For the Record

ForTheRecord (FTR) posts are candid and hard-hitting quick bits on political statements and activities around the state. Ever read something you just know is flatly untrue? FTR is there to correct the error.

In its short existence, the new feature has had several stories explode in popularity and get picked up by more mainstream media sources.

Fox News picked up and ran with FTR’s bit on a liberal economist complaining about CEO pay while making nearly $243,000 to teach a few college courses at a public university.

Other pieces have included:

• Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm will teach a class on job creation this semester at the University of California – Berkeley. Under her leadership, Michigan led the nation in job loss with a decline of 576,900 positions.

• The SEIU is urging home caregivers in Michigan to join some fast food protesters in going on strike. The vast majority of these workers look after family or close friends. (A possible picket sign: “Hey Ma! I’m going on strike!”)

• A new “non-partisan” group says they “are canvassing for Democrats.” FTR provides the definition of “non-partisan.”

• The Michigan Education Association “fights for teachers” – but spends only 11 percent of revenue on direct representational activities.

FTR posts are meant to be short, easy-to-understand and very shareable by email and social media. (Our reporters say they are also very enjoyable to write.)

As our news website continues to expand in reach and content, providing even more reality checks for those in the political world will serve an important function. Come check out other examples at MichCapCon.com/ForTheRecord.