To the editor:

Diabolical, meaning characteristic of the devil, is the category of lying that is habitual of mainstream media which covers for, and goes along with, the Democrat Party ideology. It propagates the selected ideological system of beliefs, talking points, agendas and practices which serve the party of which these are the brain-child. This is reminiscent of the Devil’s lie in Genesis, using the twisted truth to deceive Adam and Eve.

The media narrative has cleverly created a world of true principles and noble ideas subtly woven together with falsehoods, constantly being affirmed and enriched by major outlets. They work to hijack people’s minds, emotions and imagination, starting from basic truths and arriving at conclusions of malicious falsehood.

The right to free speech is a basic first principle in American culture, officially recognized by our foundational laws. Therefore, it is a sacred duty for media and newscasters to uphold free speech by proper use without abuse; it is morally horrendous to intentionally speak falsehood in the line of duty. Abuse of free speech is not free speech at all; a reason perjury is a serious crime. The ramifications could mean an innocent life condemned.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Sept. 15 ABC show featured him lying about the motive of Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, causing his temporary removal. He stated that the “MAGA gang desperately tried to characterize (him) as anything other than one of them,” implying that Robinson was conservative, and stating that conservatives tried to score political points from Kirk’s murder. That this is false is common knowledge, but that did not stop him.

He has since been reinstated, and lawyers from the AFT, AFL-CIO, and Reporters Without Borders asked Disney for transparency in this situation, since free speech is being “threatened” by the Trump administration. Whatever one thinks of Trump, Kimmel’s reinstatement is not upholding free speech, but is a blow to it, because lies aren’t free speech, they’re wrong.

When the Constitution speaks of free speech, does it have in mind agenda-driven propaganda, lies and echo-chambers intentionally constructed by ideologues? I think not. This nation was founded for a Christian and virtuous people, according to James Madison.

The white color of our flag symbolizes purity-of character, motive and action. George Washington’s farewell address warned that political parties would be tools of “cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men” to supplant the people’s power. Is this not at work today?

Day after day and year after year millions take in the mainstream news. What are the ramifications for these incessant lies that creep in and enfold people’s minds? Kirk publicly getting shot in the throat — it should not have come to this.

How should we live in the face of such lies and murder? Immediately following the Civil War, and prior to his own assassination, Abraham Lincoln stated we must act “with malice toward none and charity for all.” Whatever any of our particular responsibilities, may we all have the courage to live out those words, fighting for the truth.

Joseph Shakal

Steubenville