NEWS: Fake vs. manipulated

To Steve Cameron: Regarding “Is truth too much to ask?” and “fake news.” Steve, you contributed to the public’s negative feelings in your article right from the get go. I can deal with fake news; it’s “manipulation” that I can’t tolerate, especially by the news media and what you referred to as “...honest journalists...” I found it interesting you made a distinction, “honest journalists.” I’m sure you consider yourself to be one and that brings me to your contribution to the public’s frustration right from the start of your article and it wasn’t fake news; it was “manipulation” and that’s worse because fake news is a lie that can be checked out, “manipulation” is a subtle form of controlling how someone thinks.

When you described how the Democrats and Republicans reacted to James Comey’s testimony you put as follows, and I will cap the manipulative words you used to create a positive or negative opinion: “Democrats see a CLEAR CASE of obstruction of justice, with Trump INTIMIDATING Comey in the hope of KILLING an investigation of Michael Flynn...” “Republicans, on the other hand have MOUNTED a VIGOROUS and ANGRY defense, SCREAMING ‘WITCH HUNT’ at EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY.”

Just leave out all the manipulative words and “fake news drama” journalists feel they need to make an article interesting. Try to write in a way no one can tell what your political affiliation is; because right now it’s pretty clear, so how can we trust you?

JERRY MARTIN

Post Falls