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Media Outlet Under Fire After Claiming Everyone Has Become a 'Potential Serial Killer'

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The Detroit Free Press was criticized Tuesday morning after it published an opinion piece titled, “COVID has turned breathing into a deadly event and all of us into potential serial killers.”

Opinion columnist Michael Stern wrote about how the coronavirus has been quietly spreading across the country, sparking anxiety and the potential for an individual to bring the virus to his or her loved ones.

“COVID-19 has turned every man, woman and child into a potential serial killer,” he wrote.

“With alcoholism, opioid addiction or smoking, we stand a fighting chance. But COVID-19 has turned the most necessary part of living — breathing — into a deadly event.”

Stern said that the fear of getting the coronavirus from a stranger is only part of the problem.

“What’s worse is the brutal reality that the people we love and trust most in this world bring us the same risk,” he wrote.

“More risk, because these are the people with whom we have regular and close contact. Any sustained encounter with those we love — kisses, hugs, laughs, conversations — could bring fever, blood clots, fluid-filled lungs, and death.”

He added that he also fears bringing the virus home to his family.

“It has left me Googling whether holding my breath when I hug my parents will spare me the Greek tragedy of killing my own mother or father,” Stern wrote.

The Free Press tweeted the article with the caption “COVID has turned breathing into a deadly event and all of us into potential serial killers” and received swift pushback from readers.

“This is called paranoid schizophrenia,” Daily Wire columnist Matt Walsh tweeted. “The author of this article should see a counselor.”

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A user who goes by the name EmergencyDoc35 said he would “consider telling my patients to stop breathing.”

“Thank you for the ‘wise’ words your ridiculous publication continues to spread,” he tweeted.

Twitter user antihero_kate said the article should be removed, citing rising suicide rates in response to stress or emotions related to COVID-19.

“You should be ashamed for even publishing this and you should remove it immediately,” she tweeted.

“This is psychological warfare on a society that has skyrocketing suicide rates. I hope you get sued.”

Other Michigan publications published articles on Tuesday about the surge in coronavirus cases in the state.

MLive reported that there were 182,269 new coronavirus cases in November “and December could be worse.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced new restrictions in the middle of November, suspending in-person classes and eat-in dining for three weeks, the Detroit Free Press reported.

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Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




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