State the facts and sources
By Nicole Olson / Portland

The safety of immunizations and vaccinations is a hot topic in our country right now and creating awareness about the different viewpoints brings Winona into a progressive and important dialogue.

Unfortunately, this dialogue has not been very impressive.
Some of the editorials written on this topic disagree with and criticize the evidence cited in the Jenkinson editorial. As an individual involved in a scientific

discipline and research, I have found that some of these critical editorials make sweeping claims

without any evidence while making contradictory statements that call for the paper to only print science and facts.

In addition, these editorials (and linked blogs) contain criticisms in the form of demeaning language,

polarized viewpoints and

no cited evidence. For some, this might seem like the proper way to go about discussing an issue, but I find it to be a problem because it prevents opportunities for people to better educate themselves.

This issue is not black

and white and should not be discussed as such. If you truly have the tools and resources to do research, you will find this is so.

Because it is such a controversial topic, help others and present sources and in doing so you respect and empower readers. The problem is that I do not

know where you are getting your information, and I do not know why you disregard the information provided in the Jenkinson article.

I urge future column writers to learn from these mistakes and write editorials that contain citing of evidence for what they claim are “falsehoods and distortions” and avoid using language that polarizes and insults others viewpoints.

Those in authoritative positions should not use their privilege to snuff out opposing viewpoints without any evidence. Readers should not be intimidated into any decision, whether it is from a doctor or not.

Rather, if there is evidence to make an informed decision present, this instead. Reread the Jenkinson article with this in mind. I hope you will find that it is not malicious, anti-vaccination or uninformed but contains sources for information and is pro-education.

Editor’s note: Letters to the editor and guest opinions are subject to style and copyright considerations. Because of space constraints and formatting, the Daily News is not able to publish long

Web addresses, footnotes, endnotes or other complicated citations. If you have questions about this,

please contact opinion page editor Darrell Ehrlick at (507) 453-3507 or via e-mail at darrell.ehrlick@lee.net.

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