Media

Author Denies Inserting Media Matters Reference Into Girl Scouts Book

Author Responds to Girl Scouts Media Matters Story | Wendy Thomas RussellThe saga over the Girl Scouts of the USA’s “MEdia” publication has yet to simmer. On Monday, days after the Blaze exposed the book’s Media Matters reference, Wendy Thomas Russell, the author, responded to the controversy on her web site.

In the end, her blog post addressing the issue leaves more questions than it does provide answers.

(Related: Meet ‘American Heritage Girls’ — A Christ-Centered Alternative to the Girl Scouts)

In her post, Russell highlights the process through which she came to win a contract and write the “MEdia” book (she received contracts for two additional publications as well). Russell explains that all three of the books she wrote “went through various layers of editing.“ Outside of ”a few rewrites,“ she claims that she was ”mostly uninvolved” in the final stages of the books. Russell writes:

Fast forward to last week when I found my name in a story on The Blaze, a conservative blog founded by Glenn Beck. In the Dec. 27 post, writer Billy Hallowell accuses the Girl Scouts of showing liberal bias by including in MEdia a reference to Media Matters, a website devoted to debunking misinformation by conservative news media — primarily Fox News. (As you can imagine, Beck’s not a big fan.) Hallowell states, “one wonders why the book’s authors, Wendy Thomas Russell and Sarah Goodman [who contributed several profiles to MEdia], would include this as the sole source for getting ‘the word out about media misinformation.’”

After describing the background to her own awareness about the controversy, Russell claims that she has no idea how Media Matters ended up making its way into the book. In fact, she apparently didn’t know anything about Media Matters until last week.

Additionally, Russell contends that she never would have included the source due to its overt bias. “Media Matters’ slant isn’t only evident in the content, it’s spelled out in the freaking masthead,” she writes.

(Related: Meet the 15-Year-Old Behind the Blaze’s Girl Scout Story)

As we originally reported, on page 25, the current version of the “MEdia” book references Media Matters in the following manner:

The Internet is a breeding ground for “urban legends,” which are false stories told as if true. Next time you receive a txt or e-mail about something that seems unbelievable, confirm it before you spread it.

The fact-checking site snopes.com investigates everything from urban legends to “news” articles and posts its findings. Media Matters for America (http://mediamatters.org/) gets the word out about media misinformation.

Here’s a copy of the page:

Author Responds to Girl Scouts Media Matters Story | Wendy Thomas Russell

 

But Russell claims that her version simply read:

The Internet is a breeding ground for “urban legends,” which are false stories told as if true, and then spread quickly. Next time you receive a txt or a forwarded e-mail about something terrible that happened to someone, try to confirm it. The fact-checking site snopes.com investigates everything from urban legends to “news” articles and posts its findings.

So, the question is: If not Russell, then who put the reference into the book? The author approached me via Twitter on Monday to share a link to her response to the “MEdia” controversy. I asked her if it were possible that her co-author, Sarah Goodman, might have been the culprit and she responded, saying, “As I understand it, Sarah contributed some profiles to the book, but that’s about it. I kind of doubt that was her add-in.”

Author Responds to Girl Scouts Media Matters Story | Wendy Thomas Russell

In the end, Russell contends that she’s “not sure what happened there, or who made it happen,” but she says she’s found the “whole ordeal highly entertaining.”

Media Matters also responded to the controversy and documented all of the attention that it was given. Rather than focusing on the disturbing fact that biased information was infused into children’s literature, the group seemed more concerned about the Blaze and “right-wing media“ and our ”attack” on the Girl Scouts:

The right-wing media closed out 2011 by attacking the Girl Scouts of America for, in the words of Glenn Beck website The Blaze, publishing a book that “refers young readers to Media Matters for America as one of the primary sources for debunking lies and deceit.” Fox News led the charge, devoting more than 15 minutes over two days and three programs to the GSA’s “liberal ideology,” including its purported ties to Planned Parenthood.

While the Girl Scouts confirmed (as they originally told the Blaze) to the Daily Caller that “…upcoming reprints of journeys materials will not include links to Media Matters,” nothing has been said about the current versions that may still be on bookshelves.

Regardless of ideological affiliation, this scenario is more concerning than it is “entertaining,” especially considering that young, impressionable girls are on the receiving end of this material.

