Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Research before you write

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Beth Pugh’s June 29 opinion piece, “Don’t game-shame my son, Gov. Bevin,” shows that many people who hate President Donald Trump miss no opportunity to slam Trump or Gov. Matt Bevin.

Such commentators shouldn’t make outrageous claims just because they may not like their politics in general.

The writer’s arguments against the president’s and governor’s comments about video games affecting young peoples’ aggressive thoughts and violent actions are almost inconsequential. It’s good that the writer’s son and family are so well-adjusted that the video games the son plays lead to discussions about sharing, persistence and empathy.

However, before slamming our elected leaders, check advisories from the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization and former President Barack Obama’s comments after the Sandy Hook shooting. Trump’s and Bevin’s comments are shared by many in the mental health-care profession.

Please, do some basic research before making statements based on isolated, anecdotal experience.

Richard Fern

Lexington

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