The Word is Not Refute

Morning Memo to Matt Drudge:

When someone "refutes" a charge, it means that they provide some evidence that the charge is false.

Refute is not the same as deny. It is not the same as protesting one's innocence. The same goes for the words "dispute," "reject," and even "dismiss."

Even if the person speaks with a British accent and acts like he knows all things, even when he uses the phrase, "I refute the charges against me," but offers no proof, he is still wrong and the charges remain until further notice.

We know you are in a hurry.

But get it right.