sides" of the evolution question, but she also said creationism "doesn't have to be part of the curriculum."

Like many Americans, I disagree with Palin’s personal views on a woman’s right to choose, on gay rights, and a variety of other issues. But it appears that her views are personal and that she has not made any attempt to impose them on others.

What’s troubling is that the MSM has not made any effort to report the facts and debunk the notion that the claims noted above are true. It’s almost as if they’re perfectly happy to allow people to believe what they believe. Contrast that with how the MSM flies into action to debunk any lie about Barack Obama.

I expect to see the MSM examine the demonstrable facts that might mitigate against Sarah Palin as a VP candidate. That's their job. But the MSM should also examine the facts that might mitigate against Barack Obama becoming the next President. Seems like they’re perfectly willing to address the former, but completely unwilling to approach the latter.