Free speech and Tucker Carlson

Re “Tucker Carlson's viral load,” Opinion, Sept. 27

Freedom of speech, a necessary and important constitutional right in a democracy, should not be understood as allowing Tucker Carlson, a Fox News commentator, to repeatedly make demonstrably false claims about the COVID-19 vaccines.

His false suggestion that the vaccines have caused many deaths may contribute to harm for children, whose uninformed parents believe Carlson is telling the truth.

How can Fox News executives support this dangerous conduct just to increase their ratings and profits? Have they no honor or decency at all?

Why can’t our nation develop suitable laws to prevent lying that jeopardizes the public? We have laws about truth in advertising. There should be laws about truth in reporting crucial matters of public health.

Fred Fenton

Seal Beach