In this age of rapid communication, mistakes will be made. The key is to learn how to moderate one’s response and learn from embarrassments. I'm learning too. Our communication networks are powerful things. Our words cause ripples. And a lack of words? Evil would triumph.
— FRegards ....
The neglected fact here is the absolute HUGE and SERIOUS (spelled correctly) ramifications of this story had it been factual.
There is no single retirement, bar Obama himself, that would have the national repercussions of this story had it been true.
The soul of any great rumor is the magnitude of it's import, in that respect this was a gem. Blame only those that perpetuated it and not those that were initially concerned.