Michelle Malkin » Why that McCain volunteer’s “mutilation” story smells awfully weird; Update: Police to administer polygraph; conflicting evidence at scene; Update: Hoaxer confesses

Why that McCain volunteer’s “mutilation” story smells awfully weird; Update: Police to administer polygraph; conflicting evidence at scene; Update: Hoaxer confesses

By Michelle Malkin • October 23, 2008 06:43 PM

Scroll down for updates…”Police planned to administer a polygraph test to Ashley Todd, 20, because her statements about the attack conflict with evidence from the Citizens Bank ATM where she claims the incident occurred, police said”…and more below on following her MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook trails…10/24…more fishiness…10/24 3:26pm Eastern….HOAXER CONFESSES

Throughout my career, I’ve covered dozens of fake hate crimes — campus hate crime hoaxes, Muslim hate crime hoaxes, fake noose hangings, etc., etc., etc. Most were perpetrated by liberals, but there have been some shameful ones on our side of the aisle as well.

I’ve reported on the great lengths that warped attention-seekers have gone to in perpetrating fake hate crimes, including beating themselves up, carving swastikas on their dorm room doors and walls, locking themselves in bathroom stalls, and burning down their own houses.

Which is why I’m not jumping up and down with outrage over Drudge-promoted story of a McCain volunteer claiming to have been attacked by a black man whom she accused of carving a “B” in her face after spotting her McCain bumper sticker.

She refused medical treatment after reporting the incident to police. Why on earth would she do that?

Look at her face (photo via Hot Air):

What’s wrong with the “B?”

I share my reader Kathy’s suspicions on this. She writes:

Notice how the “B” is backwards on the right cheek……if you were looking in a mirror and put it on your own face…it would appear backwards and would probably be on your own right cheek (due to most folks are right handed)……she put it on her own face but forgot it would show up backwards.

She may have been robbed and beaten but I think she added the “B”….

Take a close look at the picture.

Maaaaybe the alleged robber straddled her upside-down while carving it into her face.

Maybe.

But I’ve got my doubts.

(Update: And yes, as many readers have pointed out, it’s also the neatness and superficiality of that “B” that also raises red flags. See my police officer reader’s e-mail below.)

The woman has been identified as GOP volunteer Ashley Todd of Texas. Her Twitter page is here and I find it, well, odd.

This seems to me to have shades of Paul Mirecki (note that there was a photo in that case, too), Sarah Marshak, and Tawana Brawley all over it.

If I’m wrong, I’ll apologize. If I’m right, will this woman?

It needs to be said — and since it is not said often enough by those on the other side of the political aisle, I’ll say it again:

We have enough low-lifes and thugs in the world running loose and causing campaign chaos and fomenting hatred without having to make them up. I’ve been blowing the whistle on the real, left-wing rage not on the front page and in-your-face tactics throughout the election season.

Hate crimes hoaxes — by anyone, of any political persuasion, and of any color — diminish us all.

Either way, I hope that Todd gets the help she needs, that the whole truth comes out, and that justice is served on the perpetrator.

Whoever he or she may be.

***

Ace weighs in.

And from a reader who is a police officer:

“I’m a cop – 8th year now – and this McCain supporter attack just didn’t pass the “smell test” as soon as I read about it.

At this point, I’ll guess the shiner was inflicted either by a friend willingly as part of this hoax or a boyfriend in a domestic dispute.

The “B” is far to[o] shallow and clean to be taken seriously. Reminds me of the stab wounds that a “hero” would get when fighting off a phantom attacker – far to[o] superficial to have been done in what is a fairly violent encounter.

Either way, I’m voting McCain

***

Update 1am Eastern: Via Pittsburgh Tribune-Review…

A knife-wielding man robbed a McCain-Palin campaign volunteer and etched a “B” into her face after he saw a McCain bumper sticker on her car, the woman told Pittsburgh police.

Police planned to administer a polygraph test to Ashley Todd, 20, because her statements about the attack conflict with evidence from the Citizens Bank ATM where she claims the incident occurred, police said.

FYI: Todd’s MySpace page has been turned private, but cached links are here.

Her Facebook profile has been deleted, but the cached front page is here.

Update 9:30am Eastern 10/24: She told police the assailant sat on her chest and pinned her hands down with his knees.

