“It is understandable that after such an apparently definitive statement most news outlets, whether conservative or liberal, would accept this as sufficient grounds to relegate the controversy to the status of a fringe phenomenon. Unless they happened to take the trouble to look into the “state policies and procedures” as laid down by the relevant statutes. If they had done so, they would have seen that Dr. Fukino’s press release was carefully hedged and “lawyered” and practically worthless. But the media in general should not be faulted. The statement seems to roll out with such bureaucratic certainty and final authority. I believed it to be significant until a Honolulu attorney mailed me the relevant statutes. I was so surprised that I laughed out loud”
One ‘Cliff Notes’ version of the in depth post is at:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2303258/posts?page=41#41
I think many are trusting these officials too much - think Chicago.
Here is link to the shifting burden of proof definition. Go to the link and space down some, although the first items discussed are relevant also.
I went to your link, and actually tried to read the long article a day or two ago and got too sleepy. I’ll try again.
But here’s the problem. The fact that something “can” be done or “could” have been done, or even “might” have been done is not proof of anything. When BO presents a document, that is valid on its face, and supported by affidavits, (which may not be perfect but are evidence), then the naysayers have to come forward with something more in the way of proof.
I think I read somewhere that an old lady in Kenya said he was born there, and an affidavit from her is indeed evidence. Now that evidence gets “weighed” in a legal setting against the other evidence. IMHO, the naysayer’s evidence is not yet substantial enough to shift the burden back to BO.
So, what tangible “evidence” is there? I don’t believe the birther stuff, but I am more than willing to reconsider if I am presented substantial evidence.
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Shifting+the+Burden+of+Proof
parsy.