[RummyChick]

The problem is that someone started that rumor and so many people have run with it as if it is true.

So far, no proof that it is true.

[Baynative]

I put that up because I saw it “breaking” and hadn’t seen it. I’m watching for follow ups. If Snopes tries to play it down I will assume it’s true.

[Baynative]

"The problem is that someone started that rumor and so many people have run with it as if it is true.~~~
So far, no proof that it is true."

That got me thinking. Could this be the new trend in communication; news v. rumor and power v. truth? Maybe we've reached the point where anybody can make up anything they want and the story that captures the most viral following first becomes dominant and eventually becomes true or, at least legend.

I'm thinking of the false witness account of Michael Brown holding his hands up and saying "Don't shoot" and the false protestor sign that someone doctored with Photoshop...

Just throw the lie out there and see if it gets traction. The media has become very good at that and now they are getting competition from anyone with a keyboard or cell phone.