So much for all those thinking the attacker was upside-down with her head between his knees.

Update 3:26pm Eastern: I was right.

Posted in: Nooses, Race Hustlers, Race relations

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#512645

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:46 pm, Patrick Britton said:

So, with little evidence other than a backwards B you’re calling this woman a liar? Have you even been the Pittsburgh?
#512648

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm, Patrick Britton said:

I wonder if the cop is lying too.

“According to the police report, the officer confirmed that he “observed the wound on the right side of [her] face.”
#512649

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:49 pm, Michelle Malkin said:

So, with little evidence other than a backwards B you’re calling this woman a liar? Have you even been the Pittsburgh?

No.

With 16 years’ worth of experience covering fake hate crimes, I’m voicing my doubts.
#512651

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:49 pm, Bill Grant said:

You forgot to ask what she was wearing and what she was doing out so late.
#512652

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm, Michelle Malkin said:

I wonder if the cop is lying too.

“According to the police report, the officer confirmed that he “observed the wound on the right side of [her] face.”

I’m not doubting that the wound is there. I’m raising questions about who put it there.
#512653

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:51 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm, Patrick Britton said:

I wonder if the cop is lying too.

“According to the police report, the officer confirmed that he “observed the wound on the right side of [her] face.”

It is on the right side of her face. Let’s not get all Biden on this.
#512654

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm, navywife91 said:

Maybe there is a tape from the ATM to help shed some light. I understand the skepticism.
#512655

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:53 pm, Patrick Britton said:

With all due respect Michelle Pittsburgh is a tough area. I do applaud you for going about this with caution but I don’t see the point in her fabricating the story consider she looks obviously beaten.

I’ve already blogged about it but will follow your lead in following up if what you say is true.
#512656

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:53 pm, Michelle Malkin said:

You forgot to ask what she was wearing and what she was doing out so late.

You sound like all the libs upset when I questioned the Columbia noose professor’s story.
#512660

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm, omnipotent said:

So Michelle, are we to assume the mugger had great penmanship as well?

Maybe the perp is dyslexic.
#512661

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm, smfoushee said:

Flip the image.
#512663

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

Ed has updates on HA that apparently confirm her story… she DID go to the Medical Center and had an MRI and such…. hopefully all will be known soon.
#512665

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 pm, Rob said:

Does anyone remember this?

In 1989, as fascination with Morton Downey, Jr’s TV show began to wane, he was involved in an incident in a San Francisco International Airport restroom in which he claimed to have been attacked by neo-Nazis who painted a swastika on his face and attempted to shave his head. Some inconsistencies in Downey’s account (e.g., the swastika was painted in reverse, suggesting that Downey had drawn it himself in a mirror).
#512668

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm, crashemt said:

I don’t think anyone is talking about the presence of the wound. It’s obvious in the picture.

I would say that it’s not really “carved” as some would have it. My time as a paramedic has given me the experience to know that if it was “carved” in that area of the face, it would be bleeding severely, and the skin would be pulling the wound ever more open. Facial cuts across the upper cheek are very hard to close without stitches.

Hate crimes hoaxes — by anyone, of any political persuasion, and of any color — diminish us all.

And, in this Country, we still have the presumption of innocence and mandate that the injured prove the harm. At least, until Sharia is implemented here.

My fear, if this is true, is that we are in for much, much more of this, if BHO takes office. I fear that many will take the election as a sign to promote violence. I am now flipped off daily on my commute in Washington, DC, and the only thing I have on my car is a bumper sticker that says “Government is not the answer”

Oh, and God help us if when BHO loses. It will make the ‘68 riots look like a parade. I’m already hearing wind of that in the area.
#512670

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm, TiminPhx said:

As a former police officer, I worked a number of false claims, so it’s ALWAYS worth considering that when a case seems odd.

Doesn’t mean it’s false or true, but it bears further investigation.

One possible explanation for the way the B is, is if the victim were laying down face towards the suspect. That way he bends down with just her head under him, not with him straddled over.

Then he does the cut and leaves. Sometimes, so charged over the power the loser has over his victim, he will administer some parting shots, but hanging around to carve face?

Until we know all the facts, reasonable suspicion is called for.
#512671

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:01 pm, FilmLadd said:

Michelle, I have to agree, it is a bit fishy.

