Surprised. That is the word I keep returning to after reading the letter to the editor by Donna DeLeo Bruno: “Response to Nov. 15 edition of the Phoenix.” The letter begins with the writer’s thoughts on a recent Phoenix editorial, the last line of which included the words: “we endorse him as the next president of the United States.”

The editorial endorsement described perceived attributes of President-Elect Joe Biden, which were said to contribute to his leadership potential.  Ms. DeLeo Bruno states that the editorial was based on opinion, not verifiable facts. I found this statement problematic.

The definition of an editorial from Merriam-Webster is: “a newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers.” Surely, the writer is aware of this.

Another section of the letter spoke to propaganda research, which has concluded that repeated messages, which are not necessarily accurate, are self-reinforcing. This is certainly true and immensely concerning. We should all try to get our news from multiple, verifiable  sources.

As I continued to read the letter, I saw an accusation leveled at President-Elect Biden, in connection with his son, in the same paragraph that discusses the need to verify information. Surprised again, this time at the blatant contradiction of “facts” presented without credible evidence.

Facts require proof, opinions help us to reflect, and endorsements by newspaper editors have their time-honored tradition.

Barbara Byrnes Robinson
Bristol