Persuaded that Mad-Libbing is an appropriate way to deal with mad “libs” as well as to illustrate a point by analogy, I give you this most recent gem from Dan “Fake But Accurate” Rather.
1. Name one fairy tale, myth, legend, etc. that you desperately would like to believe is true: Santa Claus is real
2. Who first told you about that fairy tale, myth, or legend? my parents
3. Who else? other relatives, kindly old neighbors, department stores, and special programs on network television
4. What part of the fairy tale, myth or legend would you call the fact that the fairy tale, myth or legend isn’t true? the weakest spot
5. What would you say about people who tell you “It’s a nice story, but it’s simply not true”? trying to change the subject because you probably got coal in your stockings last year
Rather ‘Absolutely’ Stands by Story
Declaring he ?absolutely? believes ?the truth? of his discredited story based on what “2. my parents” told him, about 1. Santa Claus is real, on Wednesday’s Larry King Live on CNN Dan Rather contended that ?we had a lot, a lot of corroboration, 3. other relatives, kindly old neighbors, department stores, and special programs on network television, of what we broadcast about 1. Santa Claus is real. It wasn’t just 2. my parents.?
Rather then attacked those who dared to expose his misdeeds: ?It’s a very old technique used, that when those who don’t like what you’re reporting believe it can be hurtful, then they look for 4. the weakest spot and attack it, which is fair enough. It’s 5. trying to change the subject because they probably got coal in your stockings last year.”
