Patch publishes false article under fake byline "Elizabeth Veritas"

Patch publishes false article under fake byline "Elizabeth Veritas" that personally attacks members of the public

The Patch published an article under a fake unverified name "Elizabeth Veritas" showcased by a Patch editor that presents misleading facts and makes false statements.

"It is a shame that the Patch allows individuals to post articles using fictitious names and doesn't require a simple verification process, as required by other reputable social media sites and news media organizations," Hanania said.

"The use of a fake name suggests that the information posted and vetted by the Patch editors is also inaccurate, misleading, and exaggerated for political purposes undermining the credibility of the Patch and the reporter/editor who oversaw its publication. It undermines the credibility of the Patch as a reliable information source. Posts by fake names should be removed immediately and investigated not showcased by the editor."

Hanania said that the Patch should implement an identification verification process to ensure that individuals who post as "Community Members" are held responsible for personal attacks and inaccurate information that has been flooding the Patch over the past year.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, including Patch editors, but they should be required to put their real names on the opinionated posts. The reason they don't use their real names is so that they can present lies, exaggerations, make personal attacks against individuals, and distort facts to benefit their personal agendas," said Hanania, who has covered Chicagoland politics for nearly 50 years.

"I have certainly had my controversies over the years. There is no way that someone who builds a journalism career covering politics can avoid controversy. But I am always upfront about my views and I NEVER use fake names when posting my views because I stand by my views and opinions. When a real person stands by a viewpoint or an opinion -- and opinions are not news but rather interpretations of news -- the opinion has greater credibility."

Hanania, who writes for a community newspaper chain including The Regional News and the Des Plaines Valley News, said that the posting of personal attacks by anonymous people like "Elizabeth Veritas" at the Patch has only served to discredit the Patch. It even raises questions about the journalistic integrity of the Patch writer who has been responsible for approving the postings, pinning the postings at the top of the page to give it extra exposure.

"That just harms the Patch and makes it truly questionable as to whether it is a reliable source for information," Hanania said.

You can get more information on my writing by visiting my personal website at Hanania.com.

"I stand by my views and opinions and am not afraid to engage in debates or discussions about the issues we face in our communities," Hanania said.

"The election in Orland Park is an important election and everyone has a right to express their opinion on the facts and the issues. Elected officials in particular have a moral and professional obligation to accept criticism from the taxpayers who pay their salaries. Instead of attacking critics personally as some politicians and candidates are doing, they should address the issues that are raised. Attacking someone personally is a clear sign that the person whose policies are being criticized are weak, without substance or seriously flawed."

The credibility of the Patch is at stake, especially since Patch editors continue to allow anonymous individuals to post reckless and irresponsible articles to polute an already contentious political election.

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