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Opinion: Maybe some opinions don't count, says Massena woman

Posted 3/22/23

To the Editor: Everyone has a “right” to their opinion. Or so people say. But why would I think I have the knowledge to chime in with a political opinion on inflation? I wasn’t an economics …

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Opinion: Maybe some opinions don't count, says Massena woman

Posted

To the Editor:

Everyone has a “right” to their opinion. Or so people say.

But why would I think I have the knowledge to chime in with a political opinion on inflation? I wasn’t an economics major in college. I’m not a climate scientist, a medical doctor, a lawyer, a military general or an expert in global diplomacy. So, seriously. Why would I think I have the right to claim that my opinions on policies involving climate change, Covid, constitutionality or the war in Ukraine have any merit in the scheme of things? Why do most people, including elected politicians and media commentators?

I certainly don’t know the ins and outs of complex issues like immigration; yet people without expertise on the numerous legal and humanitarian variables surrounding this challenge voice their negative opinions with authority.

I don’t pretend to know everything. That’s why I vote for politicians with the expertise to analyze detailed legislation and explain it to me; not the ones using sound bites to attract attention. That’s why I vote for politicians who have the humility and integrity to consult with experts and world leaders; not the ones disparaging them. That’s why I rely on US courts (not Congressional hearings) to make the final determination on whether someone is telling the truth or lying.

I think a person’s right to certain opinions ends with the courts. It ends when 67 US courts determine that a few minor voting infractions would not have overturned the 2020 election. It ends when US courts convict 87 people of Jan. 6th crimes; while the additional 725 people charged await court deliberation. It ends when legal documentation and Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch’s US court testimony reveal that Fox hosts willingly endorsed opinions based on lies.

If you think everyone has a “right” to their opinion, there are reasons to reconsider that maybe they don’t. Take note of those who are panicking and desperately lashing out, fearing that the tide will turn when actual US court evidence determines reality, instead of the political repetitive sound-loop in their heads.

Martha Hodges
Massena