Gee, who could be exaggerating reports of violent border crime? And why? Couldn’t have anything to do with an appalling record on treatment of immigrants, could it? Nah, never.

Who would do that?

Think… think… Rhymes with Schmewer:

Battling the widespread perception that U.S. border cities have become more dangerous, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Monday called on public officials to stop exaggerating the violence on the U.S. side of the border with Mexico and “be honest with the people we serve.”

In a speech in El Paso, Napolitano cited FBI statistics showing that violent crime rates in Southwest border counties are down 30% over the last two decades and are “among the lowest in the nation.” [...] 

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, was criticized during the campaign for saying that headless bodies were being found in the Arizona desert, a statement she retracted after local coroners could not confirm her claim.

Honesty schmonesty. Facts schmacts. How (un)surprising that someone on the right would be so dishonest.

The truth will simply not do when it doesn’t help the Republican cause, right Jan?

Even as the drug war has escalated just south of the border, crime rates in Arizona border towns have remained essentially flat, said Napolitano, citing the addition of personnel and technology in the region.

She added that the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the border — an indication of illegal cross-border traffic — has decreased 36% over the last two years.

Of course, that’s not part of the GOP agenda, which makes them very nervous and itchy and squirmy, especially as it gets closer to election season… which is pretty much ongoing.

When in doubt, change the narrative.

And then get corporate backing.