Peterson letter: Google writer
The current flap over Google’s handling of a memo writer exposes the (il)logical extension of the idea, promoted by news organizations and others, that all opinions and arguments have equal legitimacy when it comes to our serious consideration.
Those who cry foul over the writer’s dismissal, I would hope, would not feel the same way if his memo called Jews or blacks genetically inferior. Or that the company must espouse Jihadist views as policy.
Where would they draw the line? Just exactly what views would they allow the company to reject?
The First Amendment does not give one carte blanche coverage against consequences. No one is prosecuting the writer, or denying his right as an individual to his opinions and theories. Merely removing any chance they may be mistaken for the company’s position.
Anyone claiming the Earth is the center of the solar system would not be given credence or validation by the media, yet somehow, we must hear from global climate change deniers continually in any story on the subject. The denial of science is not science.
Misogyny in the guise of thoughtful scholarship is just so much painted bigotry, and deserves to be treated as such.
Burt Peterson, Meridian
This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Peterson letter: Google writer."