The Power of Words and story telling cannot be over estimated. Actors know this and most politicians have some idea of the difference in how to tell the same story in a different way to get a completely different effect in the listener. The famous example of this is the story of Remus Reid.

Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.

Or alternatively

Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.

Of course these two versions are both factually accurate but tell very different versions of the same events.

As such it never hurts to get a few alternative versions of the same situation and this helps to stop the wool from being pulled over your eyes.

Here are some useful websites and blogging sites that may come in useful if you think you are being spun.

www.freeasthysweetmountainair.wordpress.com
www.positiveactiongroup.org