Speaking of fishy, I would really like your take on the Berg lawsuit, Obama’s sudden trip to Hawaii, and the African Press interview with Michelle O… have you heard anything that we haven’t, etc.?
#512674

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm, Kendra said:

I actually wondered the same thing as Michelle obviously did. It’s all just a little too convenient. And for someone to carve that “B” backwards, or upside down they would have to be at the top of her head and not sitting on her torso. And why, after getting money from her would he stop to pay attention to a bumper sticker on what may or may not have been her car? Guys like that want their money and then they’re out of there. They aren’t all that observant.
#512675

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm, Bill Grant said:

You sound like all the libs upset when I questioned the Columbia noose professor’s story.

I sound like a “lib” ~~because I have been railing against the republican candidate for months~~ don’t want to call this woman a liar without a shred of evidence?

Right, that woman in New York that was beaten up for carrying a McCain sign the other day… I suspect she hit herself with the sign….

here is a real district attorney’s complaint documenting an unprovoked assault by an enraged Democrat against a McCain volunteer in midtown Manhattan: “Defendant grabbed the sign [informant] was holding, broke the wood stick that was attached to it, and then struck informant in informant’s face thereby causing informant to sustain redness, swelling, and bruising to informant’s face and further causing informant to sustain substantial pain.

…the victim was a small, quiet, middle-aged woman wearing glasses, and the attacker was a loud, angry man who went into orbit at the mere sight of McCain campaign signs.

Get In Their Face! -Barack Obama
#512676

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm, amerpun said:

He was beating on her and kicking her, which makes it sound like she was on the floor. He would’ve been standing over her in that case, which would explain the backwards B.
#512677

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm, Mercy4Me said:

if the robber knocked her down, and she’s on her back facing up, and he is standing over her, his feet at her head,looking down, the “b” is right to him.
Good lord people, at least believe until proven false. give the girl the benefit of the doubt.
#512678

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm, marybel said:

If this young woman was going to fake an initial, why not an “O” ? Seems easier to me.
#512679

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm, Morgan said:

I’m hoping none of us will be behaving like decapitated chickens over this incident. I don’t know anything about this, one way or the other, and until there is conclusive proof, I’m reserving judgment.
#512680

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm, JHSII said:

I’m with Michelle on this one – I have also seen too many things that are not as they seem that I am suspicious this close to the election.

“Trust but verify” – Ronald Reagan
#512681

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm, doubleplusundead said:

I have to agree with Michelle, something just isn’t passing the smell test for me here, even with the pics. I’m waiting until we get something concrete from the police investigation.
#512683

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm, Oink said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm, crashemt said:

Oh, and God help us if when BHO loses. It will make the ‘68 riots look like a parade. I’m already hearing wind of that in the area.

Maybe it’s that RIGHTEOUS wind BO was talking about?
#512684

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm, Devil's Advocate said:

Michelle:

Look at the photo upside down!!
#512685

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, Oink said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm, omnipotent said:
So Michelle, are we to assume the mugger had great penmanship as well?

I said the exact same thing over on Hot Air.

Great minds think alike!
#512686

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, amerpun said:

If this young woman was going to fake an initial, why not an “O” ? Seems easier to me.

Good question. And it would’ve been more directly linked to “Obama”, seeing as it’s his identifying symbol.
#512688

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, gippergirl said:

Didn’t the initial robbery happen at an ATM?…if so, shouldn’t there be some kind of surveillance in place?
#512689

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, Laree said:

I would like to see the ATM video, or at least a report on what it shows, we know it exist.
#512690

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, Southpaw said:

Left handed dyslextic? Who knows. All I know is this campaign road has been paved with people thrown under the bus. Be glad when it’s over.

Maybe off topic, but it has always fascinated me. We look in mirrors to check our appearance, but what we see is not how everyone else sees us. (unless you use two mirrors.)
#512691

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm, navywife91 said:

I sound like a “lib” because I have been railing against the republican candidate for months don’t want to call this woman a liar without a shred of evidence?