Comments (41)

  • max00man
    Posted on January 5, 2012 at 4:56pm

    I didn’t see it mentioned in the article because I was skim reading but snopes.com is just as biased as Media Matters. I found time after time they lie and cover up any negative facts about Obama or any liberals. The Mickelsons, which run the website are ultra leftwing idiots that DO NOT do any real “fact checking”…. Go ahead and search on Snopes.com anything negative about Obama. You’ll be surprised what BS they print as fact.

    Report Post »  
  • coca-cola
    Posted on January 5, 2012 at 2:01am

    I’m not surprised one bit, GS has been lying for YEARS.
    …It‘s always someone else’s fault – never theirs.
    I just love the way the GS always claim they are under attack – yea, go ahead and play the victim…….againnnnnnnnn!
    Billy Hallowell & The Blaze, Thank You for exposing the GS !

    Report Post »  
  • ProudTeaPartyMember
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:18am

    Whenever I see those cute little girl scouts selling things outside the local supermarket I always tell the women supervising them that I support the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, never the girl scouts. Making children political hacks for their lesbian / pro death (ask the dead babies) agenda.

    Report Post » ProudTeaPartyMember  
    • dteeter
      Posted on January 5, 2012 at 8:12am

      Everyone can support the girls without supporting the Girl Scout Organization by giving the girls a cash donation instead of buying cookies. That way the girls get to fund their activitiesand service projects without the Girl Scout Organization does not get a penny!!!

      Report Post »  
    • bmwlexmom
      Posted on January 7, 2012 at 11:08pm

      proudteapartymember – I would hope that you would never say something so vile to young girls. You may disagree with the organization but addressing your issues with children is never alright. Take your disagreement with the national organization up with the national organization – not the leaders, girls or parents, who may be in the organization for very different reasons and who may also not agree with everything they stand for.

      Report Post »  
  • ConservativeFeminist
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:47pm

    *************
    Let’s all make a difference – STOP buying the cookies that support the progressive Girl Scout agenda.
    **************

    Report Post » ConservativeFeminist  
    • 1azuce
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 1:30am

      I would buy the cookies all the time even though they were expensive and I never ate them. Always gave them to nieces and nephews. Thought I was helping the organization and it was for a good cause.

      Sign me up cause I’m not buying them any more. I‘m guessing I won’t feel bad about it too.

      Report Post »  
  • SteamedinMichigan
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:42pm

    Well, Well, Well – I am impressed.

    I send an email complaining about the GSA to the internet address given when this story first came out. It looks like many, many others did so as well. Our voices were heard – the liberals can deny they cited “Media Matters” as a reference but we know otherwise.

    Hey libs – we caught you this time – and remain vigilant. You will not defeat us in a battle for our children’s thoughts and ideas….and piss off for even trying

    Report Post » SteamedinMichigan  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:12pm

    Hey, everybody. I’ve got a really nice bridge for sale. Dial 1-800-IMA-LIAR for details.

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:04am

    Not really sure who made this happen, However, there was a large, heavyset person, with short spiked hair, wearing golf shoes , who went by the name… Butch.. Seen near the editing Dept….

    Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:19pm

      yes…of course…“not sure what happened there”. Just hoping no one would notice right?

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:21pm

      yes Ms Russell..child indoctrination is “highly entertaining” right?

      Report Post »  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:38pm

      Ms. Russel should report this travesty to Media Matters don’t you think???? Oh I know, it was a bunch of Union Elves that stuck that part in the book.

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
    • JRook
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:59pm

      The saga over the Girl Scouts of the USA’s “MEdia” publication

      Reality : the saga was manufactured and continues here.

      American Heritage Girls’ — A Christ-Centered Alternative to the Girl Scouts

      Reality : a separatist religious organization that claims 17,000 members vs. 3.5 million Girl Scouts in the US alone. They are not even close to being an alternative. And no doubt they promote their own form of indoctrination.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 8:17pm

      Gee Rook, you’re a slow learner.

      Girl Scouts = 2.3 million “Girl” Scouts and 880,000 ADULT MEMBERS.

      From their Website…………
      “Today, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts—2.3 million girl members and 880,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers”

      Why can’t proggies ever be trusted to be factual? (Rhetorical question Rook, no need to reply)

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:50am

    Her… “I know nothing” explanation could have come from Eric Holder. And like Holder she never said she’s going to take it upon herself as the author to find out who did it.

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
  • barber2
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:15am

    She had nothing to do with it BUT she finds it ” highly entertaining.” Guess she must be a student of the Barack Obama School of Voting Present. Nothing like being PC . Nothing like not taking a stand. Got us to where we are today….

