Madsen’s thinking muddy

Thanks for Rob Curley’s refreshing Feb. 8 article pointing out the important difference between fact and belief and how they are often misused as if they were interchangeable. Curley’s analysis is a good guide for clear-eyed perception and thinking, and essential for objective reporting or rational op-ed columns.

Too bad columnist Sue Lani Madsen couldn’t distinguish between fact and belief in her Jan. 28 tirade on the perceived intolerance of the Women’s March, which, according to Madsen, escalates to a “civil war” of words on abortion. What a friendly metaphor for dialogue on the topic. Ironically she complains about intolerance and smacks back with her own brand of the same thing.

Okay. Abortion is a profound and thorny moral issue. Yes, you may have absolute beliefs regarding abortion. But there are conflicting beliefs and no absolute facts. Let’s not confuse the two. Ultimately abortion must be decided on belief, very individual and very personal belief. And so, with societal beliefs divided evenly on this issue, shouldn’t tolerance prevail as we each find our own moral path?

Steve McNutt

Spokane