We need to kick things off by discussing our headline. TheGrio states up front that what follows on their site is an opinion piece and “the views expressed are the author’s own.” That’s a handy disclaimer, but as RealClearPolitics president Tom Bevan points out, an editor at TheGrio read the piece and decided to publish it as is. So yeah, when the first line is a flat-out lie, TheGrio does bear responsibility for what they decide to publish.
And they decided to publish David A. Love’s hot take that in places like Florida, the reality is that books that even mention black people are illegal.
Love writes:
As we celebrate a Black History Month like no other, people are now faced with the reality that in places like Florida, books that discuss Black history or even mention Black people are now illegal.
Doing his best impression of a white segregationist from the 1950s South, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a war on books that may cause white tears — topics such as race, gender, sexuality, LGBTQ+ people, class, oppression and social justice. Under Florida’s Stop Woke Act, teachers cannot discuss these topics in class under the threat of felony charges, forcing them to remove books on these subjects.
We read the piece looking for the part where Love admitted his thesis was hyperbole, but maybe could come true … but he never does.
"People are now faced with the reality that in places like Florida, books that discuss Black history or even mention Black people are now illegal."
Pro tip for writers: Never start a column with an outright lie. https://t.co/9Hm6w4kRHQ
— Tom Bevan (@TomBevanRCP) February 22, 2023
Or at least open with a lie that isn’t so preposterous?
— Colin Duffy (@TheRightDuff) February 22, 2023
That was in the old days. Now, following old Soviet propaganda techniques, the lie is included purposely, knowing that it will stick in people’s minds.
— Luis H Ball (@ball1_ball) February 22, 2023
If @theGrio had even a shred of integrity they would pull this piece, apologize and fire author @davidalove
— GWardHome (@gwardhome) February 22, 2023
What an entertaining piece of fiction.
— The LibertariDan™ (@TheLibertariDan) February 22, 2023
Haven’t leftists warned us over and over that “disinformation” is the greatest threat to our country right now? Where’s Brian Stelter when you need him?
Reported for misinformation.
— Corbin (@CorbinSW) February 22, 2023
I turned on Fresh Prince and a swat team kicked in my door. True story.
— Tree (@GJohnstonTAWP) February 22, 2023
Can we confirm the writer didn't just ask AI to write a sensationalized bad take on book censorship?
— NorCal ex-pat (@norcalexpat) February 22, 2023
Wow, I am absolutely astonished by the willingness to perpetuate a lie which is SO OVIOUSLY FALSE.
— Elijah Reader (@reader_elijah) February 22, 2023
So "the grio" will publish any kind of tinfoil hat nonsense, then?🙄
— (((Common Man))) (@hydar) February 22, 2023
Are you suggesting this is a … left-wing conspiracy theory? Has that phrase even been used before?
What people are faced with this reality?
— joshua womack (@slayr1031) February 22, 2023
This is fake news.
— Sandy Carson-Hill-NO DMs (@SandyCarsonHill) February 22, 2023
If they didn’t lie, most of the media would have nothing to say.
— Emarzano (@Emarzano1) February 22, 2023
Does the left have a single opinion that isn't a straw man argument?
— dorkmasterflash (@PBabones) February 22, 2023
This is an outright lie as @davidalove well knows, but the political narrative means more than the actual reality of the matter.
— Floplag (@floplag) February 22, 2023
Remember Mr. Seattle SuperSonics image – it’s not a lie if you believe it. pic.twitter.com/VO1kfhG00U
— James LaFeur (@TheeTruth19) February 22, 2023
Holy crap what an absolutely garbage human being would lie like this. Even the most progressive person knows this is a lie. And still you spew this hateful content.
— opinions mine (@jkm3443) February 22, 2023
The lies and over dramatic bullshit is off the charts here
— BotBurner8675309 (@BotBurn8675309) February 22, 2023
Race hucksters need this to be "true."
— James Madison (@JMadison1000) February 22, 2023
Snopes? PolitiFact? AP? Reuters? Glenn Kessler? Daniel Dale? Is anybody out there working today?
***
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Related:
College Board’s changes to APAAS course give woke progs a headache and Ron DeSantis another huge win https://t.co/P6jYXUWuzJ
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) February 2, 2023
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