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:05am

    My wife was involved with the Girl Scouts for about 10 years and they are infected with Feminazis.
    They seemed surprised that a “man” would help pick up things from their store, (just because my office was near there) or be involved with the lives of his girls. They really push multi-culturism and all our dues went to pay for inner-city scouts, instead of the actual scouts out in the country where we lived, who actually paid. We never saw any return on what we put into it, except for the cookie sales. After my wife gave it up and turned it over to another person, that person and her daughter were the only people left in the club, and she somehow ended up with all the money in the bank account. We got really disillusioned with the whole matter. We were just trying to make a difference in the lives of our children and others, but kept running into people with agendas of their own.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:50am

    .
    Wendy Thomas Russell, the author with ink stained fingers said “It wasn’t me!”…….

    Notice the three names, just like a serial killer…………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • BenInNY
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:27am

      No “Wayne” in there, I think we’re safe.

      Report Post » BenInNY  
  • GETLIFE
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:42am

    New Year’s Resolution: no more Girl Scout cookies.
    For once it’s an easy resolution to keep….

    Report Post » GETLIFE  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:35am

    Ah! the little skulls full of mush! I didn’t,. wouldn’t, couldn’t ,. Now excuse me- I haave an appointment with Jon Corzine.

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • 4xeverything
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:34am

    Well, if they can’t even keep track of reading material that they endorse then what else are they just letting slip by and then laughing about. She may find it funny, but I find it disgusting, and it is my opinion that counts when it comes to my daughters. Period.

    Report Post » 4xeverything  
  • ZAP
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:34am

    And I’m still not supporting the girl scouts by buying cookies.Plus moooooochelle will be happy,too.

    Report Post » ZAP  
  • Arruba
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:29am

    This response equates to “We’ll take it out, until your not paying attention again, then we’ll put it back in and claim not to know how it got there”.

    Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:07am

      You nailed it. We battle a rising tide. Liberals long for the day where they can do their work, no longer under the cover of darkness.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
  • ARSILHOUETTE
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:29am

    At least the Girl Scouts are addessing the issue and not just blowing it off as a non issue.

    That said, I would like to address the issue of what a poorly printed book it is. I’ve seen elementary school newspapers that have better spell checkers and printers. Letters missing or pushed so close together that they look mispelled. Out and out misspelled words in every paragraph. Ms. Russell, I would be ashamed to have my name as the author of this book.

    Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:40am

      ARSILHOUETTE
      I don’t think that the Girl Scouts are addessing the issue, if they were the book would be pulled and they would not be a user of it. No more money from me.

      Report Post »  
    • towerguy
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 6:07pm

      ARSILHOUETTE: I disagree that the GSA are addressing the controversy. Even their chosen author, with two more books still to write, punted on it.

      Deny, attack, deny, attack… It‘s that conservative Glenn Beck’s fault. Neither the GSA nor the book’s author discuss that this information comes from a former girl scout – it’s just a story that big bad Glenn Beck created out of nothing. Nothing to see here, now move along but keep your girls attending the reeducation camps and buy the cookies.

      Report Post » towerguy  
  • W@nd@
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:23am

    yeah found it highly entertaining and
    she is so thouroughly ok with the outcome
    she could have very well had a part in it.
    ha ha ha
    Have a good laugh over it….honey
    you are way tooo transparent….
    think those next books will enlighten us further…?
    That is if anyone bothers to read them!

    Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:23am

    bs…

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
  • HKS
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:23am

    I would have no reason to not believe that the author had nothing to do with it. Those kinds of things come from higher up the food chain where the arrogance is high. However, rest assured that the scout administration is the beast of this deception. These days associating with any organization is a journey as the mutants are everywhere.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • momsense
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:44am

      Don’t these things get reviewed before printing?

      Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:23am

    The point is….it is in the book. And that is a shame.

    Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:36am

      @TRONINTHEMORNING

      You are right and the Girl Scouts are a user of the book

      Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:21am

    I’m calling BS the authors asre trying to move away as fast as possible from this indoctrination. I say fire everyone evolved with the book be removed permenantly from the girl scouts for life. This should send a message of zero tolerance to all the liberals who think they can indoctrinate our children without reprecussion.

    Report Post »  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:20am

    Just like a Liberal – I didn’t do it blame someone else- Heck maybe Bush did it

    Report Post »  
  • hersey10
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:20am

    Well then who put it in there ?

    Report Post » hersey10  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 9:18am

    Just look for the large heavy set, spiked hair,butch lookin chick in the editing dept. And you’ll find your man…..

    Report Post »  

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