Opinion based on incorrect information

Lawrence Boni of Palatine wrote he had heard that the president ordered the defense secretary to delay and/or reduce the paycheck of the U.S. military, coming to the conclusion that the President dislikes our military.

Now April 8, 2011, CBS News online reported: Defense Secretary Robert Gates told troops in Iraq that their paychecks would be delayed if the government shuts down.

“First of all, let me say you will be paid,” he said. “As a historian it always occurred to me the smart thing for government was always to pay the guys with guns first. But in all seriousness, based on some stuff I read this morning, if the government shuts down starts on the 8th and goes for a week, you’d get a half a check. If it goes from the 15th to the 30th, you wouldn’t get a pay check on the 30th but you would be back paid for all of it.”

Now in an opinion column, opinions are expected. Boni’s opinion was Obama dislikes the military.

On the other hand the poor man was misinformed about the President ordering anyone to delay or reduce paychecks to the military. In fact, the issue was if a budget or extension can’t be negotiated, it could delay pay to the military. That is far from a presidential order.

Yet I saw no editor’s note correcting this error of fact. So, I’m less perturbed at Mr. Boni for his opinion, than I am about the Daily Herald abrogating its responsibility as journalists.

Chip Lidicker

Fox Lake