Biden signs a bill officially making the bald eagle the national bird of the US | CNN Politics

CNN - Dec 25th, 2024
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In a significant yet symbolic move, President Joe Biden signed a new law on Tuesday that officially designates the bald eagle as the United States' national bird. This legislative action corrects a long-standing oversight, as the bald eagle, known for its iconic white head and strong presence, has been a symbol of American power and freedom for over two centuries. The bird has been prominently featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 and is commonly seen on various national symbols, including military insignia and currency. This decision underscores the enduring significance of the bald eagle in American culture and identity, officially recognizing its role beyond assumptions and historical emblematic use.

The context of this development highlights the historical oversight in the official designation of national symbols. While the bald eagle was designated the national emblem by Congress in 1782, it was never legislatively recognized as the national bird until now. This formal recognition strengthens the symbolic heritage of the bald eagle and reinforces its status in the national consciousness. The decision may have implications for conservation efforts, as it draws attention to the bird's cultural and ecological importance in North America, further promoting awareness and protection efforts for this majestic species.

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RATING

3.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article titled 'The bald eagle officially becomes the national bird of the United States' presents a unique topic that delves into the longstanding assumption that the bald eagle was already the national bird. While the article provides a detailed historical context, its accuracy is somewhat compromised by factual inaccuracies. It fails to incorporate multiple perspectives, which affects its balance. The article lacks citation of authoritative sources, impacting the perceived credibility and reliability of the presented information. Transparency is another area of weakness, as the article does not sufficiently explain the legislative process behind the designation or disclose potential biases in reporting. Despite these weaknesses, the article is clear and engaging, with a logical structure and neutral tone. Overall, while the topic is intriguing, the article could benefit from improved accuracy, balance, source quality, and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

4
Accuracy

The article contains several factual inaccuracies regarding the bald eagle's historical status. It states that the bald eagle officially became the national bird with recent legislation, which is misleading. Historically, the bald eagle was designated as the national emblem in 1782, and while the article mentions this, it inaccurately suggests that the recent legislation was necessary to make it the national bird officially. This claim requires verification, as the bald eagle has long been recognized as a symbol of the United States. The article cites USA.gov as a source for its claims, but the lack of direct quotes or data from this source makes it difficult to verify the information presented. To improve accuracy, the article should provide more precise references and clarify the distinction between a national emblem and a national bird.

3
Balance

The article lacks balance in its representation of perspectives. It primarily presents a single narrative that the bald eagle's status was overdue for official recognition, without exploring opposing viewpoints or potential controversies surrounding this legislation. For instance, it does not address why this legislative action was deemed necessary now or if there was any opposition or debate in Congress regarding this decision. The article could enhance its balance by incorporating quotes from lawmakers, historians, or other experts who might provide various perspectives on the significance of this designation. Additionally, the article could explore the cultural and symbolic implications of the bald eagle's recognition in contemporary American society. By neglecting to include these aspects, the article fails to provide a comprehensive view of the topic.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the narrative. It effectively uses straightforward language and maintains a neutral tone throughout, making the content accessible to a broad audience. The description of the bald eagle's symbolic features and historical context adds depth to the article and engages readers. However, there are areas where clarity could be improved, particularly in distinguishing between the concepts of a national emblem and a national bird. The article could benefit from a more detailed explanation of these terms to avoid confusion. Additionally, providing a brief overview of the legislative process would enhance the reader's understanding of the topic. Overall, while the article is well-written, minor adjustments could improve its clarity and reader comprehension.

2
Source quality

The article's source quality is questionable, as it relies solely on a reference to USA.gov without citing any direct quotes or specific data. This lack of attribution makes it challenging to assess the credibility and reliability of the information. The article would benefit significantly from citing authoritative sources such as congressional records, legal documents detailing the legislation, or expert commentary on the bald eagle's historical and symbolic significance. Moreover, the absence of a variety of sources limits the article's depth and fails to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the topic. To improve source quality, the article should incorporate diverse and authoritative references, ensuring that the information is well-supported and verifiable.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly in explaining the legislative process and potential conflicts of interest. It briefly mentions that President Biden signed the legislation but does not provide details on how the bill was introduced, debated, or passed in Congress. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential biases or affiliations that may have influenced the reporting. For instance, it does not address whether the author or publication has any connections to advocacy groups or government entities that could impact the impartiality of the article. To enhance transparency, the article should offer more context on the legislative process and disclose any relevant affiliations or biases. This would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the basis for the claims and the potential influences on the article's content.