To the Readers' Forum:
Reading Connie Schultz's column in your otherwise mostly unenlightened editorial page is always a breath of fresh air, but the column on Friday, Sept. 14 was especially enlightening. I have wondered who these ''fact checkers'' in political campaigns were, and she did a wonderful job of explaining the history and the importance of these watchdogs for the truth.
She pointed out that it started at the St. Petersburg Times, one of the more respected newspapers in the country and has now spread nationwide. It is very important that someone check the truth of political statements, particularly in view of the attitude expressed by a Romney staff member that ''We're not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact checkers.'' In other words, he seems to say, ''If you catch us in a lie, we'll just keep on repeating the lie.'' And it seems that it is what they have been doing. It seems to assume that the American voters are stupid - a very dangerous mistake.
Ms. Schultz gives the web addresses of a couple of fact checking organizations. Every voter should tune in on one of these and determine the truth of politician's claims. I believe that most will. Unfortunately there are those who will say ''Don't bother me with the facts - my mind is made up'' and they will vote accordingly.
Samuel C. Alessi
Jamestown