Government, companies need to address misinformation
The Supreme Court has a problem. Should the Court allow censorship on privately owned media or not? Is it an invasion of free speech to censor private companies? Is it right to have the public exposed to untrue comments? Should the government set guidelines, or can we trust private companies to set their own guidelines? To censure free speech is very dangerous, but to allow misinformation on public media is equally dangerous. As reliable and diminishing of good press and TV reporting becomes more of a problem, should government guidelines be established?
Well, maybe. To address all of the above, I believe the government should set MINIMUM guidelines; I believe each company should pause the publication of any material until it has passed at least one fact check, then the article should be allowed along with the fact check. With today’s technology, I believe this is possible and it is the government’s responsibility to its citizens to put it into effect as soon as possible.
THOMAS H. ROUTSONG,
The voices of people with Alzheimer’s have been silenced for far too long. Despite its prevalence, people with Alzheimer’s face pervasive stigma and unmet needs. The stigma can cause reluctance among people experiencing early signs of Alzheimer’s to seek a diagnosis. Individuals with Alzheimer’s are often treated and seen as less than they were before. As caregiver for my wife of 53 years, I have experienced over four years this stigma and these unmet needs. Decision-makers must listen to the perspectives of those living with Alzheimer’s and care partners. As a champion of the advocacy organization Voices of Alzheimer’s,
I am proud to have helped draft a Bill of Rights for People Living with Alzheimer’s.
People with Alzheimer’s have the right to: 1) Dignity and Respect 2)
Freedom from Discrimination 3) Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment 4) Annual Cognitive Screenings 5) Affordable Medicare and Private Payer Coverage 6) Equal Access for Younger Onset Alzheimer’s 7) Participation in Clinical Trials 8) Complete Information About Our Conditions and Shared Decision-Making 9) Continuity in Alzheimer’s and Non-Alzheimer’s Care 10) Quality Care in All Medical Settings.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. Find out more about Alzheimer’s yourself and become an advocate.
ROBERT E. TOIA,