Reporter makes crap up, says “one in fifty children homeless”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9eBNRjD7bAThe scene is this week’s Presidential press conference. Pre-chosen, pre-approved, pre-truthful reporter Kevin Chappell of Ebony asked the President this question:

“Thank you, Mr. President. A recent report found that, as a result of the economic downturn, one in 50 children are now homeless in America. With shelters at full capacity, tent cities are sprouting up across the country. In passing your stimulus package, you said that help was on the way. But what would you say to these families, especially children, who are sleeping under bridges and in tents across the country?”

Damn tough questioning, Kevin. Except for one thing. It’s a bogus statistic, as Mickey Kaus explains at Slate.com:

“Chappell’s question is based on this study by an anti-homelessness advocacy group with every incentive to maximize the estimate of the problem. 1) The report apparently counts all people who are “homeless” even one night over the course of a year. That’s very different from saying that one-in-50 are homeless at the same time–e.g., “now.” 2) More significantly, the report counts as “homeless” families who’ve “doubled up”–e.g., moved in with relatives–apparently on the grounds that while these children in these families do have a home, they don’t have “a home of their own.” That’s not what most people mean by homeless, and not the image Chappell conjures (tent cities, sleeping under bridges)….The study also counts families living in motels and trailer parks–again, lousy living arrangements, maybe, but not what we usually mean by “homeless.” “P.S.: “Doubling up” counts for fully 56% of the “1 in 50” estimate. (See page 9). “Hotels/motels” counts for 7%. In other words, right off the bat almost two-thirds of the study’s once-a-year “homelessness” isn’t actually homelessness.”

Sure, they fudged the numbers. But they did it for the children. And that makes it ok.

Source: Slate