LETTER: We all need to do better research

Congratulations to Ms. Frances Rice on her sage advice that “every reader...do their own research on matters that concern our country.” Ms. Rice offers 94 years of experience to all of us, and her willingness to be a part of the national discussion is most commendable. I, for one, look forward to her shared opinions. Ms. Rice, please look at the latest (Jan. 30) copy of Time magazine — note the cover photo. Other photos appear on pages 22-29. I think you’ll see the same thing I’m looking at, and perhaps will feel better that your fears about this president are exaggerated. Also, as you research the Pledge of Allegiance story, I think you’ll also find that it, too, is something of an urban legend, and has no basis in fact. You certainly are correct about questioning everything and anything on the Internet, and newspapers seem reluctant to use their journalistic resources to separate fact from fiction.

However, we are all gifted with the capacity for critical thinking, for drawing logical and thoughtful conclusions from the information at hand, and for keeping an open mind in doing so. You seem a good testament to that, and for that I am thankful to you. Whatever our political affiliations, we are all Americans and have our great country at heart.