Opinion by Jack Wiegman
The Editor of the Daily Inter Lake Kalispell Newspaper was given a notice from an experienced news director.
“Dear Editor,I am deeply saddened by your recent article on Sheriff Mack. Please let the writer know that every reporter is obligated to research the things that he or she writes and to be correct.
A newspaper has the power to hurt many people and this recent story was loaded with errors-in-fact. The medical dictate, First do no harm applies here. This kind of rhetoric is causing violence in other states and is hurting our children.
Worse than that, it quoted one of the most hate-motivated people in Montana, Travis McAdam, former Executive Director of the Montana Human Rights Network.
Travis has been caught lying about patriots, Conservatives, TEA Party advocates and even Republicans. We call that, Left-Wing Extremism!It is splendid that you and the writer are both Democrats. Hooray for you. But remember that the gallant tradition of American journalism demands equal respect for every political party.
That tradition also demands honesty. Those same demands are a part of your Second Class mailing privileges. American journalism helped change and improve all reportage worldwide.You can do better!…”
John H. (Jack) Wiegman Former News Director KWAL-AM (Wallace, Idaho)