Geez, Michelle didn’t call her a liar! She simply wants more confirmation before she goes forth with the story.
#512692

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm, Oink said:

Trust but verify and all that… If I find out it’s (the B) beyond a shadow of a doubt true, I will be extremely outraged. I’m outraged the girl was robbed and beaten. I’m just hanging on here a bit before I get bent out of shape over the B.
#512693

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm, AmericaFirst said:

Thugs who mug people on the streets aren’t the type to involve themselves into politics, let alone know who John McCain is. Watch an episode of “Jay Walking” on the Tonight show and you’ll understand. Why would the mugger stick around to carve her face when he could be spotted by a witness or within reach of a cop? Most street thugs cannot spell or read. I personally do not believe her story. What did he cut her face with? Doesn’t look like a knife or any object a mugger would carry. He was a black man wearing all black wardrobe? No unique insignias on any clothing? Too generic of a description.
#512694

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm, navywife91 said:

If this young woman was going to fake an initial, why not an “O” ? Seems easier to me.

I’m going out on a limb to say the “B” was for b*tch, not Barack.
#512695

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm, rightwingmom said:

The backwards “B” is suspicious.

I’m anxious to see the video from the ATM.
A dyslexic perp. w/ serious anger issues toward:
McCain
Palin
women
ATMs
cars w/ GOP political stickers

Maybe he thought it was $06.
(I know, bad joke about dyslexia.)
#512696

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm, Jarhead said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:
Ed has updates on HA that apparently confirm her story… she DID go to the Medical Center and had an MRI and such…. hopefully all will be known soon.

Ed also makes the point that the attacker could have had this young lady on the ground, when said B was etched. Remember it is less then 24 hours since this crime was commited, let the police do their investigation. If it was a hoax it will come out, then the young lady must be held accountable.
#512697

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm, emjem24 said:

Michelle, while I understand your doubt and skepticism, I’m just gonna wait and see what the ATM camera stills reveal.

This is a very emotionally driven election but I wouldn’t be surprised if either a)this story is for real or b) this story is bogus. There is a lot of vandalism on both sides so hard core supporters feel driven to do things more sane-thinking supporters wouldn’t do.

You should come to my area of SE VA where there is nothing but crime and complacency (especially among the black community). I can’t even freaking put out a McCain/Palin sign because I fear that the house my husband and I are currently renting will be vandalized by the neighborhood “bullies.”

Hell, I’m even scared about what’s gonna happen when the local delinquents and their lackadaisical parents don’t get their “candy tribute” this year.

And, yes, I don’t get the upside down B either. Good point. Let’s see what happens.
#512699

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm, TooMuchTime said:

There have been many stories where people have faked an attack. Remember Susan Smith? She said a man attacked her and stole her car with her children. When in fact, she drowned them.

And don’t forget Randi Rhodes. While it wasn’t fake, it wasn’t an attack. She’s just clumsy.

In the women’s defense, she could have been mugged and beaten and the “B” cut into her, as her assailant stood over her head, facing toward her feet. Since that is possible, I will give her the benefit of the doubt.

However, knowing the success of public schools, maybe that’s the way her attacker actually spells a “B.”
#512701

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm, Bud Fox said:

What does Tawana Brawley have to say about it?
#512705

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm, cyrebus said:

Any news on the surveillance tape concerning the fired Professor Madonna Constantine and her noose….
#512706

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm, PBoilermaker said:

How about this…everyone stop speculating and calm down.
#512707

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm, teachem2 said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm, gippergirl said:
Didn’t the initial robbery happen at an ATM?…if so, shouldn’t there be some kind of surveillance in place?

They are looking at the surveillance, to see if they can catch a glimpse of the guy. I think I read that the crime was out of the view of the camera. That’s not too out of the realm of possibility since it’s a widely known fact that ATMs have cameras.
#512708

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm, navywife91 said:

He still had the stick in his hand, and you could see the injury on my face, and he admitted it. He was arrested. He actually said, “I don’t know why I did this. It’s just those signs, and this election, it has me so upset.”

This lady was attacked in NY (see above link #18). It great to see these unhinged liberals aren’t all talk.

sarc off

On a serious note, I do feel sorry for those of you who cannot show your support for fear of retribution or worse.
#512709

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm, jeffjackie said:

Michelle’s doing her best Noonan impersonation… Why those crazy righties.
#512711

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm, mistressjustice said:

Great job her MM. Let’s see the truth come out. I’ll never compare you to Sean Hannity again. Gawd I hate him so much. Things are geting weird and ugly. I can’t wait till this election is over.
#512715

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm, wayiwalk said:

I’m going out on a limb to say the “B” was for b*tch, not Barack.

