This is what's wrong with the media

Tom Maguire links to a story about a three-year-old girl who was brought to tears when Kerry supporters tore up her Bush sign. Bloggers have found out that the man, Phil Parlock, has been bringing his children to Democratic rallies and stirring up trouble for the past twelve years. This story highlights the media's fascination with anything controversial. "If it bleeds, it leads" thinking.

Would it really have been that difficult for the AP to do a little research on Mr. Parlock before running this story? Is it really necessary to stir up the crazy people on either side of the political spectrum by publishing poorly researched stories?

When is the media going to learn about Google, for crying out loud?