A Crash Course in Spin-Doctoring
>
> Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, discovered
> that Hillary Clinton's great-great uncle, Remus Rodham, was hanged
> for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889.
>
> The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the
> gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription: 'Remus
> Rodham; horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1883,
> escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by
> Pinkerton detectives, convicted, and hanged in 1889.'
>
> Judy e-mailed Hillary Clinton for comments. Hillary's staff sent
> back the following biographical sketch:
>
> 'Remus Rodham 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 service at a
> government facility, finally taking leave in 1887 to resume his
> dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, 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 on which he was standing collapsed.'
> And that is how it's done, folks!