You beat me to this one.

I, too, am suspicious, and disappointed by the repub candidates comments. BO’s and Bidens seemms more appropriate.

And that will be the last time you ever hear me say anything those 2 guys said is appropriate!
#512717

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm, The Master said:

Would you really need to look in the mirror to put a “B” on your face? I dunno. The “B” doesn’t look all that “backwards” to me anyway. She could have been moving or her cheekbones could have contributed to the “bend” of the “B” on the one side and not the other.

I have no opinion one way or the other on whether she is telling the truth. Let the facts come in and then decide. One thing you can be sure of, is that the media will jump all over this if there’s any chance she faked it. Unlike, say, a black college profession who almost certainly hung a noose outside her own door . . .
#512716

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm, rsb1 said:

I’m willing to wait for the police investigation to weigh in on this.

But the question of refusing medical treatment may be something as simple as a 20 year old who doesn’t have insurance – or was tired and scared and just wanted to go home.
#512718

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm, purplepeep said:

Though there could very likely be a simple explanation for the “backwards B”, I think Michelle would be less honest if she didn’t point out when something is a little off – that’s what makes her a professional and not a hack.

We’ll see how it all shakes out.
#512719

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:20 pm, purplepeep said:

Oops, that should be “less than honest” in my comment above.
#512723

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm, Rob said:

I’ll never compare you to Sean Hannity again. Gawd I hate him so much

Sean is a GREAT American!
#512724

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm, AlohaGuy said:

So, with little evidence other than a backwards B you’re calling this woman a liar? Have you even been the Pittsburgh?

It’s not unreasonable to wonder…

Which is more likely, he held her down by her head while her body was loose and feet kicking, or she did it in a mirror? Who knows yet? Michelle’s not calling her a liar, just voicing a suspicion. Call me cynical but guess which explanation came to mind when I saw the picture? Left-handed dyslexic?
#512727

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 pm, 31Bravo said:

Based on almost two decades as an LEO I am VERY doubtful this is legitimate. Unless she was knocked out, any normal person would have struggled as someone attempted to carve a letter in their face. Imagine how hard it would be to make a B that symmetrical when she is trying to fight him off and, as would be a natural instinct, moving her head back and forth to try to avoid the blade.

Not to mention the thing is backwards. Over 90% of people are right handed so the mark would be on the OTHER side of her face to begin with. And looks suspiciously like a mark a finger nail scratch might leave, not a knife.

http://www.americanarmed.blogspot.com

Nope, this one stinks to high heaven.
#512728

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm, Lindsay said:

At first I thought, fake,too.

This would was not carved by the point of a knife. If she were lying down, restrained by an arm and knees of attacker, then it is possible. Don’t know if the ‘B’ meant, however.

Her black eyes looks real. She also looks bruised on the right side of her head. The opposite cheek (of the backwards ‘B’) appears to have bruising and a red spot that could have been the start of a new wound.

I questioned why she would not go to the ER myself. It does seem weird.
#512731

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

watershed complains about Sarah Palin’s wardrobe in 4… 3… 2…
#512732

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm, CO2 Producer said:

Thanks for remaining lucid about this, Michelle. We need to learn more.

FilmLadd (7:01 pm): Have you read Ed Morrissey’s analysis about Berg’s claims?
#512733

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm, brooklyn red said:

I remember a certain looser who drew a swastika backwards on his face in an airport bathroom… I thought at first that the photo was floped, but it don’t look too good.

Then again if the victim was assaulted from behind, well…

let us see.
#512734

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:27 pm, omnipotent said:

I questioned why she would not go to the ER myself. It does seem weird.

Many violent-crime victims refuse medical attention, at least initially.

Geez people, talk about JUMPING to conclusions.

Innocent until proven guilty……not if you’re a Republican victim.

Barry can have this country, I’m through with it….
#512735

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:27 pm, astonerii said:

Lets see, beaten and knocked down to the ground and kicked a few times. Then the guy turns around, puts her back onto the ground and puts a knife to her head. He may have been above her head while she was on the ground, making the B upside down, not mirror imaged. The fact that there is a knife 1/2 inch from a person’s eye ball tends to make the person not want to squirm around an aweful lot I am guessing. But all of you unthinking neanderthals please continue to call the victim a liar and make yourselves feel all special.

