Curt LaFond: Daily Sun should edit misstatements more aggressively

To The Daily Sun,

In the past month, I’ve seen letters in The Daily Sun indicating that some residents lack a basic understanding of our Constitution. 

There was the writer who claimed only citizens have a right to due process. That’s incorrect. All “persons” have that right under the Fifth Amendment. Just read the amendment’s first sentence.

Another writer said that judges have no jurisdiction over the duly-elected president. Not so. Presidents are not above the law, only kings are. Chief Justice Marshall explained the famous principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison (1803). “The judicial department [says] what the law is.” 

I’m not nitpicking; this is basic stuff. 

The Daily Sun is a community forum, not a fancy academic journal. But when The Daily Sun publishes letters that misstate ​fundamental facts of American government, the paper makes it harder for our community to govern itself. 

Editors, you ​have a responsibility to edit more aggressively. ​

Curt LaFond

Bath