Politics and Government
Urban legends, rumors and Internet hoaxes pertaining to government, politics and politicians.
ACLU Objects to Marines Praying
Has the ACLU raised objections to U.S. service personnel praying based on a photo showing a group of Marines with bowed heads?
Has the ACLU raised objections to U.S. service personnel praying based on a photo showing a group of Marines with bowed heads?
ACLU vs. Crosses on Federal Property
Is the American Civil Liberties Union against displaying crosses on federal property?
Is the American Civil Liberties Union against displaying crosses on federal property?
Al Gore's Energy Use Exceeds National Average
Forwarded email accuses global warming crusader Al Gore of hypocrisy because his personal energy consumption far exceeds that of the average American household
Forwarded email accuses global warming crusader Al Gore of hypocrisy because his personal energy consumption far exceeds that of the average American household
Al Gore vs. Christianity
Alleged quotation from a book written by Al Gore derides Christians as "a blight on the environment."
Alleged quotation from a book written by Al Gore derides Christians as "a blight on the environment."
Altoids, Oral Sex and the Presidency
From the Starr Report: Clinton nixed mint-enhanced pleasuring and failed to confirm a curiously strong urban legend.
From the Starr Report: Clinton nixed mint-enhanced pleasuring and failed to confirm a curiously strong urban legend.
American Flag v. Mexican Flag
Emailed images show Hispanic high school students in California demonstrating against proposed immigration legislation by hoisting a Mexican flag above an upside-down American flag.
Emailed images show Hispanic high school students in California demonstrating against proposed immigration legislation by hoisting a Mexican flag above an upside-down American flag.
Amina Lawal Petition
Amnesty International disavows inaccurate 2003 email campaign on behalf of Amina Lawal, a Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning for allegedly committing adultery.
Amnesty International disavows inaccurate 2003 email campaign on behalf of Amina Lawal, a Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning for allegedly committing adultery.
Anti-Bush Clothing/Laptop Bag Label
Translated into English, the French portion of an American product label reads: 'We are sorry that our president is an idiot. We did not vote for him.'
Translated into English, the French portion of an American product label reads: 'We are sorry that our president is an idiot. We did not vote for him.'
Barack Obama Antichrist
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament
Email rumor claims charismatic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama is the Antichrist prophesied in the New Testament
Barack Obama Changes Presidential Seal
Email flier says Barack Obama used a podium featuring an altered version of the Presidential Seal during a June 2008 campaign appearance.
Email flier says Barack Obama used a podium featuring an altered version of the Presidential Seal during a June 2008 campaign appearance.
Barack Obama's Church
Email rumor labels presidential candidate Barack Obama a racist for attending a church that describes itself as "unashamedly black" with a "non-negotiable commitment to Africa."
Email rumor labels presidential candidate Barack Obama a racist for attending a church that describes itself as "unashamedly black" with a "non-negotiable commitment to Africa."
Barack Obama Endorsed by the KKK
Emailed 'news item' dated Feb. 7, 2008 claims the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan has endorsed Barack Obama for the presidency
Emailed 'news item' dated Feb. 7, 2008 claims the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan has endorsed Barack Obama for the presidency
Barack Obama Explains National Anthem Stance
Circulating via email, an alleged quote from Barack Obama explains why he doesn't wear a flag pin or salute the flag during the national anthem.
Circulating via email, an alleged quote from Barack Obama explains why he doesn't wear a flag pin or salute the flag during the national anthem.
Barack Obama on the Phone (Photo)
Emailed photo shows presidential candidate Barack Obama speaking on the phone while apparently holding the receiver upside-down.
Emailed photo shows presidential candidate Barack Obama speaking on the phone while apparently holding the receiver upside-down.
Barack Obama Quote
Supposedly uttered by Barack Obama: "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it."
Supposedly uttered by Barack Obama: "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it."
Barack Obama Is a 'Stealth' Muslim
Email rumor alleges that U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is actually a loyal Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devoted Christian.
Email rumor alleges that U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is actually a loyal Muslim who has lied about his religious background, including his claim to being a devoted Christian.
Bette Midler Letter to President Bush on Gay Marriage
A widely circulated email criticizing President Bush's stance on gay marriage is falsely attributed to singer Bette Midler.
