Fact-check those celebrity quotes

In response to "Sure signs of creeping socialism" (Dec. 26, Letters): While I do not completely disagree with the message, I do have a problem with the assumption that Ben Stein wrote it.

I checked Snopes, and if they are deemed to be trustworthy, then let it be noted that Stein never said anything of the sort.

I see too many people quick to forward quotes, comments and opinions from celebrities. Nowadays I see 140-character-or- less observations from people, most of those not worthy of notation in a newspaper.

The Modesto Bee should really do a better job of fact-checking prior to publication or should call the letter writers and get them to fact check on their own.

DAVID MOLLETT

Modesto