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Lack of critical thinking apparent

To the Journal editor:

It is very disturbing to see a level of vitriol and anger in this country that I have never witnessed before. Emotions are running at an unprecedented high level due to the recent events in our lives.

the Covid-19 pandemic, the senseless killing of black citizens, economic insecurity, and the seemingly apathetic government guidance on these issues have helped to fuel this tempest of distress.

Some of the responses to these events have been very ugly; the rioting, looting and loss of lives at some demonstrations, the threats upon the lives of governors and the absence of political decorum are symptoms of this unrest.

It is a sad day in this country when some newspapers cannot run an editorial for fear there might be physical retribution from those who feel their politics have been offended.

The value of critical thinking and analysis of facts and truth have been tossed to the side and have been replaced by the noise of social media sites and tv news networks that are more interested in ratings and money than practicing objective journalism.

At the end of the day, it is easy for all of us to seek out our favorite echo chamber that we feel legitimizes our point of view. This is a dangerous trap to fall into as objectivity will often be replaced by biased subjectivity.

I encourage everyone to view all issues with open eyes and with diligence. To my conservative friends, I ask you to consider looking at the opinions of conservative pundits like Steven Schmidt, Rick Willson and others involved in the Lincoln Project.

I will close by quoting one of the founding fathers, John Adams; “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

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