A widely circulated email criticizing President Bush's stance on gay marriage is falsely attributed to singer Bette Midler.
Bill Makes Speaking Against Homosexuality a Crime
Email alert circulated by a conservative Christian group claims a new bill in Congress will make it a crime for pastors and churches to speak out against homosexuality.
Email alert circulated by a conservative Christian group claims a new bill in Congress will make it a crime for pastors and churches to speak out against homosexuality.
Bird Flu, Tamiflu and the Donald Rumsfeld Connection
Forwarded email asserts a conspiratorial connection between the worldwide alarm over a possible avian flu pandemic and Donald Rumsfeld's financial interest in the company that patented the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Forwarded email asserts a conspiratorial connection between the worldwide alarm over a possible avian flu pandemic and Donald Rumsfeld's financial interest in the company that patented the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Black Voting Rights in the U.S. to Expire in 2007
This email alert, bouncing around the Internet since January 1997, has just about all of the facts wrong.
This email alert, bouncing around the Internet since January 1997, has just about all of the facts wrong.
California Law Requires Use of Headlights when Wipers Are On
Email flier claims that a new California law effective January 1, 2005 requires that drivers turn headlights on any time their windshield wipers are in use during daylight hours.
Email flier claims that a new California law effective January 1, 2005 requires that drivers turn headlights on any time their windshield wipers are in use during daylight hours.
Casey Sheehan's Grave Marker
Email flier accuses anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan of "not bothering" to place a tombstone over the grave of her son, Casey Sheehan, who was killed in the Iraq war in 2004.
Email flier accuses anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan of "not bothering" to place a tombstone over the grave of her son, Casey Sheehan, who was killed in the Iraq war in 2004.
Charlie Daniels on Illegal Immigration
Forwarded email combines two op-ed pieces written by country singer Charlie Daniels on the hot topic of illegal immigration and what should be done about it.
Forwarded email combines two op-ed pieces written by country singer Charlie Daniels on the hot topic of illegal immigration and what should be done about it.
Christmas Cards for Wounded Soldiers
Email flier says Christmas cards can be sent to wounded servicemen and women at Walter Reed Army Medical Center by addressing them 'A Recovering American Soldier.'
Email flier says Christmas cards can be sent to wounded servicemen and women at Walter Reed Army Medical Center by addressing them 'A Recovering American Soldier.'
Cindy Sheehan: The 'Real' Cindy Sheehan
Email flier claims that Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a soldier who died in the Iraq war, never really cared about her son while he was growing up and in fact abandoned him to be raised by her "ex-husband" so she could pursue her "liberal, feminist agenda."
Email flier claims that Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a soldier who died in the Iraq war, never really cared about her son while he was growing up and in fact abandoned him to be raised by her "ex-husband" so she could pursue her "liberal, feminist agenda."
Citgo Boycott (Venezuela Dictator Vows to Bring Down U.S. Gov't)
Email flier urges Americans to boycott Venezuela-owned Citgo gas stations in response to anti-U.S. statements made by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
Email flier urges Americans to boycott Venezuela-owned Citgo gas stations in response to anti-U.S. statements made by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
The Clinton Body Count
Forwarded email dating from the mid-1990s contains a list of dozens of people connected with Bill and Hillary Clinton who -- we are to believe -- died under mysterious circumstances.
Forwarded email dating from the mid-1990s contains a list of dozens of people connected with Bill and Hillary Clinton who -- we are to believe -- died under mysterious circumstances.
Clintons Make the Secret Service Pay Their Mortgage
The tale is that Bill and Hillary are charging their Secret Service guards in their new Chappaqua, NY house an amount of rent equal to their mortgage.
The tale is that Bill and Hillary are charging their Secret Service guards in their new Chappaqua, NY house an amount of rent equal to their mortgage.
Congress Plans to Reinstate the Military Draft
Email flier claims Congress is actively pursuing plans to increase funding of the Selective Service System and reinstate the military draft in the U.S. by 2005.
Email flier claims Congress is actively pursuing plans to increase funding of the Selective Service System and reinstate the military draft in the U.S. by 2005.
Congressional Pensions vs. Social Security
Is it true that members of Congress don't pay into Social Security, receiving lavish pensions at taxpayer expense instead?
Is it true that members of Congress don't pay into Social Security, receiving lavish pensions at taxpayer expense instead?
