Introducing the Truthatron!
Time for something fun AND educational at the same time. Yes, it is possible, believe me.
The Reporta is introducing a new feature on this website, one that will, optimistically, be fueled by you, the reader. Inspired mainly by the Fact Check feature that the Voices of San Diego maintains on a regular basis, this new feature, called the Truthatron, will be aimed at investigating claims by local public officials, agencies, and prominent members of the community to gauge how truthful the information is that they are presenting to the public-at-large. We often get figures spit out as fact, and unless someone scrutinizes the information rigorously to determine its merit, it will exist as truth, even if it’s not.
This already happens at some level on the blogs and in the newspapers. But the Truthatron will offer public-instigated investigations and a few originating from yours truly. Considering the misinformation this election cycle has produced thus far and the seemingly epic exaggerations that occasionally grace our newspaper pages (1 in 5 houses in Arcata is a grow house!? Whoa!), a service of this nature is necessary, especially moving into the General Election (hmm, maybe the grow house figure will be the first investigation).
Here’s how it works: If your B-S detector sounds after hearing or reading a statement of fact by public or prominent officials, contact The Reporta with details on where the official made the claim in question, what the claim was, and any other information that will help in narrowing our investigation. For example, Mr. X says, “If we expand the road at Richardson Grove, Wal-Mart will certainly come rolling in on the first truck.” Really? Perhaps we should explore that. When an answer is found, we will give the statement a “rank” along with a detailed explanation to justify it.
The ranks, heavily inspired by one of my favorite video games ever, Fallout, can be found below:
Winner!
The statement in question is true as true can be. There doesn’t appear to be any glaring issues with it, and the person who said it got it right. Good for them!
It’s OK
Well, it’s not Gold Medal worthy or anything, but the statement is pretty much true, expect for an issue or two.
Meh, It’s a Stretch
At some point, the statement had the foundation of truth, but whatever context is needed to wrap it into a nice truthful burrito is long gone. Be cautioned.
2+2=5
Orwell would be pleased. The statement, before it was spun or exaggerated into something that is now nothing short of deception, was at some point truth.
Does Not Compute
There is nothing about this statement that is true. Nothing. But it could be the result of a mistake or misinformation, so don’t go fetching a mob just yet.
WTF?!
Yup, not only is this statement completely and utterly false, it has been so distorted and manipulated that there can be no denying that the person or organization that made this statement knew they were lying. The mob would be proud.
Hey, if you’re going with the pipboy theme, I hope to get at least the “Bloody Mess” or “Sex Appeal” trait.
Josh Mohland(Quote) (Reply)
Believe me, I tried to find ‘em. Well, I did find the one with the Pipboy kicking the woman in the gut. Reporta(Quote) (Reply)
Oh, the Child Killer Perk!
Yeah, I’m sure any elected official would be thrilled to get that one…
Josh Mohland(Quote) (Reply)
This is a much-needed service and could prove extremely valuable. The ratio of truthy pronouncements to actual fact-checking is way lopsided in the wrong direction these days. Props for doing the heavy lifting others just kind of let slide.
I do object to the presence of an automatic weapon in the WTF?! icon. Can’t it be a cream pie or something? I really, really hate the gun. Kevin Hoover(Quote) (Reply)
How about starting this great idea with the following quote by Planning Commissioner Ralph Faust refering to the lack of particapation of rural residents in the New General Plan process. Especially when Faust refused to attend a Redway meeting attended by hundreds.
“There is some supposition in government that the public will pay some attention to something,” Faust said. “If they are totally disconnected from any form of media then it’s going to be hard for them to know in any sense what government is doing in any of its branches, in any of its actions.”
Faust also has opposed dozens of requests to hold Commission meetings in the areas where affected people reside instead he suggests that it’s okay to force those living in rural areas to drive hours each way every week if they are interested in particapation in the government process that will decide a large part of their ability to make their own lifestyle choices. Shame on Ralph and the guy that sent him. Anonymous(Quote) (Reply)
Kevin Hoover,
Yeah, the icons are temporary while I make my own. The theme I decided to use had limited icons to work with. The “WTF?!” icon was a toss up between the mob one used, one of the Pipboy sipping on a martini in Hell, or stabbing somebody in the back. The mob one seemed the least pervasive.
I just hope I don’t have to use it. That would be a shame. Reporta(Quote) (Reply)
Anonymous,
Thanks. I’m on it. Reporta(Quote) (Reply)