Social media ‘facts’ distort the truth

To the Editor,

   One of the things that makes our country great is that everyone is entitled to express their opinions. However, we are not entitled to make up our own facts and spread them as the truth.

   Comments on social media would have you believe that I’m pro-abortion. This is false, and I have the voting record to prove it. In addition, my campaign ads clearly present my position on this subject. Unfortunately, false comments on social media take on a life of their own. Perhaps that’s why I’ve had the hurtful experience of being called a “baby killer” while going door-to-door around the district.

   In the 2022 Republican Primary, Lee Hein also had his views on abortion distorted in a campaign in which Steve Bradley presented himself as “the only pro-life candidate.” I WILL NOT STAND BY AND ALLOW THE STEVEN BRADLEY CAMPAIGN DO TO ME WHAT IT DID IT LEE HEIN!

   During his career, Lee Hein had a strong pro-life voting record and identified himself as pro-life in his campaign. However, he was accused of misrepresenting his position because he voted against one piece of legislation he considered extreme and unreasonable. Steve Bradley might be interested to know that there are many people in Jones and Jackson counties who are pro-life but who support exceptions for rape, incest, and the health and life of the mother, and oppose what they consider to be unreasonable restrictions.

   It’s time to stop the name calling. Instead, we should be having reasonable, civil discussions about the controversial issues of the day. Perhaps we’d find that there’s more common ground than people realize.

Andy McKean

Anamosa, Iowa