Debunking the Presidents
The real story behind George Washington's "wooden" teeth and other presidential errata.
The real story behind George Washington's "wooden" teeth and other presidential errata.
Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep Interview w/Katie Couric
Circulating via email: embellished version of a politically-charged TV interview hosted by Katie Couric and featuring 'Manchurian Candidate' stars Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Circulating via email: embellished version of a politically-charged TV interview hosted by Katie Couric and featuring 'Manchurian Candidate' stars Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Dick Cheney's Daughter to Act as 'Human Shield' in Iraq?
The office of Vice President Dick Cheney denies rumors stemming from overseas press reports that one of his daughters will go to Baghdad for the purpose of becoming a "human shield" in the Iraq war.
The office of Vice President Dick Cheney denies rumors stemming from overseas press reports that one of his daughters will go to Baghdad for the purpose of becoming a "human shield" in the Iraq war.
Don't Pump Gas on May 15th
Latest version of familiar email chain letter urges Internet users in the U.S. to boycott gas stations on May 15, 2007 to 'put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry'
Latest version of familiar email chain letter urges Internet users in the U.S. to boycott gas stations on May 15, 2007 to 'put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry'
Eisenhower Quote on Abolishing Social Security
Authenticated: A quote attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in which he says that any political party attempting to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, labor laws and farm programs would never be heard of again in our political history.
Authenticated: A quote attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in which he says that any political party attempting to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, labor laws and farm programs would never be heard of again in our political history.
Encounter with President Bush at St. John's Church
Forwarded email describes a personal encounter with President G.W. Bush at St. John's Church, Washington, D.C. True story!
Forwarded email describes a personal encounter with President G.W. Bush at St. John's Church, Washington, D.C. True story!
EPA to Use Poor Kids as Guinea Pigs in Pesticide Study
Email flier claims the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching "an outrageous new study in which participating low income families will have their children exposed to toxic pesticides."
Email flier claims the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching "an outrageous new study in which participating low income families will have their children exposed to toxic pesticides."
G.W. Bush, America's Soul-Saving President
In which we attempt to draw a distinction between presidential folklore and boldfaced lies.
In which we attempt to draw a distinction between presidential folklore and boldfaced lies.
G.W. Bush Dubbed 'Walking Eagle' by Native Americans
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush was recently (dis)honored by tribal elders at a Native American gathering with the Indian name "Walking Eagle."
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush was recently (dis)honored by tribal elders at a Native American gathering with the Indian name "Walking Eagle."
G.W. Bush's Favorite Bible Verse: John 16:3
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush declared his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
According to this forwarded email, President G.W. Bush declared his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
G.W. Bush Hugs Daughter of 9/11 Victim (Photo)
Authentic photo circulating via email shows President G.W. Bush hugging 15-year-old Ashley Faulkner, the daughter of 9/11 terrorism victim Wendy Faulkner.
Authentic photo circulating via email shows President G.W. Bush hugging 15-year-old Ashley Faulkner, the daughter of 9/11 terrorism victim Wendy Faulkner.
On G.W. Bush's IQ (or Lack Thereof)
You'd think Americans would have grown weary of "Bush is an idiot" jokes by now, but the popularity of this forwarded email suggests otherwise.
You'd think Americans would have grown weary of "Bush is an idiot" jokes by now, but the popularity of this forwarded email suggests otherwise.
G.W. Bush Nigerian Scam Parody
"I [G.W. Bush] am writing you in absolute confidence primarily to seek your assistance in acquiring oil funds that are presently trapped in the republic of Iraq...."
"I [G.W. Bush] am writing you in absolute confidence primarily to seek your assistance in acquiring oil funds that are presently trapped in the republic of Iraq...."
G.W. Bush Quote: How 'Too Much Education' Affects Voting Preferences
Attributed to G.W. Bush: "As people do better, they start voting like Republicans, unless they have too much education. Then they vote Democratic, which proves that there can be too much of a good thing. After all, it is easier to govern sheep because they don't have to think."
Attributed to G.W. Bush: "As people do better, they start voting like Republicans, unless they have too much education. Then they vote Democratic, which proves that there can be too much of a good thing. After all, it is easier to govern sheep because they don't have to think."
