From the desk of Robert Rappaport on Friday, February 6th 2009 at 6:20

TIMES ARE REALLY TOUGH!

One thing I've learned in this business is to never "rip and read" wire service copy and trust it to be perfect. Okay, we don't really "rip" anything anymore, but to say never "print and read cold" doesn't sound as catchy.

Here's what I was greeted with Friday morning from the AP. Carefully read the first paragraph and pay attention to grammar and a simply over-the-top error.

PHOENIX (AP) - The state's budget troubles has hit home for state workers as the Department of Administration told 138 percent of its workers they'd lose their jobs in layoffs effective today. That follows a smaller layoff earlier this week at the Revenue Department, the state's tax-collection agency. Under budget cuts approved last weekend by the Legislature and Gov. Jan Brewer to close the $9.9 billion budget's $1.6 billion shortfall, the department was among many agencies facing both a general lump-sum cut in its budget and an additional cut based on personnel expenses. The layoffs eliminated 18 percent of the department's work force. Administration department spokesman Alan Ecker says the department explored alternatives including mandatory unpaid time off for all employees, but had no other way to cut its spending by the required 15 percent with less than five months to go in the fiscal year.

As the years go on, I've noticed a big lack of proofreading and fact checking before wire services send their stories to broadcasters. I also see lots of errors in newspapers these days too.

Could it be budget cuts, or simply a failing educational system that makes this a reality?

You be the judge.

To prevent spam, comments are no longer allowed after sixty days.