Whopper of the Day - July 28th:

the truth about "SIGNED" MEMOS AND DISCLOSURE

As ranchers around Montana are demanding action to protect cattle from the risk of brucellosis, Governor Brian Schweitzer told the Associated Press he hadn’t signed an interstate pact which aimed to prevent future outbreaks of brucellosis in cattle. However, Governor Schweitzer had signed the pact less than a week earlier, on June 27th, but that wasn’t public until last week. When asked about the discrepancy, Schweitzer said his earlier comments that he hadn’t signed the agreement were “truthful.” Despite being caught in a blatantly false statement, he maintains that he was “truthful” all along.

Schweitzer states that Montana hasn’t signed the pact

“In a July 2 interview, Schweitzer told the AP: ‘We haven’t signed it.’”

(Matthew Brown, Associated Press. Progress on brucellosis pact hits standstill. July 26, 2008)

Schweitzer even goes on to criticize the agreement and lays out changes needed before he’ll sign it

“‘It’s not something we’ve agreed to right now, and it’s something we’re going to wait until we have some provisions in there that protect the wildlife in Montana and the livestock industry,’ Schweitzer said at the time.”

(Matthew Brown, Associated Press. Progress on brucellosis pact hits standstill. July 26, 2008)

Despite the denial, Schweitzer had signed the pact the week before

“Yet, Schweitzer had signed the agreement less than a week before, on June 27. News of Schweitzer’s signature came this week, when the governor released a letter sent to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer.”

(Matthew Brown, Associated Press. Progress on brucellosis pact hits standstill. July 26, 2008)

Schweitzer even believes that this clearly false statement was “truthful”

“In an interview this week, Schweitzer said his earlier comments about not signing the agreement were truthful.

“‘I consider something signed when I release it,’ Schweitzer said.”

“‘Until I release it, I’m not acknowledging anything.’”

(Matthew Brown, Associated Press. Progress on brucellosis pact hits standstill. July 26, 2008)

Brian Schweitzer … You Just Can’t Trust Him