The editor of Yukon News has removed a letter to the editor from the publication after learning that the letter writer used an assumed name, as she implored Canadians to boycott Haines due to Alaska’s support for President Donald Trump.
Editor Jim Eliot explained his decision today:
“As editor of the Yukon News I have made the decision to remove the letter entitled This Alaskan says Yukoners should boycott from the Yukon News website based on evidence that the writer used an assumed name.
“The contents of the letter remain one person’s opinion but that person has been unwilling to verify their real name or confirm their residency in Haines, Alaska now that that claim has faced scrutiny that I failed to apply before it was published. For this reason it violates our policy about unsigned letters and will also be retracted in print.
“I am thankful for those who brought this to my attention.
“In future the Yukon News will take additional steps to verify the identity of all letter writers to ensure that opinions can be expressed freely and openly so long as writers are willing to do so using their real names.”
The problem with the letter was first reported by Must Read Alaska, but it was Bob Bird of KRSM Radio in Kenai who was able to reach Eliot and bring the matter to his attention.
“Consider this a tag-team effort!” Bird said.
Must Read Alaska appreciates the readers in Haines who investigated the veracity of “Sarah Johnson,” the name associated with the letter that was promoting hatred between Canada and the US.
Must Read Alaska‘s comment policy is that people cannot use assumed names of real persons, as these are considered stolen identities. Most commenters at MRAK use a “handle.” Those who author opinion columns here must use their real names.
And we sincerely thank you for that, Suzanne.
“……..Must Read Alaska‘s comment policy is that people cannot use assumed names of real persons, as these are considered stolen identities………”
I’ve seen comments using the names “Frank” and “Nancy” and written from the position of being Lisa Murkowski’s parents. I’m no fan of Lisa, and I’ve admittedly found such comments to be written with an air of comedy, but I’d never do such a thing. It just seems like a lie to me.
Yes, Reggie, and those are pretty obviously meant as humor, and do not include a last name. I typically let most of them pass. – sd
Yes, the Frank and Nancy comments are often funny
“In the future”. I suppose better late than never.
Pro tip: if a story (letter in this case) is too good to be true-it usually isnt