AP uses positive, negative spin

A letter writer questions, “When did facts become bias?” (“Romney article isn't the one that's biased,” May 3). The answer is ever since we had propaganda, advertisements, newspapers, commercials, politicians, lawyers and used car salesmen.

In World War II and other wars, it was called propaganda. In the political world today, it's called “spin.” In either case it is usually not falsehood that someone can totally deny but it is presented using positive or negative words, phrases or sound bites to project the author's desire to influence others.

The following excerpts from the Associated Press article in question are examples of questionable facts presented in positive and negative words:

“ … Obama's budget generally avoids risk, with minimal cuts to rapidly growing health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid while socking wealthier people with tax increases.” And, “Romney, by contrast, proposes broad cuts in government spending …. His campaign materials give relatively few specifics … .”

Just because it's by the AP, it should not be assumed it's not biased.

Ivan Hardt

Cedar Rapids