JOKE OF THE WEEK

TALK ABOUT SPIN

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, recently uncovered records indicating that Hillary Rodham Clinton's great-great uncle, “Shifty” Rodham, was hanged as a horse thief and train robbery in the Montana Territory in 1889.

The only known photograph of “Shifty” Rodham shows him standing on the gallows prior to being hung. The following information was hand written on the back of that photograph: "Shifty” Rodham, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885. Released 1887. Arrested by Pinkerton detectives while trying to rob a Montana Railroad Company train in 1888. Convicted and hung in 1889."

Ms. Wallman forwarded these records and the photograph, along with a request for her comments, to Hillary Clinton at her “Hilary for President” office. Hillary's staff of professional image adjusters responded with the following biographical outline:

"Shifty” Rodham was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include the acquisition of valuable equestrian assets. Additionally, he had close dealings with the Montana Railroad Company. Beginning in 1885, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility. In 1887 he took leave to commence dealings with the railroad. In 1886, he was a key player in an important investigation by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency, which ultimately became the United States Secret Service. In 1889, “Shifty” Rodham passed away when the platform, upon which he had been standing, collapsed during an important civic function that was being held in his honor.”