G.W. Bush Refers to Fetus as 'Feces'
Did President Bush really say in a speech to a right-to-life group that "all human beings begin life as a feces"?
Did President Bush really say in a speech to a right-to-life group that "all human beings begin life as a feces"?
G.W. Bush Runs with Amputee Soldier (Photo)
TRUE. Emailed photo shows President Bush running beside U.S. Army Sgt. Mike McNaughton, who lost his leg in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan.
TRUE. Emailed photo shows President Bush running beside U.S. Army Sgt. Mike McNaughton, who lost his leg in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan.
Gertrude M. Jones' Anti-Bush Obituary
October 2, 2003 obituary for Gertrude M. Jones, dead at 81, requests that memorial gifts be made to any organization that seeks the removal of President George Bush from office.
October 2, 2003 obituary for Gertrude M. Jones, dead at 81, requests that memorial gifts be made to any organization that seeks the removal of President George Bush from office.
Gold Star Mothers vs. Hillary Clinton
Did Senator Hillary Clinton refuse to meet with the Gold Star Mothers during their February 2001 lobbying junket in Washington, D.C.?
Did Senator Hillary Clinton refuse to meet with the Gold Star Mothers during their February 2001 lobbying junket in Washington, D.C.?
'Hanoi Jane' Fonda
Email rumors allege that Fonda purposely betrayed U.S. POWs in Vietnam to their captors.
Email rumors allege that Fonda purposely betrayed U.S. POWs in Vietnam to their captors.
Hillary Clinton and the Black Panthers
Email rumor claims that a young Hillary Clinton defended murders committed by members of the Black Panther Party in 1969
Email rumor claims that a young Hillary Clinton defended murders committed by members of the Black Panther Party in 1969
Hillary Clinton 'Marxist' Quotes
Circulating via email, a set of quotes attributed to Senator Hillary Clinton purportedly demonstrates her Marxist leanings.
Circulating via email, a set of quotes attributed to Senator Hillary Clinton purportedly demonstrates her Marxist leanings.
Hillary vs. Arnold
Did Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger exchange insulting witticisms during a chance encounter at a party?
Did Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger exchange insulting witticisms during a chance encounter at a party?
Holocaust Memorial Chain Letter
Email chain letter urges remembrance of the Holocaust and claims the U.K. has removed all mention of the event from its school curriculum for fear of offending Muslims
Email chain letter urges remembrance of the Holocaust and claims the U.K. has removed all mention of the event from its school curriculum for fear of offending Muslims
Howard Dean on Middle East Policy
Email flier accuses Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean of backing away from U.S. support for Israel by calling for an 'even-handed' approach to the Middle East conflict and labeling Hamas terrorists "soldiers."
Email flier accuses Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean of backing away from U.S. support for Israel by calling for an 'even-handed' approach to the Middle East conflict and labeling Hamas terrorists "soldiers."
IQ and Voter Preference in the 2004 Presidential Election
In which the results of the 2004 U.S. presidential election are correlated with purported average IQ of voters in each state.
In which the results of the 2004 U.S. presidential election are correlated with purported average IQ of voters in each state.
Janet Reno Defines 'Cultist'
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
Did Janet Reno suggest on national TV that virtually all practicing Christians are cultists?
JFK: 'I am a Jelly Donut'
Was John F. Kennedy's 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" comment at the Berlin Wall a linguistic flub?
Was John F. Kennedy's 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" comment at the Berlin Wall a linguistic flub?
Joe Lieberman: Open Letter to the French People
This letter, circulating in the form of an email chain letter since May 2002, excoriates France for being soft on anti-Semitism. Did Senator Joe Lieberman really write it?
This letter, circulating in the form of an email chain letter since May 2002, excoriates France for being soft on anti-Semitism. Did Senator Joe Lieberman really write it?
John Edwards to Blame for Flu Vaccine Shortage
Email flier blames 2004 shortage of flu vaccine in the U.S. on "frivolous litigation" by vice-presidential candidate and former trial lawyer John Edwards.
Email flier blames 2004 shortage of flu vaccine in the U.S. on "frivolous litigation" by vice-presidential candidate and former trial lawyer John Edwards.
John Glenn vs. Howard Metzenbaum
Responding to a remark allegedly made by opponent Howard Metzenbaum to the effect that he had 'never held a job,' Ohio Senatorial candidate John Glenn lashes back by citing 23 years service to his country in the Marine Corps.
