Protecting your freedom of speech

We have had a lot of questions and criticism lately regarding our Letters to the Editor section. Readers have questioned why we are willing to “print lies,” “spread hate and discontent” and “further divide the community by printing such garbage.”

The answer to this is simple for us - Letters to the editor are a vehicle to exercise freedom of speech. It is a platform we offer to EVERYONE whether we agree with it or not.

First and foremost, letters to the editor are run in the opinion section of the paper because they are just that, someone’s thoughts. The only requirements for them are they are less than 500 words, signed, have local relevance and/or are written by our readers and they do not contain libel, an untrue defamatory statement.

Defamation is the action of damaging the good reputation of someone. Defamation law will only consider statements defamatory if they are, in fact, false. A true statement is not considered defamation. Additionally, because of their nature, statements of opinion are not considered false because they are subjective to the speaker. Disagreeing with someone’s opinion, the action of elected officials or statements made by candidates for elected offices are not generally defamation.

While we try to notify someone if there is a glaring factual error that we are aware of, we do not fact check letters to the editor. Often facts are even debatable because they are subject to a person’s perception. Picture two people standing above and below the number 6 written in the sand. One person argues that it is a 6 while the other is sure it’s a 9. Letters are statements of opinion.

Some letter writers support their opinion by building an argument using credible references while others use questionable sources. Some may cherry pick the facts fitting their argument and ignore facts that don’t. Others simply share their thoughts. It is up to the reader, as the consumer of the information, to decide if they present a compelling argument or if they are “off their rocker.”

Second as journalists for the Pathfinder, we are bound to a code of ethics that are not adhered to by letter writers. We seek truth and report it, minimize harm by treating people with respect and empathy, act independently as a servant to the public and are accountable and transparent. While we can’t verify everything sources tell us, we try to use only official sources and generally name those sources, making them accountable for the information. We report the facts that are presented to us without spinning them or adding in our own opinion.

However as owners of the Pathfinder, our role is very different regarding Letters to the Editor. This is a section of our paper that we defend because we believe it is an integral platform in our readership and gives our readership a voice – a voice in government, local issues, politics and the community that can incite change.

In our seven and half year tenure with the Pathfinder we have seen our local residents use letters to the editor as a tool to effectively change the outcome of several major decisions by government and agency personnel. Right or wrong is not for the paper to decide, we are merely a platform that can be used.

Third, we encourage our readers to become better consumers of information. If a letter enrages you, ask yourself why. If there are statements you perceive to be false presented in a letter or article, write a letter calling out the author or source and sharing what you believe is the correct information and why.

We will not defend the opinions presented in the letters to the editor because they are not ours or those of the Pathfinder. However, we will continue to defend the opinion section and the opportunity for our readers to write in. It is a critical voice in our valleys. Take the opportunity to let yours be heard!