As for why not to go get medical care, look at how superficial it all is. Hell, I would not have gone even if there was blood. I do not have health insurance, I know how much medical care costs, and I know that when the police ask you if you want medical care they plan on shipping you to the hospital in the back of a very costly ambulance. I got into an accident on my motorcycle once. The police FORCED me to go to the emergency room and I did not have insurance. My medical bills included. $5250 ambulance, $6600 MRI scan of my head, $750 for x-rays of my foot, my hand, chest and neck and other charges of around $250. Did the police pick up the tab on this? Sure did not. There are reasons not to want to go to the hospital. One is money, the other is some people, just like me, simply hate the hospital and do not trust doctors.
#512736

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm, Mookie said:

Something that jumped out at me was her Twitter log. Twittering that she was looking around for an ATM to avoid a service charge, that she was going to have a heck of a blog, being in the wrong part of Pittsburgh. I know people who use Twitter can be really into minutia but it seems too concise.

I think Michelle’s taking the the right approach here. There are too many things that don’t make sense. And God knows there are enough actual incidents of violence that have happened on both sides of the campaign that we don’t need any BS for dramatic effect.
#512737

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:29 pm, rightwingmom said:

Refused ER care?

Neosporin is much cheaper!
#512739

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm, AlohaGuy said:

The “B” doesn’t look all that “backwards” to me anyway.

Huh? Hold three fingers out to indicate which way the E is pointing…

and slightly related:

The Power of a Backwards E
Power corrupts at least one thing: a leader’s ability to sense how the world is experienced by others. U.S. News & World Report looks at a study led by Adam Galinsky of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management that found during four experiments that power diminished a leader’s ability to adjust to other people’s perspectives.
In one of four experiments, participants were told to draw a letter E on their foreheads. The authors found that when people were first asked to recall a time when they had power over other individuals, they were three times more likely to draw the E in a self-oriented direction and not so others could read it.

from a wsj blog
#512740

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm, FilmLadd said:

OT: Michelle Malkin Story Request!

Can we get any reporting on the veracity and merits of this whole Berg lawsuit story, Obama’s citizenship, etc.?

Michelle Obama: “There is no law that will stop Obama from being president!”

Apparently there are now three lawsuits requesting BO to verify his citizenship, and the first he didn’t answer within the court-mandated 30 days.

Haven’t heard anything on sites like Malkins, only on obscure sites… or Michael Savage, who sometimes is alarmist and will say anything if it’s dramatic enough.

Is anyone else curious about whether this thing is reality or just ginned up?
#512742

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm, Kensington said:

Not your finest moment, Michelle.

Here’s another theory as to why the “B” might not look like the finest example of professional calligraphy: it was done by a MANIAC MORON.

Just a thought.
#512744

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm, sierra.caddis said:

When I first saw this, I immediately thought this was a fake. She also said is was a black man, and McCain called her or her family. This is not going to go well in the main stream press if this is a fake.
#512745

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm, Patrick Britton said:

Whatever the case, I’d rather apologize for believe the hoax than to call the woman a liar. Just my two cents.
#512749

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:37 pm, Pulchritudinous Patriot said:

Some argue that the turning down of medical treatment is normal, and for some it is.

I thought HINKY at the backwards
B…and the fact that this took place away from the security cameras….

My gut screams FAKE!!!!!
#512751

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:37 pm, AlohaGuy said:

Can we get any reporting on the veracity and merits of this whole Berg lawsuit story, Obama’s citizenship, etc.?

OT:

Maybe the lawyers here can comment, but he was born here so even if he’s adopted by someone in Indonesia and given Indonesian citizenship, he’s a minor, and I think when he reaches the age of majority he’d have to give up his US citizenship himself, otherwise, his birth is good enough. Assuming he was born – and having seen some Punahou grads, that could be a stretch…
#512752

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm, tonyr951 said:

Well BO did tell his followers to “get in their faces”.

On the other hand, either her attacker was dyslexic or she is not too bright for carving it backwards.
#512753

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm, L.N. Smithee said:

As I posted on Patterico minutes ago:

OK, folks. You know me. You know what I think of Obama. You know what I think of the slimebuckets who smear Governor Palin. You know what I think of the jackholes who disrupt conservative events. I hope you know by now I’m a straight shooter.

