'I should have done the research': Atheist group presents billboard with Thomas Jefferson anti-Christian quote - but he NEVER said it

[sianrose]

'I should have done the research': Atheist group presents billboard with Thomas Jefferson anti-Christian quote - but he NEVER said it... A California-based atheist group is red in the face after trying to send a message using one of the Founding Fathers in a billboard ad campaign. The massive sign, put up by the group Backyard Skeptics, features an anti-Christianity message next to the face of Thomas Jefferson. However, the quote splashed across the billboard was never actually uttered by the Declaration of Independence author.

Misquoted: The statement splashed across this billboard by a California atheist group was never actually uttered by Thomas Jefferson full article... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054893/Atheist-group-Backyard-Skeptics-unveils-billboard-Thomas-Jefferson-anti-Christian-quote--NEVER-said-it.html

[Shawnster]

From the article:

Mr Gleason said that even if the quote is a fake, Jefferson probably would not be upset if he saw the billboard.

He told KABC-TV: 'He'd probably say, "Yea, I kind of agree with that," because all the other quotations that he's had are in the same vein.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054893/Atheist-group-Backyard-Skeptics-unveils-billboard-Thomas-Jefferson-anti-Christian-quote--NEVER-said-it.html#ixzz1cAXcJYCt

So, it's OK to lie and misquote someone if it a) sounds like something they'd say and supports your cause?

Wouldn't this found the argument on fables and mythology?

[bohemian]

And, of course, it stays in the mind because of being seen on the billboard. Most people seeing it will not know it is a falsehood.

[GrumpysWife]

And, of course, it stays in the mind because of being seen on the billboard. Most people seeing it will not know it is a falsehood.

Of course Christopher, most people are too lazy to investigate a quote like that so it perpetuates the falsehood. Good thinking.