San Antonio Newspaper Smears Kathleen Parker
Written on November 9, 2007
The San Antonio Express-News published one of Kathleen Parker’s most recent columns that takes a position against illegal immigrants receiving driver’s licenses. They also carefully omit a single key word from one of her sentences, completely changing the meaning of the sentence and providing a beautiful soundbite for those who call those of us who believe in securing our borders “racists” and “xenophobes”.
The original sentence, which can be viewed at Townhall.com and at her own home newspaper the Orlando Sentinel:
The latter seems unconvincing given that illegal immigrants, by definition, tend not to think legally.
And here is the doctored quote, as can currently be seen on the San Antonio Express-News’ website:
The latter seems unconvincing given that immigrants, by definition, tend not to think legally.
Notice the missing word?
According to the Express-News editor, Kathleen Parker believes that ALL immigrants “by definition, tend not to think legally.” This is completely false and at odds with the numerous statements she has made in the past supporting legal immigration.
Just for extra proof, here’s a screenshot of the entire page, with the offending paragraph highlighted in red.
I have already contacted public editor Bob Richter, and he assured me he would have the op-ed editor correct the “mistake”. However, it is now 9:48PM, he e-mailed me at approximately 12:30PM, and the online edition still has not changed.