The Truth Will Set You Free

"Using words to lie destroys language. Using words to cover up lies, however subtly, destroys language. Validating incomprehensible drivel with polite reaction also destroys language. This isn’t merely a question of the prestige of the writing art or the credibility of the journalistic trade: it is about the basic survival of the public sphere.

In Russia, first they came for the words of politics, value, and passion. Then they came for the words of action, the words that describe buildings, the numbers that denote dates. And then there were no words left to speak. Not that this is a Russian phenomenon.

Here is what Confucius had to say on the topic:

If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant; if what is said is not what is meant, then what must be done remains undone; if this remains undone, morals and art will deteriorate; if justice goes astray, the people will stand about in helpless confusion. Hence there must be no arbitrariness in what is said. This matters above everything."

-- Masha Gessen, The Autocrat's Language, NYRDaily

Facebook posts - No, the federal government is not offering a $2,200 holiday stimulus payment December 20, 2024
Residents in states across the U.S. are eligible for a $2,200 holiday stimulus payment.
Viral image - No, this isn’t an authentic video of Reba McEntire, Dr. Mehmet Oz, discussing lung disease treatment December 20, 2024
Video shows Dr. Mehmet Oz and singer Reba McEntire promoting treatment for chronic lung diseases.
Facebook posts - No, the NFL didn’t punish three refs after an Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings game December 20, 2024
The NFL punished three referees in “the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings.”
Viral image - No, this isn’t an authentic photo of Kate, the Princess of Wales, without hair December 20, 2024
Image shows Kate, the Princess of Wales, without hair.
Facebook posts - No, the NFL didn’t fire three refs after the 49ers-Rams game December 20, 2024
“The NFL has abruptly fired three referees who officiated the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.”
Instagram posts - No, this video doesn’t show Vice President Kamala Harris intoxicated December 20, 2024
Video shows Vice President Kamala Harris “is plastered again!”
Social Media - Person who called 911, not the tiplines, about the CEO shooting suspect can still get the reward December 19, 2024
Tipster in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing is ineligible for reward money "because she called 911 instead of the tip line."
Bird flu: What to know about latest outbreaks after U.S. reports first severely infected person December 19, 2024
Following recent avian influenza outbreaks, the U.S. reported its first person with a severe infection, and California's governor declared a state of emergency. Public health officials say risk to the general public remains low.
What would a government shutdown mean for you? Here’s what we know. December 19, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump, with help from Elon Musk, quashed a bipartisan spending bill two days before a deadline to avert a full government shutdown. Here’s what a shutdown would mean for you if no deal is reached.
Sara Jacobs - Fact-check: Past government shutdowns cost the U.S. economy billions December 19, 2024
Government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018 “cost our economy billions of dollars each.”
Department of Government Efficiency - Congress didn’t propose new $243,000 salaries in spending measure, as DOGE account claimed December 19, 2024
Spending plan to prevent a government shutdown includes “a pay increase for members of Congress from $174,000 to $243,000 per year.”
‘Not the AI election’: Why artificial intelligence did not define the 2024 campaign December 19, 2024
U.S. election officials prepared for an artificial intelligence-influenced campaign season. Generative AI had moments in the spotlight, but did not overtake the election. Here’s why.
Facebook posts - No, ivermectin still isn’t an effective COVID-19 treatment December 19, 2024
“Ivermectin is a treatment after Covid and after vaccination, it is an effective medicine in all phases of Covid 19.”
Threads posts - No, this isn’t footage of a drone crash, and the ‘Star Wars’ stormtroopers are a clue December 18, 2024
Video shows footage of a “drone crash.”
Facebook posts - Tesla tablets for $100? Think again. There’s no evidence auto company ‘unveiled’ a tablet December 18, 2024
“Elon Musk unveils a $100 Tesla tablet that will revolutionize the technological world.”
Instagram posts - Photos don’t show Coca-Cola truck with rescued children. It’s a Christmas toy drive December 18, 2024
“A Coca-Cola truck filled with kids was found by police in Cicero, Illinois.”
Facebook posts - Claim that men’s team refused to compete against Lia Thomas originated as satire December 18, 2024
“Men’s swimming team refuses to compete against Lia Thomas, calling her a 'cheat'”
Instagram posts - New Jersey drones not connected to search for missing radioactive material December 18, 2024
New Jersey drones are searching for missing radioactive material.
‘Stop trying to play both sides': Readers share their 2024 election fact-checking feedback December 18, 2024
As 2024 heads toward a close, PolitiFact readers have weighed in on a contentious election season with thoughtful questions and feedback for our newsroom. Here’s what they told us.
Instagram posts - Fatal airplane crash on Connecticut-New York border falsely identified as drone crash in New Jersey December 17, 2024
Video shows a drone crashed in New Jersey.