In these enlightened times, even "trained" journalists don't seem to bother with the factual summary--everything, instead, is commentary--or spin. Take for instance, the recent case of the rodeo clown who was banned from the Minnesota State Fair for life for wearing an Obama mask and asking the delighted crowd if they would like to see him kicked by the bull. Rodeo clowns, we know, are supposed to get kicked by the bull or darned near, since their job is to divert the bull from the rider. But some took umbrage and outrage and then took to their high horses warning the Nation that Racism was afoot, if not disrespect. When it was pointed out that Americans don't expect banishment for showing disrespect to politicians, the ground shifted and the objection was to the hint of inciting violence against a President. Does that pass the sniff test?
Now the clown himself has given an interview. He says that the joke itself has been used for years, with masks of Reagan, Bush and Clinton. Now, it would be simple for a journalist to check his summary against facts--rodeo folk will know if the joke is hoary. And if so, the tempest in a teapot dies down, another canard bites the dust...or should. And the officials who so hastily imposed punishment for speech will apologize and hang their heads in shame. But don't hold your breath...