Letters to the Editor provide a valuable forum for debating local issues. The Herald crosses a line, however, when it publishes letters with information that endangers the lives of its readers. A recent letter, “COVID-19 rules are illegal, immoral and unhelpful” does just that.
Why does the Herald allow such misinformation in the paper, in any forum? Consider a letter that asserts “Hey kids, smoking cigarettes is healthy for you! Let’s talk about the real science that no one else knows.” The Herald’s logic suggests that yes, it will publish that, even though cigarette smoking as a health threat is not debatable. It is dangerous misinformation that if followed could result in great harm and death.
Publishing a letter with health mis(dis)information suggests the Durango Herald believes that COVID-19 public health measures are up for debate. They are not. If the Durango Herald views that letter as one side of a real “debate,” then it stands alongside outlets and officials that propagate falsehoods about the pandemic.
I feel for the businesses and people in my city. This virus should have been stamped out long ago, and businesses and people should have had ample financial assistance to get them through this hell. Alas, that is not the case, but look only to Washington, D.C. They abandoned us.
Publishing medical falsehoods gives credence to the idea that public health is an opinion. Not every issue has two sides. There is no other side in public health matters. The Herald should know and model that.
Michael McGuireDurango
