As the political season heats up heading into the home stretch towards the huge election looming before us in November, we would all be well advised to beware the power of spin. Below is a classic example. While the veracity of this anecdote is questionable, let's not let a minor issue like that get in the way of making a good point.
Judy Walkman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California ,
was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that a certain Senator's great-great uncle, Remus Reid,
was hanged for horse stealing
& train robbery in Montana in 1889.
Both Ms Walkman & the Senator
share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of this horse thief shows him standing on the gallows about to be hanged. On the back of the picture is this inscription:
'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1883, escaped 1887,
robbed the Montana Flyer six times.
Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
When the Senator was contacted to see if he had any information about his ancestor, his staff sent the following reply:
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition
of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency.
In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which
he was standing collapsed."
So the next time you hear a politician
making grand promises,
remember that once he secures your vote,
you may find yourself hanging out to dry, just like old Remus Reid.
Now put a smile on your face,
thank God you are not a politician, &
go out and spread random acts
of kindness today!
