As readers we count on news sources such as The Herald to give us unbiased, clear and factual news stories. We also have come to expect some lively editorials the purpose of which is to argue a position. I don’t always agree with The Herald’s opinion pieces, but I understand that have a point of view and may include more than just the facts.
On May 22, The Herald ran a front-page story meant to be a factual and unbiased news story, but which was unequivocally an editorial, “Low-income housing targeted in campaign.” The article starts off with “The businessman who didn’t want a mosque in town is at it again.” To use the words “is at it again” coupled with the phrase “who didn’t want a mosque in town” is clearly meant to convey that Mr. Zieve is morally suspect. So, right from the start we readers know that The Herald clearly does not like Mr. Zieve or his positions. In fact, that sentence should not have been included in what the paper positioned as a news article. Because it was written in such a biased way, many likely discounted the article as a whole.
Government-initiated low-income housing schemes is a nuanced issue with arguments to be made on both sides. We do need more housing types, but those plans can come with a cost to a community, including higher taxes, more congestion and other real issues. Since the article certainly went further than simply reporting on Mr. Zieve’s campaign, at a minimum it should have allowed him to advance his arguments as was allowed at length for Mayor Jennifer Gregerson.
It is particularly galling to see such clearly biased, poorly-written articles at a time when the media, including The Herald, proudly asserts that it is “needed more than ever in times such as these” and that it is a “bastion of truth,” even going so far as to ask for our donations.
Lynne Chelius
Edmonds
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