So I am not being a reactionary when I tell you all: THIS DOESN’T PASS THE SMELL TEST.

When I followed the link to Gateway Pundit for the photograph of the alleged victim, I was hoping I wouldn’t see what I thought I might see, and that is a backwards “B.”

Maddoggit.

Back in 2001, when I read a wire story about a black woman who said she was yanked off the side of the road by a [pair] of rednecks in a pickup, sexually assaulted, and had “KKK” carved in her chest, I posted the article in a Free Republic thread and subtitled it, “(IMHO, She’s Lying, & You Heard It Here First)”.

I was right. About a week later — September 4, 2001 — she confessed to carving the “KKK” herself. And, yes, it was carved backwards. The woman, who was not identified, was out with someone she shouldn’t have been out with late at night, and to cover her tracks with her significant other, she made up the story. About a year earlier, a gay man was in the same situation and reported a similar non-existent hate crime.

If I was a top GOP official in Pennsylvania, I would demand a private audience with the “victim,” and lay down the law in a calm and cool voice:

The “B” is backwards. That doesn’t make a lick of sense. If you’re telling the truth, we will do everything we can to help you. If you’re NOT, you better tell us right freaking now, because we will NOT be dragged down with you. This is unacceptable behavior, and we will disown you and anyone else who helped you with this hoax. We WILL hang you out to dry, and might even sue you. It will get exponentially worse for you as time goes by, so you might as well tell the whole truth and NOTHING but the truth right NOW.
#512755

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm, purplepeep said:

Patrick Britton said:
Whatever the case, I’d rather apologize for believe the hoax than to call the woman a liar. Just my two cents

.

That’s understandable, Patrick. The third option is to wait until everything is checked out. No need to go either all-out Sharpton/Brawley or “lair, lair” on this right off the bat.
#512754

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm, txvet2 said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm, mistressjustice said:

Great job her MM. Let’s see the truth come out. I’ll never compare you to Sean Hannity again.

Until the next time you disagree with her.
#512758

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:43 pm, L.N. Smithee said:

As I posted on Patterico minutes ago:

OK, folks. You know me. You know what I think of Obama. You know what I think of the slimebuckets who smear Governor Palin. You know what I think of the jackholes who disrupt conservative events. I hope you know by now I’m a straight shooter.

So I am not being a reactionary when I tell you all: THIS DOESN’T PASS THE SMELL TEST.

When I followed the link to Gateway Pundit for the photograph of the alleged victim, I was hoping I wouldn’t see what I thought I might see, and that is a backwards “B.”

Maddoggit.

Back in 2001, when I read a wire story about a black woman who said she was yanked off the side of the road by a [pair] of rednecks in a pickup, sexually assaulted, and had “KKK” carved in her chest, I posted the article in a Free Republic thread and subtitled it, “(IMHO, She’s Lying, & You Heard It Here First)”.

I was right. About a week later — September 4, 2001 — she confessed to carving the “KKK” herself. And, yes, it was carved backwards. The woman, who was not identified, was out with someone she shouldn’t have been out with late at night, and to cover her tracks with her significant other, she made up the story. About a year earlier, a gay man was in the same situation and reported a similar non-existent hate crime.

If I was a top GOP official in Pennsylvania, I would demand a private audience with the “victim,” and lay down the law in a calm and cool voice:

The “B” is backwards. That doesn’t make a lick of sense. If you’re telling the truth, we will do everything we can to help you. If you’re NOT, you better tell us right freaking now, because we will NOT be dragged down with you. This is unacceptable behavior, and we will disown you and anyone else who helped you with this hoax. We WILL hang you out to dry, and might even sue you. It will get exponentially worse for you as time goes by, so you might as well tell the whole truth and NOTHING but the truth right NOW.
#512760

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm, happyscrapper said:

My first impression when I saw the picture on the news tonight was…this is a fake. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. But that was my first thought. The upside down B is very strange.
#512761

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm, emjem24 said:

PKAmmoTroop said:
watershed complains about Sarah Palin’s wardrobe in 4… 3… 2…

LOL Good one, PK.
#512762

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm, AlohaGuy said:

I’ll never compare you to Sean Hannity again.

