Media misrepresents Trump’s words on mass shootings

If you are still unsure about why so much of the public has lost confidence in the news media, a recent Associated Press article and the accompanying picture caption offers an illustration: “Contrary to President Donald Trump’s assertions, most with mental illness are not violent (The Morning Call, Aug. 6).

Surely journalists understand the difference between, “People who want to kill lots of strangers are mentally ill” and “All mentally ill people are violent.” To misrepresent the president’s words is dishonest and it seems to be standard procedure. It’s a lot like the difference between “All Mexicans are murderers and rapists” and “There are murderers and rapists coming in illegally across the Mexican border.” Margaret Snyder Bethlehem