To the Editor:
Does the Dartmouth not have an editor? A fact-checker? Someone who looks at what your guest columnists have written and vetts it for accuracy, at the very least?
Timothy Mosso's article "America Bulks Up" misrepresents the purpose of the organization NAAFA, misidentifies the purpose of "Big Fat Blog," states falsely that it is affiliated with NAAFA and misrepresents the true nature of links to the "Center for Consumer Freedom," which appeared on "Big Fat Blog" in the context of a discussion, not in a promotional manner as Mr.. Mosso asserts.
A simple check of the NAAFA website would provide accurate information regarding the organization's purpose and the means by which they work to achieve it.
Similarly, a simple check of the frequently asked questions page on "Big Fat Blog" would have made it clear that there is no NAAFA affiliation, as well as clearly illustrating the purpose of the site. A quick search for the discussion about "The Center" would have shown that mentions of that particular organization are limited to quotes from news articles and a great deal of skepticism from the Big Fat Blog community about the CFC and the quality of the "research" they do, far from anything remotely "promotional."
The rest of Mr.. Mosso's opinion is just that, opinion. While much of it is insulting, presumptuous and inflammatory, he's entitled to his thoughts and more power to the Dartmouth for giving him a platform. Why not? But when he dishes up outright falsehoods and they are presented as fact, the line of journalistic integrity is crossed.
A retraction or amendment of Mr. Mosso's column is in order, in the interests of accurately informing your readers and removing the undeserved aspersions cast against NAAFA, "Big Fat Blog" and their members via Mr. Mosso's misrepresentations and bending of the truth.
