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Fact check time! I haven’t blogged here in ages, but the weird memes and false “facts” just keep coming.

Here’s a meme I’ve seen several times recently, and it jumped out to me immediately.

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First, has it been deleted three times? I have no way of fact-checking if it was “deleted”, but I know what appears to be the original post was flagged as “false news” on Facebook, which I’m thankful is something that happens now, though not often enough.

Second, does it even make sense, mathematically? Uh, no, not really. Here’s a fact check article on this from PolitiFact.

Third, this meme actually seems to show the problem with the Electoral College–by showing how little the vote of an individual in a more populous state compares to the vote of an individual in a more sparse, rural state. Why should my vote mean so little for president just because I live in New York instead of North Dakota? It doesn’t make much sense to me as a New  Yorker. I’m no political expert, and I know there are arguments to be made for the Electoral College, but this meme doesn’t seem an effective (or accurate) one.

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Fork lightning striking down during summer storm
This info is late for those who were affected by Harvey and now Irma, but there are already more hurricanes in the Atlantic, so here are some myths about preparing for hurricanes and info from FEMA.

Here’s an article from the Miami Herald about a few myths. I totally remember the window taping and cracking windows from my time living in Houston. Also, I lived here in New York state during Irene and Sandy, and while we had flashlights, we also used plenty of candles–not the safest choice in a house with kids.

Here is more info from the Tampa Bay Times. I have seen a meme going around a lot about storing valuables in the dishwasher because it’s waterproof–think again. It’s only waterproof from the spray inside–not from forceful waters coming from outside.

And here’s a really important link from FEMA addressing a number of rumors and scams related to disasters. Please share this link widely–much better than sharing random internet rumors and anonymous memes.

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This went around a while back and I have seen it shared again a few times today. I guess 12418812_1023432564376267_569278533865056591_oit’s making the rounds again in light of Hurricane Harvey.

Please, please don’t screen grab this and start sharing before you read what I have to say. I’ve purposely kept it small so it’s not too legible here.

Do you know who originally came up with this meme? Do you know how old it is? Do you know anything at all about its accuracy? If not, then it may not be the best source of information out there for which charities are the best.

Here is some info on this meme from Snopes.

And here is a link from the Federal Trade Commission about how to check into a charity that might be more helpful than a random meme on Facebook.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for somewhere to donate, here’s a link from Texas Monthly about ways you can help after Hurricane Harvey.

 

 

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