Responding to a remark allegedly made by opponent Howard Metzenbaum to the effect that he had 'never held a job,' Ohio Senatorial candidate John Glenn lashes back by citing 23 years service to his country in the Marine Corps.
John Kerry's Comments at Reagan Funeral
Did presidential candidate John Kerry, speaking at Ronald Reagan's funeral, call for Democrats to 'confirm the demise of the man who is solely responsible for turning the American people away from liberal philosophy'?
Did presidential candidate John Kerry, speaking at Ronald Reagan's funeral, call for Democrats to 'confirm the demise of the man who is solely responsible for turning the American people away from liberal philosophy'?
John Kerry Criticized by Swift Boat Veterans
Circulating via email: critical comments about Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry by former military personnel.
Circulating via email: critical comments about Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry by former military personnel.
John Kerry 'Didn't Have Time' for Briefing on al Qaeda Attacks
Email rumor claims presidential candidate John Kerry told interviewer Larry King he "hasn't had time" to be briefed by the Bush administration on possible al Qaeda attacks.
Email rumor claims presidential candidate John Kerry told interviewer Larry King he "hasn't had time" to be briefed by the Bush administration on possible al Qaeda attacks.
John Kerry's Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Like President G.W. Bush and Vice-President Al Gore before him, John Kerry stands falsely accused of declaring his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
Like President G.W. Bush and Vice-President Al Gore before him, John Kerry stands falsely accused of declaring his favorite Bible verse to be John 16:3 ("And they will do this because they have not known the Father nor Me").
John Kerry's 'Foreign Enterprises' (Heinz Outsourcing)
Email flier claims presidential candidate John Kerry, who has decried the outsourcing of U.S. jobs to foreign countries, owns overseas factories by virtue of his marriage to heiress Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Email flier claims presidential candidate John Kerry, who has decried the outsourcing of U.S. jobs to foreign countries, owns overseas factories by virtue of his marriage to heiress Teresa Heinz Kerry.
John Kerry's 'Front Porch Meeting' in Canonsburg, PA
Email flier purports to expose the 'truth' behind presidential candidate John Kerry's 'front porch meeting' in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on September 6, 2004.
Email flier purports to expose the 'truth' behind presidential candidate John Kerry's 'front porch meeting' in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on September 6, 2004.
John Kerry w/Jane Fonda (Photo)
Image making the email rounds purports to be an Associated Press photo showing John Kerry standing at a podium beside Jane Fonda as she delivers a speech at a 1970s peace rally.
Image making the email rounds purports to be an Associated Press photo showing John Kerry standing at a podium beside Jane Fonda as she delivers a speech at a 1970s peace rally.
John Kerry's Many Homes
Email flier (with photos) purports to enumerate the personal property holdings of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.
Email flier (with photos) purports to enumerate the personal property holdings of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.
John Kerry Meets with Satanist Anton LaVey (Photo)
'Newspaper clipping' circulating on the Internet purports to show a youthful John Kerry shaking hands with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
'Newspaper clipping' circulating on the Internet purports to show a youthful John Kerry shaking hands with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
John Kerry's War Record
Forwarded email criticizes Senator John Kerry's record as a Vietnam War hero/dissident.
Forwarded email criticizes Senator John Kerry's record as a Vietnam War hero/dissident.
John McCain on the Pledge of Allegiance
Circulating via email: A text attributed to Senator John McCain on the meaning and importance of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Circulating via email: A text attributed to Senator John McCain on the meaning and importance of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Forbids Black Mothers from Naming Own Children
Emailed "news item" claims a U.S. federal judge has ruled that due to the proliferation of "ridiculous names," poverty-stricken black women no longer have the right to christen their own children.
Emailed "news item" claims a U.S. federal judge has ruled that due to the proliferation of "ridiculous names," poverty-stricken black women no longer have the right to christen their own children.
Mastectomy Bill in Congress
Email flier urges women to sign an online petition in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, which would require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy
Email flier urges women to sign an online petition in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, which would require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy
Michael Moore vs. Bill Timmins on the Firing of Linda Ronstadt
Purported exchange of open letters between Michael Moore and Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins regarding the expulsion of singer Linda Ronstadt from the Las Vegas showplace.