She’s not Irish, she’s an Ochre, black, Jewish, wannabe white Flogger. I think that’s the cumulative description so far if we leave the rude comments out…
#512763

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm, vickisoup said:

I thought Obama supports were all about the “O”.
Maybe the “B” stands for…uh…well, you know. “The B word”
#512765

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm, et said:

I have my doubts about this incident, mainly because of the minor nature of the ‘wound’. Not even deep enough to draw blood. No scabbing, no permanent scar, even her black eye is not swollen.
#512768

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm, MrScribbler said:

It’s simple prudence to wait before making a judgment on the “B” assault. Aside from the cut, the black eye(s) don’t look fresh to me.

And even if it is a true story, you can’t pin it directly on Osama Obama. Same is true of the assault on a McCain volunteer in NYC.

That said, he has plenty to answer for, and if this is a hoax, the media will focus on it and provide yet another “distraction” from the important work of exposing the true Obama.
#512769

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm, happyscrapper said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm, navywife91 said:
Maybe there is a tape from the ATM to help shed some light. I understand the skepticism.

apparently, she was away from the ATM and near her car, as she said the perpetrator did the attack because of the McCain sticker on her car.
#512770

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm, AlohaGuy said:

Maybe the “B” stands for…uh…well, you know. “The B word”

Biden. And since it’s backwards and makes no sense, does anyone know where Joe was at the time?
#512771

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm, fulldroolcup said:

TRY this with a “signficant other” : you lie face down.

The Other puts a knee to your back, or straddle-sits on you to hold you down.

He pulls you by the hair to bring your face off the ground, exposing your cheek.

He goes all Benihana on your cheek, using some sort of weapon with enough force to leave a “B” scratched into it.

A “B” oriented consistent with the viewpoint of the attacker.

Plausible.

But not enough to convince.

Does anyone know if carving a B has some gang significance?

Oh! Here’s another way the encounter could have played out, if only……

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijRZfJObqZk

Don’t miss it!!!!!
#512774

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm, AlohaGuy said:

TRY this with a “signficant other” : you lie face down.

OK, I tried it with a significant other, and I have an AG carved in my cheek, but it’s sideways facing down…
#512775

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm, Texhoma said:

The first time I saw this picture the first thought was it was done standing in front of a mirror because it was backwards.

As I kept looking at the ‘B’ I started to notice things that may indicate it could have been done by someone standing at the top of her head so she was basically upside down as it was written.

A couple of indications is the straight line of the ‘B’. Notice that it extends longer than the bottom loop of the ‘B’. It is a very common trait when printing a capital ‘B’ for the bottom line of the bottom loop to end above the end of the line.

Just to confirm this I had 4 members of my family write 5 printed capital ‘B’s on unlined paper. Out of 20 there were 12 where the bottom loop ended above the bottom of the line. 5 ended below the end of the line, and 3 ended exactly at the proper junction.

I also noticed where the two ‘B’ loops join that the bottom loop starts above the bottom line of the first loop. The start of the bottom loop is at an angle and starts above the line.

This makes me think this may be a legit incident, but, it could have been done by a friend as she laid on a bed or the floor.
#512776

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm, redheart said:

The B is very neat. What did he do, say “hold very still while I carve a backward B on your face”.
#512777

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm, happyscrapper said:

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm, mistressjustice said:
Great job her MM. Let’s see the truth come out. I’ll never compare you to Sean Hannity again. Gawd I hate him so much. Things are geting weird and ugly. I can’t wait till this election is over.

Why do you hate Hannity so much? I know he is very conservative, but so are a lot of us on this thread. What did he do?
#512778

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm, Mixer14 said:

Two Words.

Tawana Brawley.
#512780

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm, DannoJyd said:

I’m going to trust Michelle on this as she has the experience, yet I’m seeing some pretty desperate, and nasty moves from the ObamaMessiah followers that go well beyond stealing signs in my fairly quiet neck of the woods.

I left out that the woman told me that she believes her address was aquired from someone following her home from her shopping trip due to her having a McCain sticker on her car, and because a strange vehicle pulled into her driveway and parked for a minute when she got home. That gave the stranger just enough time to write down her address.

Sound scary to you? I sure think it does!
#512782

On October 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm, Mixer14 said:

Two and a half words:

Morton Downey Jr.