Writers should disclose biases

To The Herald editorial board: Let me get this straight (no pun intended). You want to get your inky little hands on the names of private citizens who signed a petition (Editorials on April 7, “Keeping authorities honest” and Tuesday, “Why disclosure matters”) — in the name of governmental transparency — while at the same time you wrote an editorial for passing a health-care bill that was negotiated with the transparency of an iron curtain. (March 17, “Pass the health-care bill: Alternative is unacceptable”).

Because most citizens “depend on news organizations to be their watchdog over government,” it is imperative that there be more transparency among you who write editorials. You should disclose any personal information that may reveal a bias. Examples: Have you ever been a member of any gay or lesbian organizations? Are you a registered Democrat? Did you actually read the health-care bill? Did you know the IRS is going to be the health-care police? If so, are you now or have you ever been a resident in a mental institution? Etc.

Charles Simmons

Everett