Purported exchange of open letters between Michael Moore and Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins regarding the expulsion of singer Linda Ronstadt from the Las Vegas showplace.
Military Casualties Under Clinton vs. Bush
Email flier purports to demonstrate that there were more U.S. military casualties under the Bill Clinton administration than there have been during the Iraq War under George W. Bush.
Email flier purports to demonstrate that there were more U.S. military casualties under the Bill Clinton administration than there have been during the Iraq War under George W. Bush.
Monica Lewinsky Explains Post-Clinton Weight Loss
Here's what the former White House intern purportedly said on Larry King Live... and evidence that she didn't.
Here's what the former White House intern purportedly said on Larry King Live... and evidence that she didn't.
Muslim 'Religion of Peace Demonstration' (Photos)
Emailed photos show Muslims brandishing signs advocating violence against anyone who insults Islam at a purported 'Religion of Peace demonstration' in London.
Emailed photos show Muslims brandishing signs advocating violence against anyone who insults Islam at a purported 'Religion of Peace demonstration' in London.
My Neighbor, John Edwards
Message purportedly written by a neighbor of Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards says the politician is aloof, pretentious and disliked by fellow residents of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Message purportedly written by a neighbor of Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards says the politician is aloof, pretentious and disliked by fellow residents of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Not One Damn Dime Day
'Not One Damn Dime Day' email flier urges citizens to protest the war in Iraq by refusing to spend money on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2005.
'Not One Damn Dime Day' email flier urges citizens to protest the war in Iraq by refusing to spend money on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2005.
Nancy Pelosi Quotes
Circulating via email, purported statements by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi condemning stock market profit-taking and advocating redistribution of wealth via a 100% windfall tax.
Circulating via email, purported statements by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi condemning stock market profit-taking and advocating redistribution of wealth via a 100% windfall tax.
Pat Boone: CBS and 60 Minutes Are 'Modern Benedict Arnolds'
Did Pat Boone call CBS and 60 Minutes II "modern Benedict Arnolds" for their role in revealing the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq?
Did Pat Boone call CBS and 60 Minutes II "modern Benedict Arnolds" for their role in revealing the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq?
Pennsylvania Cell Phone Ban
"Legislative brief" circulating via forwarded email claims the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill on September 11, 2007 banning cell phone use in moving vehicles.
"Legislative brief" circulating via forwarded email claims the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill on September 11, 2007 banning cell phone use in moving vehicles.
Petition Against Appointment of W. David Hager to FDA Panel
Outdated email petition opposes President Bush's appointment of anti-abortion physician Dr. W. David Hager to the FDA Reproductive Health Drug Advisory Committee.
Outdated email petition opposes President Bush's appointment of anti-abortion physician Dr. W. David Hager to the FDA Reproductive Health Drug Advisory Committee.
Petition Against Pascua-Lama Gold Mine
Email petition expresses opposition to a Barrick Gold Corporation mining project in the Andean region of Pascua-Lama calling for the removal of glaciers that supply water to local farmers.
Email petition expresses opposition to a Barrick Gold Corporation mining project in the Andean region of Pascua-Lama calling for the removal of glaciers that supply water to local farmers.
Petition to Deny Social Security Benefits to Illegal Immigrants
Email petition addressed to President Bush advocates a citizenship requirement for immigrants receiving Social Security benefits and other government services.
Email petition addressed to President Bush advocates a citizenship requirement for immigrants receiving Social Security benefits and other government services.
Petition to Keep English as Primary Language
Email petition addressed to President Bush and others claims the U.S. is in danger of being 'conquered' by Spanish-speaking immigrants and urges the adoption of English as the primary language.
Email petition addressed to President Bush and others claims the U.S. is in danger of being 'conquered' by Spanish-speaking immigrants and urges the adoption of English as the primary language.
The President and the Seventh-Inning Stretch
Was portly President William Howard Taft the originator of this baseball tradition?
Was portly President William Howard Taft the originator of this baseball tradition?
Prominent Democrats Born 9 Months After Roswell Incident
Forwarded email names several prominent Democrats supposedly born 9 months after the 'Roswell incident' in 1947.
Forwarded email names several prominent Democrats supposedly born 9 months after the 'Roswell incident' in 1947.
