Where does freedom end and truth begin?

Every Sunday, I sit down with my coffee and read my Daily Local News. I read every article on every page, which sadly, doesn’t take as long as it used to.

I was very disturbed to see yet another false and misleading editorial piece by Lowman Henry. Actually, on his one point, I agree with him. I have been watching the marches with great interest and with great concern. We have high-risk individuals in my household, and while I agree with the sentiments of the protest, the large crowds have me wondering if it will increase covid cases. I actually agree that Governor Wolf could have and should have shown support for the marches in some other manner besides protesting.

But that is not what concerns me about Mr. Henry’s essay. It was that in describing Governor Wolf, he chose to use the words “deep state.” Yes, I am aware of our First Amendment and the freedoms that accompany it.

But where does freedom end and truth begin? Can we have freedoms without sacrificing truth? The reason I ask this is because the phrase “deep state” and the connotations that go with it are very heady these days. And categorically false.

There is a random individual online who is anonymous. He will not reveal his name. Despite this, he (she?) has garnered quite a following. Among this person’s musings is a theory referring to individuals within the Democratic party and “deep state.” His unsubstantiated claims about deep state individuals include trying to overthrow the current government and a now-debunked story that included Hillary Clinton running a porn ring out of a pizza restaurant.

Yes, we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press. With that freedom comes a tremendous amount of responsibility, and a responsibility to not publish false stories.

No, the Daily Local did not publish a false story, it was just an oped. However, it gives credence to the phrase “deep state” when it deserves none. Lisa Lightner Avondale