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Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory. On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.
Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"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."
NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks! That's real POLITICAL SPIN. Even our own Mayor, Phyllis Morris would be impressed.
Stay tune for her comments on the recent departure of our much admired Integrity Commissioner.
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7 comments:
just read the banner and you will see spin in all its glory
You might want to watch for an upcoming news story in the Toronto Star as well and we can only hope that an adequate amount of space and balance is given to this story in that report.
Clearly we're an example of something... for all the province to see.
I have read this before. I enjoy it every time I read it! Thanks for sharing.
Makes me laugh at some of the blogs Ev has written.
I bet Heather brought this item to her a long time ago to show her what was possible...
a small bit of truth and a lot of unscooped droppings.
Thank you for sharing, Heather.
I’ve been biting my tongue on this topic for a long time, but the Anonymous comment August 11, 2009 6:59 AM really puzzles me.
“I bet Heather brought this item to her a long time ago to show her what was possible...”
This isn’t the first Anonymii who posts insinuating I’m somehow involved in Evelyn’s writing and opinions.
I’d love to take the credit for being the brains behind the machine. I’d love to be as well spoken, as knowledgeable, and as experienced. I’m flattered. I’ve got nothing to do with it, other than layout, though. I don’t think it’s particularly incredulous.
"Thank you for sharing, Heather."
And thank you, Resident Morris Apologist, for always bringing it back to Mrs Buck. Consistency and persistence are among your hallmarks; the pearls in your "unscooped droppings", as it were.
This story is bogus. For one thing, it's Senator Harry Reid, not Congressman. I've seen this story referring to supposed relatives of Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, and Joe Biden. I'm sure it's just a coincidence that these are all Democrats. Anyway, please see http://www.snopes.com/politics/humor/horsethief.asp for the truth of the matter.
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