The Queen. the President and the Flatulent Horse
During a state visit to England, President G.W. Bush goes on a fateful coach ride to Buckingham Palace with the Queen of England and a farting horse.
During a state visit to England, President G.W. Bush goes on a fateful coach ride to Buckingham Palace with the Queen of England and a farting horse.
Ray Reynolds: The Rest of the Story in Iraq
Emailed letter written by Army National Guard SFC Ray Reynolds while on leave from duty in Iraq notes positive developments in that country since the start of the war.
Emailed letter written by Army National Guard SFC Ray Reynolds while on leave from duty in Iraq notes positive developments in that country since the start of the war.
The Revocation of Independence
Net satire poking fun at the 2000 U.S. presidential election grew in the online telling...
Net satire poking fun at the 2000 U.S. presidential election grew in the online telling...
The Revocation of Independence (Comments by Sarah Hartwell)
Sarah Hartwell outlines the genesis of 'The Revocation of Independence,' a satirical response to the 2000 U.S. election propagated via the Internet
Sarah Hartwell outlines the genesis of 'The Revocation of Independence,' a satirical response to the 2000 U.S. election propagated via the Internet
Rice for Peace
2003 email flier urges recipients who object to a U.S. war with Iraq to send small bags of rice marked "If your enemies are hungry, feed them" to President Bush.
2003 email flier urges recipients who object to a U.S. war with Iraq to send small bags of rice marked "If your enemies are hungry, feed them" to President Bush.
Ronald Reagan: Grace Under the Scalpel
"I hope you're all Republicans," said the president to the surgeons. Or did he?
"I hope you're all Republicans," said the president to the surgeons. Or did he?
Rumsfeld to Kennedy: 'You're All Wet'
Satire mistaken for news: Donald Rumsfeld allegedly calls Senator Ted Kennedy "all wet" over accusations that the Bush administration misled the public about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction.
Satire mistaken for news: Donald Rumsfeld allegedly calls Senator Ted Kennedy "all wet" over accusations that the Bush administration misled the public about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction.
Rush Limbaugh on Compensation of 9/11 Victims vs. Military Families
Short text attributed to Rush Limbaugh points out the unfairness of 9/11 victims' families being paid greater benefits than family members of American military personnel killed in action.
Short text attributed to Rush Limbaugh points out the unfairness of 9/11 victims' families being paid greater benefits than family members of American military personnel killed in action.
Save NPR and PBS (It's Real This Time)
AUTHENTIC: 2005 email flier from the political action group MoveOn.org urges recipients to sign an online petition to save NPR and PBS from defunding by Congress.
AUTHENTIC: 2005 email flier from the political action group MoveOn.org urges recipients to sign an online petition to save NPR and PBS from defunding by Congress.
Save the Pledge of Allegiance (Petition)
U.S. Court of Appeals declares the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Online petition drives promise to deliver "millions" of names to elected officials in protest.
U.S. Court of Appeals declares the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional. Online petition drives promise to deliver "millions" of names to elected officials in protest.
A Tale of Two Houses - Gore vs. Bush
Email flier compares the eco-friendliness of Al Gore's Nashville, Tennessee mansion to that of President George W. Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Email flier compares the eco-friendliness of Al Gore's Nashville, Tennessee mansion to that of President George W. Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Theodore Roosevelt on Immigrants
Emailed quotation in which Theodore Roosevelt insists that every immigrant must become 'an American, and nothing but an American,' forsaking their native language for English and all other flags for the American flag.
Emailed quotation in which Theodore Roosevelt insists that every immigrant must become 'an American, and nothing but an American,' forsaking their native language for English and all other flags for the American flag.
Tom Daschle's Left-Handed Flag Salute
"Brooks Brothers suit: $680. Political career to become Senate Majority Leader: $15 million. Using the wrong hand while repeating the Pledge of Allegiance: PRICELESS."
"Brooks Brothers suit: $680. Political career to become Senate Majority Leader: $15 million. Using the wrong hand while repeating the Pledge of Allegiance: PRICELESS."
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Email flier purports to describe the lifelong duties of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Email flier purports to describe the lifelong duties of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
War and Pizza
Does an upswing in pizza deliveries to the White House and Pentagon indicate a major military operation is about to take place?
Does an upswing in pizza deliveries to the White House and Pentagon indicate a major military operation is about to take place?